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Island Lost In The Season?


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So I've read previous post last year about how nobody fished island in the winter. Is it just not accessible at all? Are there spot that are within walking distance? All the bad reports I've heard have been for walleye, but I'd rather target perch and some tip up pike. As much as I'd like to hit fish, I don't like crowds at all, so island might be right up my alley.

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The main reason I dont ice fish Island Lake is because Mn Power draws much more water from Island then most other area lakes,,,with the changing water levels it makes the ice ,,,,well sketchy,,,In my 8 years of being up here I can honestly say I have never seen a vehicle on Island lake ice ,,,snowmobiles and quads yes,,,,I cant think of any fish holding structures with in easy walking distance from the public access

Hope this helps

LAS

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

If you don't like crowds you'll love Island Lake.

Having no resorts on the lake with no plowed roads is one reason there isn't anyone out there. The landings are not plowed and parking is limited. To access the lake by foot you'll have to travel a 1/4 mile just to hit the lake. You can get closer access at the bridge and you'll see a few portables around there. Just remember moving water and dropping water levels is not a good thing and you'll be fine.

Both a sled and determination to find your own fish is what it takes to fish Island lake. Island lake having a multiple of scenarios where you can find eyes during summer could hold true in winter as well. I can offer one winter pattern that works on Island. Look for humps and bars that come out of 25' of water. Its an afternoon and into dark bite so you'll adjust to and cover the depths as the eyes move. A tip-up helps to cover that hump and the different depths along with holes drilled that you can bounce around to with your jigging rod. Add a couple partners and things get figured out sooner. Of coarse it helps if you have a couple of those spots on a GPS.

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Loonasea is correct because of where the Cloquet river flows you are going to have a lot of moving water to cross over trying to get anywhere from the public access'. For a truck that means another Rice Lake incident if you aren't careful. I've driven out in spots close to shore, but only after having walked out earlier and checked ice depths and even then because no one else is out there you are making your own path. If you are really interested in fishing Island Lake and driving out come to the United Northern Sportmens Club Fishing Tournament Jan. 25th. The entry is cheap, its a good time, and there are some decent prizes. That being said don't be fooled there are a ton of people that live on that lake that fish it regularly in the winter. So if you or someone you know lives close to a honey hole then cheers, but otherwise I hope you own a snowmobile.

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Jaxtas thanks for the date on the UNS contest. I like that one. Small little thing but you can win some great prizes. 1st place $1000 isnt it?

As far as ice fishing Island Lake your basically stuck around the bridge if you dont have a sled or a wheeler with tracks once the snow builds up. I can honeslty say when ever I have fished up there I have only seen like 3 other people out fishing it. Unless they were walking off by the bridge.

Any spots I could mention for walking out are done with now that we have so much snow.

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That bridge area is a popular shorefishing area in the summer isn't it? I'm assuming you can park along the road?

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Ya it was BD110's brother who won it. Im going to get there early and take his spot this year. grin

I just like that contest because its a good cause and relaxing.

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UNS is Jan 25th agian.As far as the lale over all. Well its changing and its pushing some fish into new areas. It can be a very good lake in the winter for big crappies. Just have to to find them.

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • leech~~
      Nope not me.  May want to go nextdoor and ask around?  
    • smurfy
      Looks to me like Leech brought his chair home!!😅😆
    • Brianf.
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    • SkunkedAgain
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    • LakeofthewoodsMN
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    • CigarGuy
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    • PSU
      How much snow did you get on Vermilion? 
    • Mike89
      lake here refroze too...  started opening again yesterday with the wet snow and wind...  very little ice left today...
    • Hookmaster
      A friend who has a cabin between Alex and Fergus said the lake he's on refroze. He texted me a pic from March 12th when it was open and one from 23rd when it wasn't. 🤯
    • SkunkedAgain
      I don't think that there has been any ice melt in the past few weeks on Vermilion. Things looked like a record and then Mother Nature swept in again.   I'll give my revised guess of April 21st
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