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

Were about a month into the ice season, how does this year rate compared to "normal" for everyone?

Some highlights from my journal; I've been out 11 times on 7 differnt lakes, compared to this time last year I've only fished half as many days and 2 less lakes. What it also means is that I've struggled to nail down any type of a consitant bite. 17 walleyes have ended up on the right side of the ice so far, along with about ~20 small crappies, a handful of sunfish and some tiny perch. I also had a blast icing about ~15 channel cats last weekend.

Of the 11 trips, 8 have been to target walleyes, 2 for panfish and 1 for channel cats. All of the walleyes have come from shallow "bowl" type lakes, most have been taken on Buckshot spoons and #3 Chubby Darters. I found crappies relating to shallow weeds just like last year, but the size of these fish was lacking.

So it hasn't been bad but it also hasn't been lights out either. Hopefully we get some consistant weather here soon and some type of pattern starts to emerge!

Hows everyone elses year shaping up?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Terribly slow for this guy...only been out once all year. Weather has something to do with it as well as a very busy schedule.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have been out 11 times and have not caught much. Went to 4 lakes and so far just 1 tiny eye and maybe 20 decent crappie(10-11 inch). Nothing like last year. I wish we would get some consistent weather to turn the fish back on.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Slower then normal but given that Ive nailed 2 of my personal bests in the walleye category. First fish through the ice in december was the second fish I had seen on the screen ealy ice and it was my new current pb 8.5 lbs eye released! I have since managed some fingerling eyes and 2 eaters is all until today....a second best pig at 6.5 to 7lbs released eye! what a trip. Finally found some fish cruising structure in 17-25 feet and this storm is only making things better!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the times I have made it out I have struggled to find a pile of them. a few small eyes and 1 meal of sunnies so far. still very fun and glad to get out when I can.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Inconsistant for me as well. Some nights the bobber never moved. Another night sat there for 4 hours without anything then picked up 3 walleyes in ten minutes then would shut off again. Did make it up to LOTW for early ice and picked up good eater size mix of walleye and sauger but we didn't catch any big fish. Hopefully some warmer weather will push in this upcoming week and get the fish biting.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It has been quite slow for me this year, I have picked up a few more Walleye this year than in years past but Im just happy being out on the ice reguardless of what I catch.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been out only three times. First before the Christmas Blizzard and did ok, but the panfish were small. Second time on an unknown lake, I worried about getting skunked but I iced two fish right before I called it quits. The last time I went out, I did really well on a morning bite and the fish were active and striking hard. I was able to bring home enough gills & crapppies to have a nice meal for my family.

I'm hoping to get out next weekend and trying a new lake, but I like to go back where I know there's fish so, I'm torn between: exploring and taking the risk of gettin' skunked, or, going back to where I've done well.

What would you all do: explore a new lake, or go back to an old favorite?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

werent many fish in my early season crappie spots. Still can't get to most of my mid winter crappie spots. Walleyes have been biting decent though. I haven't seen too Many pike but I've been on big fish lakes. I have seen some big ones but haven't speared them because thier not that magical 20 I'm looking for.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What would you all do: explore a new lake, or go back to an old favorite?

Explore a new one, maybe make a new favorite?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been out almost every day somewhere. Lots of sunfish and crappies so far. A few pike,eyes, and cats too. I would say it is an average year so far.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

been out on the ice more this year so far due to a slower work schedule. best year so far for icing walleyes but none to keep yet. Panfish has been hit or miss but I have caught enough where I could make dinner for my grampa and a meal for the fiance and I. Hopefully this warmer weather will help pick things up and I can pick up a few eyes with some size. good luck to all..

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 :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. 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. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   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...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • 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.