Report from the Dock
Ice conditions are looking pretty good across the entire state, and with cold weather moving in again this week, it should only continue to thicken. For the most part, anglers have been walking out on 4 to 7 inches of ice in most locations, with a bit more ice on some bays and small lakes to the north. Obviously, the farther south you go, the less ice you’ll find, although walkable ice exists in these areas as well. In a few spots to the north, ATVs have even started being used. Continue to check ice conditions as you venture out, but the season has started out quite impressively. The bite has been somewhat slow for walleyes, but many of the traditional first-ice walleye spots haven’t been touched at this point due to thinner ice. Crappies are being caught over deep, basin areas on many lakes, while sunfish and pike are being found in the weeds, many of which remain green. Finding green weeds seems to be a key.
Leech Lake Ice Fishing Report
With the exception of some shoreline ice, Walker Bay remained wide open on Tuesday morning. There are 5 to 9 inches of ice on parts of the main lake and some foot traffic has started out of a couple of resorts. Continue checking with resorts on ice conditions and travel options. There have also been some spear houses set on Portage Bay and Steamboat Bay with up to 9 inches of ice being found.