Report from the Dock
Ice conditions continued to improve over the past week. Trucks and larger fish houses are starting to show up in many areas of northern Minnesota, while ATVs and side-by-sides are good to go just about everywhere in the state.
There was some significant snowfall in some areas last Sunday, but it was accompanied by strong winds, so much of the snow blew off the lakes. Avoid any drifts, which might have slush under them, and you should be fine getting around.
With more ice comes more opportunity, which means that walleye action has improved now that more areas of lakes statewide are accessible. Work deep structure during the day and slide shallower at night; setlines with medium-sized minnows seem to be producing better than spoons.
Crappie and bluegill action has picked up, but there have been more people looking for them this week. There’s still panfish in the weeds, but look for basin fish as well.
Leech Lake Fishing Report
It seems as though on Leech Lake, 12 to 14 feet of water is key for walleyes, perch, pike, and eelpout right now. Perch and pike are most active during the day, while walleyes and eelpout are active during low-light periods and after dark on the whole lake. Weeds also seem to be most productive. Find weeds in less than 15 feet, and you’ll catch fish. Ice conditions are good with 15 to 17 inches being found consistently across the lake.