Report from the Dock
After several days of unseasonably warm weather, the ice appears to have held up well throughout the state. Generally, there wasn’t much ice gained, but there wasn’t much lost, either.
The snow has melted off the ice in most locations, making for some very slippery conditions, so make sure you have your ice cleats on. Side-by-sides and ATVs seemed to be the safest and most used modes of transportation on lakes early this week, although some trucks continued to be used on select lakes as well. With cold weather expected to return, it’s likely you’ll start seeing trucks used in more areas.
Walleye action has been a bit slower this week, likely due to the now-clear ice conditions and increased activity on most lakes. Anglers fishing early and late in the day or overnight seem to be doing best.
For crappies, it’s a low-light bite over deep basin areas on most lakes, and be sure to look for suspended fish.
Leech Lake Ice Fishing Report
Walleye activity has been best during low-light periods and at night. The main-lake reefs and structure areas in 15 to 30 feet have been productive, and some fish are being caught on the humps in Walker Bay over 22 to 32 feet. Trader’s Bay and the Pine Point area are producing perch in 14 to 16 feet, while Huddle’s Reef is kicking out perch and tullibees in 20 to 25 feet. Early this week, most of the main lake had 13 to 15 inches of ice, trucks were being used out of some accesses, and Walker Bay had 10 to 13 inches. But a few cracks developed in certain areas of the main lake, so check with resorts before venturing out.