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Posted

Anyone chasing pike around Warroad or Springsteel yet? Just curious since we are coming up in a couple weeks.  

Posted

Looking for similar info. Heading up around the same time

Posted

How is the access holding up in Warroad. Is there any ice heaves to worry about. 

Posted

I heard through the grapevine fishing has been slow. Very few slots being caught with a select few over. Landings are OK. This is all hear/say. Heading up next weekend. If anyone has any info on Swift ditch/warroad/springsteele areas it would be greatly appreciated! I'll be sure to post my report next Sunday night

Posted (edited)

I spoke to a guy who went out of Springsteel and he said the access was nice. Haven't heard about Warroad or Swiftditch. They kept busy with flags but mostly small ones. I will also be up this weekend and will post how we do. 

Edited by StarShooter
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Posted (edited)

LOW is big and changes with temperature fluxuations.The best thing is call a resort or outfitter as they are in tune with the lake on a daily basis.I've called early in the am before headed up and 3 hours later can't drive out or get to a spot due to heaves/cracks/ridges.This is the ice and it's on the move!!!!!Im pretty sure if someone has dialed in the big pike they won't post here.The giants are getting harder to come by these days!c63

Edited by chris63
added text
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Posted (edited)

We usually call and talk to locals on our way up also. Mostly for ice conditions and to ask if the fish are biting. Always good info. Your right it is a BIG lake. Which could use more attention on here to help fellow fisherman traveling on the ice. Specific "spots" for pike are irrelevant to me as we usually have our own waypoints and means of fishing already for the big pond. Live or dead bait/depth would be good enough for me! As for myself, I'll be adding what info I gather while being there on my way back home! Hope it helps anyone planning on going up after we do. I think there's plenty of fish left in there for all of us to enjoy!

Edited by 556LaGue
Posted

Sorry for the lack of info guys, but it's been a little early yet for the late ice pike bite.  It's close though, very close.

Right now the lake is in great shape.  To my knowledge all the landings are open, with the possible exception of the old Babbler's access, out to Gull Rock, but that's not really a pike hot spot anyway.  I'd heard a few days back that a crack, or something opened up just a ways out from that landing, and there was quite a lot of standing water in the area.

Just so we're all on the same page, you guys should know that the ice up here this year is as thin for this time of year as I can ever recall.  The average ice depth is hovering between 16-20 inches, a little more, and a little less in particular areas.  There isn't a lot of snow around, but of course most of the pike areas, within a mile or so of shore, have a fair snow base with maybe 4-10 inches on average.

Once the pike bite gets going in a few weeks the ice and landings should be fine.  However, we are looking at some REALLY warm weather coming over the next couple days, and if this warming trend keeps rolling along we could see a VERY early ice out this spring.

The advice given above on calling the resorts, local bait shops, etc., before, or while you're on your way up is really a good idea.  With the ice as thin as it is this year if we get a couple really warm days strung together in a row, with melting snow runoff flowing onto, and into the lake, there will be prime pike spots with rotting and dangerous ice in a HURRY.

Personally, I wouldn't look for the bigger fish to be moving into the shallower water for at least another 10-14 days.  That's not to say there isn't the chance to see a bigger fish tripping a flag now, but if I were targeting really big pike right now I'd be out in deep water setting tip-ups on the top of sunken islands and reefs, rather than setting in 6-8 ft of water along the shorelines.  But that's just me. ;)

The silver lining I'm seeing this year is the chance that we might actually see open water in early April, which would allow us a chance to drop in a boat and chase those giant pike!!!!

I'll do my best to periodically report back here as I know more about the pike bite, and as I get out there myself and start to target those big toothy critters.

  • Thumbs Up 4
Posted

Thanks all for posting, sounds like great info Canopy.  Will post after my trip. 

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Posted

heading out to swift ditch area tomorrow for a try at tip ups for pike. I will try to post a report as well.

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Posted

fishing was slow but it was better than staying at home. All the pike we caught had soft jaw, no teeth to speak of.

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Posted

Went out of swift ditch quite a bit of snow with a lot of rough ice made for poor travel across the lake, we got stuck several times on our way to our spot. We ended up catching about 10 pike with 38.5" being the biggest. Several around 37" and down from there. 

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Posted

I've been hearing somewhat same reports from some guys that made the trip over the weekend. Fishing wasnt great but they caught fish. Snow and sketchy ice was making things harder to travel. They said set your tip ups close and get to them quick when they pop up. Fish would run and drop it shortly after. We're all booked and ready for the weekend. Heading up Friday morning leaving Sunday. We plan to fish 2 spots a day, depending on the bite. If it's slow we're moving type of fishing. With the nice weekend coming up and the warm forecast for the following week, I dont see things staying safe very long. Thanks for the reports guys! I'll be adding mine Sunday night on our way home as well!

