Smelt on tip ups?

[Fishntotz]

Anyone have any luck running smelt on tip-ups this time of year? And are they available anywhere around the south shore?

Thanks

[eyeguy 54]

never used smelt here but used in ND and they were dandy.

[bnelson6357]

Interesting question. I agree with eyeguy. I used to fish ND more and we would buy bags of frozen smelt at the grocery store, put them on a crazy looking smelt hook under a bobber and the norskies wouldn't leave them alone, big fish too. I have never tried it in Minnesota where i fish now.

[vman11]

Most tip up fishermen will use frozen smelt or ciscos on LOTW. However, they'll also use live suckers. Most of my outings are with frozen bait and I think the majority fish that way here as well. Pretty easy to throw some frozen bait in the cooler vs. hauling 10-12" suckers around. And frozen bait is very effective.

Make sure you buy them at a bait shop near the lake and they have a registered sticker on the package. Otherwise you might get pinched by a CO. On the Warroad end Riverside or Strieffs would be a place to stop. The bait shops in Baudette or Wheelers Point will probably have a supply as well.

I can't speak for the pike fishing at this time of the year, I'm usually focused on walleye until things start to thaw in March.

[wahoo]

Fished out of Zippel two years ago albeit in mid February. Had friends from Houston and and San Diego who had never ice fished and wanted them to tangle with NP and not just walleyes. Fished one day. There were 5 of us so we had 10 tip ups. Used live stickers (large) and frozen ciscos (bought in Baudette.)

Had about 10 flags for the day. 2 on live bait. Landed a 28, 31, and 41 all bit the frozen--all returned--all home made quick strike rigs.