Report from the Dock – Minnesota Ice Fishing Conditions
Minnesota is currently at one of those crossroads in the ice fishing season. The inland waters walleye season has closed, and based on most reports this week, few anglers have jumped into the panfish game so far. Simply put, the number of people fishing has diminished, as it always does this time of year, and that’s partly due to the colder weather late last week and over the weekend.
That said, there is still plenty of opportunity left for Minnesota ice fishing, particularly for panfish and burbot (eelpout). As conditions stabilize, more anglers are expected to target these species through the ice in the coming weeks.
The best news from this week’s reports is that ice conditions, shorelines, and lake accesses across Minnesota have actually improved. It got cold enough in most parts of the state for the ice to actually firm up and shorelines to heal. Colder temperatures allowed ice to firm up and helped shorelines heal on many lakes. Ice conditions remain best in northern Minnesota, but even some lakes in the southern half of the state that were previously unsafe are accessible again thanks to the recent cold snap.
Leech Lake Ice Fishing Report – Walker, MN
On Leech Lake near Walker, MN, perch continue to be caught on soft-bottomed areas in Trader’s Bay over 16 to 20 feet and Portage Bay in 14 to 17 feet. Eelpout remain active at night on top of the main lake bars in 17 to 25 feet. Work the 9- to 13-foot weed edges in Boy Bay and Portage Bay for crappies and bluegills on Leech Lake.