Posted

Here is a picture of the 38.5" from Swift Ditch Saturday. Nice an healthy fish for sure.

IMG_0582.jpg

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Posted

Healthy fish indeed!!! Nice!

Posted

here's a chunky girl from Saturday, measured 37.

 

FB_IMG_1456616145368_zpsorv4imnb.jpg

 

Healthy, just no teeth.

 

FB_IMG_1456616138050_zpsml5rh50l.jpg

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Posted

Nice fish boys. 

Posted

Well we made the trip here. Set up a hr ago and 2 flags 1 fish so far. Came out of the landing by Cyrus resort. New area one of the guys with us had fished before. Access was plowed. We ventured off road a bit. Ice is good. Some snow but not a whole lot. Will be moving if it's slow. Will keep updating as i can. Wish us luck!!

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Posted

Nice fish boys. 

 

 

Good luck guys! 

Posted

Out of Swift ditch today. More snow here than the 4mile bay area. Got stuck twice this morning. No slot fish yet. 3 so far today just shy of the slot. Still waiting for the tip up to go up and do that BIG fish run! A lot of people out today. In about 15 fow right now. Possibly moving soon if it doesn't pick up

Posted (edited)

So not a bad trip to the big pond for being a little early than we normally are. 4 slot fish, 1 over and a good dozen or so under the slot. They were more active today and aggressive. Live suckers seemed to be the ticket. The warm weather today did some damage to the snow. Most places had 6-12" with some drifts here n there. Made it hard to travel but not impossible. We fished out of 4mile bay area for a day and Swift ditch areas the rest of the time. We were in 10-15 fow most of the time but fished shallower spots too.  Hoping to get back up there before ice out. We've always had our best luck right after the snow has left the lake till the ice is gone. Here's a couple pics we took. I know there's more, I'll add them if I come across them. Have a look! 32"/40"/42" 

VZM.IMG_20160305_132745.jpg

VZM.IMG_20160306_170711.jpg

VZM.IMG_20160306_162831.jpg

Edited by 556LaGue
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Posted

nice Job!!!!! thanks for sharing.. those are beutiful fish, congrtulations.

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Posted

The pike were active also on the reefs.  I was sawed off 5 times or so over two days of fishing for eyes. 

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Posted

Love to see those 40+ inch fish!  It's starting! ;)

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Posted

Want to head up tomarow. Is there still ice in swift ditch? Also what other accsess  points are in the Warroad area? and a good place to get suckers? 

Posted

Should be plenty. It was getting messy out there yesterday though. Snow was melting and there was some water starting to show  up. Could've used an extension in a few spots to tell the truth. Hoping to get up there this weekend for a day trip myself

Posted

Plan to stay over in town and fish a few days,,C&R for big pike, Did the Morris point area before but not the Warroad side looking for any helpfull info..Will have a Ranger 4X4..

Posted

Here is a 32 incher from a mid-lake reef - notice how much lighter the color is compared to fish that tend to shallower water.

IMG_3333.thumb.JPG.5fa3edac493b4ee4466ff

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Posted

Got back on Fri. Stayed at the Casino in Warroad, Nice place, cheep with food and hot tub but no alcohol allowed in your room. The road to Swift was almost impassable on Wed.with a 4X4 truck. The road bye the docks in town were the best, Also you can get 9" suckers, frozen smelt and Herring at Outfitter's right near the docks in town also some info about ice conditions. I think only a very carefull ride on a 4X4 or sled now. Did not catch Moby but had a good trip, Will be back next year.

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • 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.    
    • smurfy
      Off da smoker!😉
    • smurfy
      At least he's got a shirt on! 😊🤣😜
    • leech~~
      Sounds like a nice last day.  I like how you photoshop a different shirt on that same picture the last few years!  🤣
    • JerkinLips
      Beautiful day on Vermilion Sunday for the last day of walleye season.  Lots of people were fishing in portables, or out in the open.  Was entertaining watching many of the wheel and skid houses being pulled off of the lake.  Checked half a dozen spots where wheel houses were removed and didn't find any trash at all.  Sounds like people are getting the message.  I may go out on the lake when the snow is melted to do a further check and cleanup if needed.   Fishing was average for this time of the year.  Had a decent bite from 2pm to 4pm when I caught my biggest eye (pictured 22 inch).  Decent finish to a good season.  Now on to lake trout fishing.   Hope everyone had an enjoyable and successful ice fishing season.  Going to be a long time before this year's open water season.  
    • smurfy
      Thanks Kettle! I'll bring mine with but won't be until  mid march
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