Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Recommended Posts

Hello. I have only lived in MN for 1 1/2 years and am new to ice fishing and this website. My neighbor took me ice fishing last January and to say the least ... I am "hooked".

I have been having pretty good luck catching crappies, sunnies and northerns this year. I even managed to get 5ish lb bass above the ice, but can't seem to locate or catch any walleye.

Any advice on what lakes, debth, presentation and/or weather patterns for targeting walleye would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello. I have only lived in MN for 1 1/2 years and am new to ice fishing and this website. My neighbor took me ice fishing last January and to say the least ... I am "hooked".

I have been having pretty good luck catching crappies, sunnies and northerns this year. I even managed to get 5ish lb bass above the ice, but can't seem to locate or catch any walleye.

Any advice on what lakes, debth, presentation and/or weather patterns for targeting walleye would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Please don't take offense to this but how much time have you've spent targeting walleyes thus far during the hard water season?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No offense taken.

I have been out 15 or so times on three different lakes in the area thus far this season.

The lakes have mostly been in the Faribault area.

Just looking for any tips that could be shared.

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

im not saying that you have not put in your time but don't let it get to you if you go for awhile with out getting any .....last year i got all my hard water walleyes in dec. and none the rest of winter ...lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do you read the weekly fishing report provided by your's truly that is accessible from FM's home page?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That I do.

It's given me some things to try this weekend.

Thanks

Wonderful. You know; I forgot the most important part - Welcome to FM!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

yep, same thing for me also. Put in 30 or 40 hours trying to target walleyes and have probably only got into them for about 1 or 2 of those hours. One of these days I will figure it out

Link to comment
Share on other sites

walleye, northern, crappie----Id take anything as of late. I got my daughter and wife hooked last year but I have to reel them in this year. Havent had much luck consistently to be able to let them enjoy. Hopefully it will warm up soon and we can get back out.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you have any suggestions for us.

Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Kingman I have been out a half dozen times specifically targeting the eye's this winter, and have yet to catch a single fish. I haven't given up hope though and I will just keep searching until I find them. Hang in there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Cold blood, I appreciate any advice that I can get. My family just started to get into ice fishing last year. I took my then 4 year old out for the first time last year and she caught seven crappies---this year she has only caught one that I had to jig and hook for her. I dont want her to lose interest. A man can only watch so much Hannah Montana, and I have had my fill. laugh

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all the advice and postive comments.

To be honest, I feel pretty fortunate to be catching what I have and hope to have some good results to share after this weekend!

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

not a problem always glad to help something i forgot to add was to try by the farthest narrows in the back bay in bout 8-10 ft thats where i was havin luck don't be afraid to drill and move either

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Without giving the lake away since I have been having some luck, all our walleyes are coming between 4-6pm. We have been fishing from 20-30 feet. The key for us is fishing breaks and moving. If you don't find something move to the next hole after 10-15 minutes. If you don't feel like moving around and drilling holes, then I hope your lucky and find a good spot! Good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • SkunkedAgain
      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
    • Brianf.
      Early bird gets the worm some say...   I have it on good authority that this very special angler caught no walleyes or muskies and that any panfish caught were released unharmed.        
    • smurfy
      got mine done........for the cabin.....ready for summer festivities!!!!!!   there was still frost in the ground...........but good gawd are the lakes low!!!!!
    • CigarGuy
      Just 1, 50" muskie🫣
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.