Ice, bait & Walleyes!

[TBW]

So, what's everyone's thoughts for opener? Ice going to be out? Are shiners going to be available? Are the Walleyes going to be hungry?

Looking forward to yest another opener on Gull. I'm heading up Thursday to open up the cabin, get the boat ready and fish some Walleyes!

[walleye18]

Its going to be "touch and go" - meaning, the weather will dictate if ice is gone or not.

I think we will still have ice on the majority of the surface on all classic lakes in the Brainerd Area. Went out scouting for lakes to see which ones might be candidates for gettin a boat in next weekend.....doesnt look too good right now - BUT again, it will all depend on what happens this week.

Best of luck if you find a lake....go shallow with a jig/minnow. Shiners will be tough to get.

[dil]

TBW, sorry my man, Gull is going to be froze over for opener. I had a college buddy on upper hay lake (20 min north of Gull) and they ice fished this weekend. 16 inch of ice on a small lake.

Save your gas for the next weekend.

I am disappointed as well, I have a place across from the 371 access and will not be on Gull for opener. Also, if you plan to use the 371 access, only 1 ramp is going to be open as the ice has pushed one of the ramps on shore.

[walleye18]

Wow....ice fishing on Upper Hay...thats awesome!

That lake use to be great but has been dealt a major blow. Got pounded....Still fish to be had, but not like it use to be.

[TBW]

I guess I don't need to ask if the dock is in at the landing by Zorbaz.

You folks up in tha area please keep this link updated if possible.

[JP Z]

TBW, I believe the dock is in on that access. I'm heading that way tonight so I'll double check but I believe it was when I drove by yesterday. The channel is pretty open, the ice is not open at Bar Harbor though.

[TBW]

JPZ,

Please keep me posted on the ice conditions.Much appreciated!

[gundyicefishing]

Drove by access by zorbaz after work today, the dock is in at the landing. as far as ice goes its open by bar harbor and most of the channel is open now. saw Margret is half way open on north end.

[gundyicefishing]

drove by round, North long and Gull and looked to me that round will open sooner then gull and north long, but i don't think any of those lakes will be even half way open for this weekend.will see i guess.

[TBW]

Thanks for the update guys. Our place is on the channel between Gull & Margret. Hopefully I'll be able to get my boat in the landing across from Zorbaz, and get down the channel to my lift. If anyone drives through that area please update.

Thanks again for the comments!

[smartguy]

I wouldn't be surprised if the smaller lakes are open by Sat. Nisswa Lake seems well on its way. Round has taken a beating thanks to the inlet. White Sand and Whipple seem close. Just need a little wind.

I think we will see a lot of sinking ice this year instead of moving ice, but who knows. All the lakes are definitely unsafe for travel from shore as they are green and black and honeycombed all the way through.

No way Gull or WFC will be ready.

[Traxxx]

TBW,the channel was open yesterday. There's a strip of open water heading out a ways into Booming Out Bay. Should see some good progress today.

[TBW]

TBW,the channel was open yesterday. There's a strip of open water heading out a ways into Booming Out Bay. Should see some good progress today.

Thanks so much for the update! Looks like I'll be going North after-all!