First Ice Update

Time for a weekend update and an Ice Report.  I spent the weekend finishing up the Muzzleloader season here in MN and got to spend 3 days on the ice also.  With temps around zero to start the weekend and falling to -12 by Sunday I knew at least the deer should be on the move. Although I did not end up seeing that monster buck I have been after, I did fill my doe tag and got to see many smaller bucks that should be around next year.

As for the ice fishing, well that was really good  despite the conditions.  All the lakes I checked had 7-9 inches of clear solid ice.  Most of the lakes I checked were in the Park Rapids and Walker areas.  As I said earlier, when I left Sunday evening it was -12 with and making ice fast.  I will not be surprised to see vehicles on the ice by this coming weekend.

The fishing, well that was very good.  It was really nice to watch that first Bluegill come chasing up on the Humminbird after my jig.  That first fish through the ice is really exciting for me as it is the official kick-off of ice season.  I went light on the gear this weekend as I was expecting about 4-5 inches of ice.  So, that meant no house and just my glide-lite packed with gear.  Thankfully there is very little snow in the area so getting around on the ice was easy by foot although everyone else was smarter and brought their ATVs.

Each day I fished I was able to find nice bluegill and crappie in 12-14 feet of water relating to the weeds.  With little snow and high pressure above I was able to see down in 12 feet of water and actually sight fish.  As long as we don't get a huge snowfall the bluegill should remain shallow. 

That is my weekend report.  I still have a lot of gear to get ready for when I start hitting the ice hard, which will happen after Christmas.  It was indeed nice to get out, and tonight, I will be enjoying what is left of the fish I kept.  I am already looking forward to getting back on the ice, which hopefully is in the next few days and quite possibly could be with my truck.