Opener Ideas?

[Bushwacker]

Anybody have any idea of what lakes to try for opener next weekend? What is the water temp and how are openers usually around the area? We are heading up for the first time on opener and have no idea of what to expect. We usually head up around Memorial Day and usually do really well. Any pointers would be appreciated.

[Drake]

Bushwacker, nice to see you back on here! Did you ever make it back up for a second ice fishing trip?

Took a look back in some notes to refresh the memory on how we did last year on opener. Last year the water temperatures were cooler than normal due to the late ice and cold weather, and the water was very clear. Last year on opener weekend the water temperatures on Blackduck ranged in the mid to upper 40's, which folks said had an effect on their fishing, not catching their limits like they normally do. We went out with four of our guests for some early evening fishing and all brought in limits of eyes during opener weekend last year.

The temps on the smaller lakes like Gilstad last year were around 50. Some of our folks had said that on Island the last year for opener the fish were out deeper than they normally caught them for opener. Dora, Pimushe and Moose are generally pretty good ones to give a shot for early season, and we have folks who fish Leech for opener weekend also. And of course, folks try to get in a trip to Upper Red while they're in the area!

We haven't hit the water to see what the current water temps are, but if anyone has would like to hear what it's reading at the different lakes.

Good luck to you this weekend...maybe we'll see you on the open water!

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Drake Motel
drakemotel.com
(888)253-8501
[email protected]

[Bushwacker]

Drake,
Thanks for the useful information. We did pretty well on Red and on Kitchi that second ice fishing trip this winter. The actual temps were -25 all three mornings we were there but that didn't seem to effect the bite at all. It was a fun trip as always. We are planning on opening up the shack on Friday afternoon and staying through Monday night. Hopefully the weather forecast is wrong or we will have a lot of cabin time. Bringing up my fiance's father for his first trip to "Bushwacker" so hopefully we can get on the fish. Thanks for the advise. Good luck and take care.