Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

First Ice


dk

Recommended Posts

Looking for a spot to try first ice on Mille Lacs this year. Last year tried Twin Bay with little success. Wondering if Indian Point freezes early? Are there any other areas that freeze earlier then others?

Thanks, DK

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

No offense dk, but I had pretty good success first ice out of Twin Bay last year early ice. You can most likely have pretty good success off most points and inside turns close to the first break from shore, especially if it has rocks.

Remember, the ice will first form in the south bays. An example-Wahkon Bay can be fished before the points off Twin Bay. Indian point should be a good early season spot as well, but will generally be a little later ice than Twin Bay's points, Only because it is not as sheltered. We may be talking only days difference here so take that into consideration.

I've seen walleyes caught in some of the bays as well during early ice. Those walleyes were keying on all the small perch in there.

The point I'm trying to make is that you can start with the bays and keep working out to the points right off the bays, then out to some of the larger points and finally out into the main lake. It's a great way of extending your early ice experience.

Last note is, make sure you are very cautious and talk to the resort/bait shop owners before venturing out. Even then, make sure you practice all the safety precautions.

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 10-25-2001).]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

DK check out the ice leaders challange DEC 15 and 16 on Mille Lacs, Would like to see your there. I believe we are meeting at Mac's Twin Bay resturant/bar Sat nite of the event. It will be a great time to meet some good people and share some secrets and ideas about Mille Lacs.......

[This message has been edited by D-man (edited 10-25-2001).]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the info. I guess the main thing is to go where the ice is safest early and move around from there. I'll have to give Twin Bay another chance Rick. If I'm in the area I'll try to stop by Mac's D-man. We usually stay on that side of the lake. Thanks again,

dk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

Any predictions for when Mille Lacs will get first ice?

Also, what area of Mille Lacs is your favorite to ice fish and why?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.