Ice on Little Pine/Hickory?

[slick814]

Thinking of heading up on Sunday and I'm wondering if there's enough ice for a portable (Clam 2000, so it's only 45 lbs.) and a 220 lb. guy on either lake?

Also, anyone got any tips on jigs/bait, etc.? This'll be my first time ice fishing on either lake.

Thanks for any help!!!

[Mike W]

You should be set to go. Section 12 lake had 7" on tuesday. Just keep checking as you go. You never know where the soft spots might pop up.

[slick814]

Sounds great. With the skimming of ice we've got here, I can't wait to get the new portable out there...

[beretta]

they are froze over and ok in some places but deffinatly check the ice and check it often. with the river flowing threw there the ice can be really spotty. There were open spots 2 days ago. i did see some people working the edge though the other day.

[slick814]

Thanks. Good to know that part. I'll probably avoid the culvert/channel areas. Still good to know that it might be spotty, though.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'll Give a report when I get back.

[slick814]

Got out there on Sunday morning!!!! Froze my bootie off, 'cuz my propane heater kept kicking off for some reason.. Returned it, got a new one..guess there wasa problem with the saftey cutoff valve. I have to say, the folks at Sportsman's in Coon Rapids are good to deal with!!

Anyway, once I figured out where the weed edge was, I set up and caught 5 crappies & 2 smaller northerns. Well worth the trip up. Solid 8" of ice, and it was makin' tons more as I sat and listened to it burp & crack...

One question though. Is there someplace south of Pine/Hickory o get bait other than Garrison? I spilled a bunch of water out of the minnow bucket on my way to the lake.

[FI Guide]

yes stop at the farm island store it is the Conoco station on the right side of 169 right after the naughty pine

[FI Guide]

sorry left hand side

[beretta]

Or if you want a bigger selection and lower prices head up to Aitkin and go to Bills Sportsman's

just my .02 cents....nothing against FI store

[slick814]

If I'm staying at the in-laws, the Aitkin stop is fine. Coming from the Cities, it's a bit of an extra drive to go there & back.

I didn't know that the Conoco sold bait, though.. I'll have to check it out next time I head up.

Thanks for the info, guys.