Backwaters ice

[CrappieJohn]

There are people on the backwaters now. The ice along the dike road was just over three inches at Pontoon. Sunfish were working for a couple guys out there wetting a line....I was just on tour.

[jiggin pig]

I am intrested in going there on tuesday. If anyone else is interested send me an email. I don't know the area but am interested in learning or just to cut some holes. I have a three man ice shack fyi or if you want to sit on a bucket. send email to [email protected]

[CrappieJohn]

If you go to the dike road, you want to park in the second lot on the right as you head to Ws. There is a spot to drive down to the water and drop your hut right on the ice, then go park. When you are standing on the beach looking straight ahead onto the ice, you will want to take a hard right and go up into the "gut". You'll be able to see where the action is at. Once you get to that point, you can move into the channel area, again to your right. Hint here for you...If you have high skies that day, stay up in the wide guyt you first come too and look for 12 to 14 foot water. If you have clouds, a low barometer you can move into the shallower water and check the crappies.

There are other spots further down the road toward WS, but I haven't been down there to check yet. Most of these will be on the south side of the road. I would not advise any fishing on the north side once you get to Pontoon as there is current all the way down and there was some open water and water on the ice on that side yesterday.

[jiggin pig]

CT thanks for the help. This will be my first time there, heard alot of great things about it. thanks again

[Paradice]

i was out just south of winona today. We found 4 inches of ice, but couldn't buy a bite if our life depended on it. At least it's safe walking now.

[Rebeleye]

fished the Wabasha Marina on Sunday. There's plenty of ice right now. Hopefully we don't get 4 inches of rain again..

[Swamprat72]

Went to the dike road yesterday and had 4.5-5 inches of ice. Only caught about a dozen fish in four hours. Real light biting fished in 10 feet of water and was marking fish anywhere from 5 foot to the bottom all day. The upper fish seemed to be smaller, but more aggressive fish. Also checked West Newton about 2.5 inches (not enough for me). The deputy we talked to said that a man from Rochester went through at Wilcox. We also checked airport lake and it is just a skim of ice on it. I punched through with my boot with one kick. Be careful and have fun!

[Kingfisher55]

You do any good in the Marina? I fished the backwaters around Wabasha Sat and Sun. Sat was slow with the pressure front moving through, windy as all you know what as well. Sunday was COLD but calm wind and sunny so it was nice out. Fishing was better as well. Send me a private email and I will trade you specifics.

[Peepers]

Are there any ice-fishable backwaters upstream towards Prescott/Hastings? I just moved South of Hastings and am looking for places to ice fish nearby.

Thanks.

[jiggin pig]

Peepers, i live in Red Wing and the only area i have fished near hear is baypoint and it was my first time this year. I normally make the trip to rochester or to kellog. I have heard of people using the North lake acess off of Co. 18 in goodhue county.

[Yellow Dog]

North Lake just past the casino...tried it last year. Seems like a lot of people and a big body of water. Any idea if people catch much?

[Peepers]

Thanks, I'll have to check out North Lake - I'm only 3 miles away. Are there any springs or anything that I have to watch out for?

Anybody else out there ever try North Lake near Prairie Island (North of Red Wing)?

Jiggin Pig - How did Baypoint treat ya?

[jiggin pig]

Baypoint has been pretty slow. but i haven't been down there in about 4 days. will probaly try later this week. let you know how i did

[Yellow Dog]

Peepers-

That's the North lake I was talking about--between Red Wing and Hastings on the river road. Have not tried it this year, but it does have some activity by fisherman.

[jiggin pig]

well i didn't make it to the dike road. Instead i fished baypoint. Felt lazy didn't want to leave town. only caught about 6 sunnies in about 3 hrs. nothing to big. hope it is better this weekend. will see. there was about 4 inches of ice. few shacks showing up.