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Posted

Just wondering what the lakes are looking like now that the weather is getting warm?  I know around me the ponds are just about open but havent had a chance to check out an lakes yet.

Posted

The ice is looking rough on the 4 lakes I've seen recently. 2 of the 4 were completely inaccessible at the landing,  and the other 2 were only days away from being inaccessible and had some borderline-unsafe ice. With two consecutive days of 60's (Fri/Sat), I'd say the season is officially closed. I did not feel safe on the ice yesterday for the first time all year. 

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Posted

ice season is over in our area. the ice is also getting bad near aitkin, still fishable, but getting bad fast.

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Posted

Stopped by Coon Lake Access off Lexington. I see lots of water. By the time Trump wins Florida and Ohio, pan-fish open water season will be underway. Time to get the boat ready.

56e5b9f73ecdf_CoonWaterOpen(500x281).jpg

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Posted

Well I can say down in the fairmont area it is time for open water season!!!! Lakes in this part of the state are almost ice free!!!!

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Posted

lakes in Aitkin County are somewhat on their way out. I was out all weekend and I wouldn't say the ice was scary, but I wasn't driving straight across the lake like other people of fourwheelers. Friday when I got up north, I saw a pick up truck out in the middle of the lake. stayed within about 100 yard of shore. and caught some fish too.

Posted

After this crappy winter I'm ready for some open water fishing.  The boat is just about ready just need to fire it up this week sometime to make sure all is good and it will be game on.

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Posted

3/10 left Ontario with rains in the forecast, Sabaskong was in the worst shape, slushy off the roads and getting ready to turn. Whitefish bay was friendly to truck travel, avoid narrows on both bays. Kakagi had plenty of road but not all of it is next to prime structure, slush tends to be bad out there but seemed decent when i left. Lakers were on, crappie were getting going, walleye (pickerel) bite was strong for those who target them, and perch were unstoppable when you find bloodworm hatches (common).

Grand Rapids area 3/10 softening up but still passable, saw 4 wheelers out, walked myself.

Posted

Super El Nino of 2015/2016 most likely to go down as the warmest in history. Coon lake, Anoka County opened today 03/15/2016, ice gone. Last super El Nino 1997/1998 Coon Lake opened March 28th and in 1982/83 it opened  April 2.  Let the "Open Water Season" of 2016 begin. (photo taken 9:45 on 03/15/216)

56e8315180ef0_CoonOpen3-15-16(600x338).j

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Posted

Wow that is a good looking sight!

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Posted

I heard that Minnetonka went out last night at 12:15am.  Now I jut need to get out there and find those nice slab crappies.

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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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