Report from the Dock
Ice conditions statewide are well ahead of schedule compared with last year at this point. In many areas, there’s already more ice established than there was all of last winter. Anglers are taking advantage of it, walking out and even using ATVs and side-by-sides in some locations. Bait and tackle shops have also been busy. With ice continuing to thicken, many of the traditional early-ice walleye spots are now accessible, and they are producing fish. Walleye action really improved since last week, especially during low-light periods of the day. The deep-basin areas on most lakes are now seeing activity as well, again due to better ice, and crappies are being found suspended over 20 feet or more on many lakes. Bluegills are also being caught- mainly shallower and in the weeds, but there haven’t been as many people chasing them. Overall, everything looks really good at this point. Keep the snow off, and the ice should only improve.
Leech Lake Ice Fishing Report
Trader’s Bay is kicking out walleyes in 16 feet, as is the Pikedale Resort area in 15 to 17 feet. Low-light periods or after dark have been best and deadsticks seem to be producing more fish than are spoons. In Walker Bay, a few walleyes just started hitting early this week on the close-to-shore humps and shoreline breaks in 14 to 18 feet. There have been a few crappies taken in Portage Bay. Everything is locked up, and parts of the main lake now have 11 to 13 inches of ice.