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Posted

thinking about heading out tomorrow morning and hoping to hear what people are seeing out there? seeing a lot more traffic on the lake's which is giving me the itch to drill some holes. Thanks in advance.

 

Posted

I was on eagle today heard reports of 4"-6" I was on 4" and water was pouring out of the hole, even heard some snowmobiles running around.  Be careful and make sure to check thickness as you go

Posted

Saw on the book of faces from a reputable source that a 4-door sedan went through on Marion in Lakeville today.  NO IDEA what the driver was thinking. Hope they are OK and learned a lesson.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted
42 minutes ago, ThunderLund78 said:

Saw on the book of faces from a reputable source that a 4-door sedan went through on Marion in Lakeville today.  NO IDEA what the driver was thinking. Hope they are OK and learned a lesson.

What an unbelievable use of Judgement !!!!!

Posted

Was shopping in the area and decided to see how many people were out on Marion and saw people roping off an area. was wondering if someone went through the ice. My experience on that lake is that people seem to push their luck out there. 

Posted

I've been on Nokomis. It was very sloppy on top until Saturday. It's now firmed up and running 4". Most of the snow melted in and so cleats are a must.

Posted

I also saw that on Facebook, looks like a few vehicles have gone in the drink so far this year people need to really use better judgement

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Posted

Yesterday, Checked the ice on Whitebear at the Ramsey Beach..Sketchy at best, decided to hit Bald Eagle, Ice was not great but fishable, the bite sucked. Moron Chip problem with people taking ATV's, Sleds etc on the metro ice right now, glad its not my money. The real problem is us guys with 40+ years experience KNOW what we're doing on the ice, its when you get the Newbs, booze, drugs and just smartassery involved is where the problem comes in.  

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Posted

I hear ya Riverratpete. I'm itching to be out too, but it's funny, the older I get, the more patient I am.  The fish will be there when the ice is SAFE...I can wait. BUT I am getting the auger fired up, the new vex charged up (thanks, Santa!) and new line on the poles. I still get stoked at first ice! Gonna check the ice on Phalen today.

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Posted

Went out Sunday to a small mpls lake, ice is still sketchy.

3.5 inches of good ice with slush,water and another 1.5 inches of bad ice on top which you can break through in some spots.

Fishing was slow, couple small perch.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted
1 hour ago, Fowlmouth said:

 

 Some people just use better  judgment than others. What he is saying is that younger people are more adventurous and more willing to take risks. As for the drug addicts and alcoholics they use the worst judgment possible. Have a great night and stay safe out there.

Mike

Posted

i see newbs, is newb "young" or new at doing something? Either or, yes those people that have no idea but the "idea" of ice fishing and can turn a good time sour. Alcohol plays a pivotal role as well. I'm trying to figure out what drug you're speaking of being a problem. I would guess a meth head doesn't have the patience required for fishing, nor would a Coke head.  I don't see heroin as a drug that could enter the world of ice fishing either. Weed? Really? You're going to tell me some pot head in his fish house not wanting to do anything but stare at a hole is ruining your day?  :crazy:

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Posted

I have been on Parkers, eagle (mg) and bass. All had fishable ice 3-5, but good amount t of water coming up through the holes. Be safe and make sure to wear you picks and test the ice with a chisel. You can never be too safe this time of year!!

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Posted

Any idea how the water quality was on Parkers I like to spear it when its clear lots of pike in there but its been pretty dirty the past few years when I have tried

Posted

I wasn't able to look down the holes due to the water on top of the ice. From what I could see looked some what dirty/cloudy. No flags, but was a great feeling to be back on the ice!

Posted

Was on Thole in Shakopee and had 6-7" every hole drilled. Some slushy spots that froze up pretty nice. Fishing was very slow.

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Posted

Checked ice on Phalen today. 4" of sketchy ice, some guys ouf fishing the area said it was thinner in other areas.  I'm waiting 'til after the vortex to get out.

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Posted

Was on Tonka Saturday, West side.  About 3-3.5" and snowmobiles ripping across the lake.  I couldn't believe it.

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Posted

Fished a small mpls lake last night.

6 inches! 4.5 of the better clear ice and a inch and a half of cloudy white ice.  This weather could have some water and slush on top now. 

I only walked out to the first break as it appears there is some slush, water and less ice as you head out to the deeper water, also where there is snow on the ice.  

Dink perch and one 15" eye that were all released. 

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Posted (edited)

I still haven't punched a hole yet. I figure after Sat and Sunday, we'll have safe (walkable) ice most metro lakes. Of course, then they won't be biting because of the cold front. Thursday is looking promising.

Edited by SaintPaulPaul
  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted

Well at least this weekend should help build some ice and make things safer for us out there.

Posted

How many braved the cold and made it out this weekend?

Posted

Fished Harriet Saturday afternoon, evening.  Got a 15 inch walleye in 17 fow and marked a few others that didn't bite.  Pretty slow overall but great to get out on some solid ice finally.  Hoping to try nokomis this week.  Any ice thickness reports for area lakes?

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Posted

Was out in the SW metro Friday night and Sat morning.   6 inches on Friday, closer to 7 Sat.  This cold snap has to be adding ice quick to that.  I'll be interested to see what it looks like next weekend.  Caught enough pannies to keep me interested.

  • Thumbs Up 3
Posted

Do you figure an inch a day, under these temps?  I'd figure, looking at the forecast, that you'd be driving this weekend (at least cars/ small SUVs) on the 'safer' local lakes...

Posted

Was out again on local small mpls lake. 

Ice did not gain anything from wed-Saturday where I was. Still 5-6 inches out to the first break.

I'm sure now though she is making ice.

Nothing but dink perch....hard time finding the eyes.

Going to try out deeper this week and mix it up.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Posted

I can say that the small lake I was on this weekend added an inch from Friday 4pm to Sat morning at 10 am.  And that was before this really cold weather. 

Posted

Just signed up for this forum and looking for some metro and specifically NE metro feedback.

Walked out on Owasso over the weekend and was finding 4-6" around the east hole, but it was a slow bite with the cold front coming in (or at least that's what i'm attributing my lack of luck to).   

Has anyone ventured, been having luck, or could provide pointers on Johanna, Josephine, Vadnais, Gervais, De Montreville, Jane, or Phalen?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Posted
2 hours ago, Mike Otis said:

Just signed up for this forum and looking for some metro and specifically NE metro feedback.

Walked out on Owasso over the weekend and was finding 4-6" around the east hole, but it was a slow bite with the cold front coming in (or at least that's what i'm attributing my lack of luck to).   

Has anyone ventured, been having luck, or could provide pointers on Johanna, Josephine, Vadnais, Gervais, De Montreville, Jane, or Phalen?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

I sent you a PM. Good luck out there.

Posted

Anybody out on Wayzata bay yet?

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • JerkinLips
      Currently just to my Facebook family and friends.  I could start a topic on this fishing forum but it could be quite boring.  Didn't catch a laker on 3 trips to Burntside last winter.  Did have good fishing on Vermilion-Trout in the BWCA in early January but that can be very difficult travel.
    • Hookmaster
      That is one chunky 22" walleye!!
    • smurfy
    • monstermoose78
      Went to Mille Lacs with my dad and ended up with 17 perch and one tullipee. That was on Sunday we fished hard and I burned through 3 9 amp batteries I would say about 25 holes per battery through 32-36 inches of ice. 
    • mbeyer
      i'd like to read about your lake trout trips....do you post them somewhere?
    • smurfy
      🤣 not fer some of us!!!!!!!!!!
    • smurfy
      i couldnt find it.....but maybe???
    • leech~~
      Looks great! Thought we started a smoker thread?  🤔
    • leech~~
      Well, that's not getting 10 years old now is it!  🥱🥱
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  Ice fishing remains strong across Big Traverse Bay, with resorts and outfitters still in full swing offering both day houses and sleeper fish houses. The bite in February has been excellent, with lots of fish being caught and plenty of opportunities for fresh fish fries. Some ice roads are now extending over 20 miles out, keeping anglers on productive schools of walleyes and saugers. Ice conditions continue to build, making this one of the best late-season ice years in recent memory. If you’re fishing on your own, bring an auger extension, as ice thickness is significant. Most fish houses are positioned over deep mud, while some remain on or near structure. As always, expect to sort through some smaller fish, but that’s a good sign of a healthy fishery. With fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th, the extended season on Lake of the Woods offers plenty of time to plan your trip. Pike fishing never closes, and with the thick ice conditions, this year is shaping up to be fantastic for targeting trophy pike. March: The Go-To Month for Trophy Pike March is prime time for big northern pike, as these aggressive predators begin staging for the upcoming spawn. Lake of the Woods is loaded with pike over 40 inches, and tip-up fishing can be lights out this time of year. Anglers targeting pike should set baits under tip-ups in shallow water (6-15 feet) near pre-spawn areas, weedy areas, river mouths, or back bays. Current Fishing Depths & Patterns: Most fish are being caught in 26-32 feet of water. Walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout, pike, tullibees, and even some crappies are in the mix. Suspended walleyes are showing up—watch electronics closely. Plenty of limits are being caught, with many anglers taking home bonus perch this season. Best Techniques: Jigging Line: Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head continue to be the top producer. Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap-style lures are also working well for aggressive fish. Lures with built-in lights have been very effective in the stained water (Reminder: In Minnesota, lighted lures are legal as long as the battery is mercury-free and the hook is attached directly to the lure, not on a dropper line). Deadstick: A plain hook or small jig with a live minnow, set 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, continues to catch neutral or less aggressive fish. Time of Day: Bite windows vary daily. Some days, mornings are best; other days, the afternoon bite turns on. Walleyes can move through at any time, so staying patient and watching electronics is key. On the Rainy River...  Mornings and evenings continue to be the best times for targeting walleyes. A jig and minnow or jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head remains the go-to presentation. Sturgeon fishing has been solid, with some giants being iced (Reminder: The current sturgeon season is catch-and-release). Safety Note: Ice conditions on the Rainy River are good, but they can change rapidly due to current. Always check with resorts or outfitters before heading out. Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing remains excellent throughout the islands region of Lake of the Woods. Resorts are moving fish houses regularly, keeping guests on active schools of walleyes. Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees. Big crappies continue to be caught just over the border in Canada. If you're interested in targeting crappies, check with a NW Angle resort for guide services and ice conditions. Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure! Lake of the Woods offers an extended ice fishing season, with:  Fish houses allowed overnight through March 31st  Walleye & sauger season open through April 14th  Pike season never closes—March is prime time for trophies!  Perch and crappie seasons open year-round Whether you’re looking for a day house rental, a sleeper fish house, or comfortable lodging at a resort with or without a meal plan, there’s still time to plan your late-season ice fishing adventure.    
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