Report from the Dock – Minnesota Ice Fishing Conditions
After battling weather for a couple of weeks, the cold weather across Minnesota has officially taken a toll on anglers. There was a big dip in angler participation again over the past week, even more than the previous seven-day stretch, which was already pretty light as far as ice fishing in Minnesota goes. In addition, it’s been a grind statewide to consistently put anything on top of the ice.
Walleyes, crappies, and bluegills all seemed to be doing more looking than biting this week on lakes throughout Minnesota, while perch and northern pike appear to have been a bit more cooperative. The biggest issues seem to be two-fold: fish are lazy and impacted by the fronts, and anglers can’t get out and move around to stay on top of more aggressive fish.
The fun factor has been pretty minimal this week, no matter where you were or what you were pursuing by hook and line. It is worth noting that ice depths have thickened a lot since last week. Auger extensions are now a necessity in many parts of the state.
Leech Lake Ice Fishing Report – Walker, MN
Perch action on Leech Lake has remained steady in 14 to 18 feet along the edges of soft-bottom areas. Small spoons or tungsten jigs tipped with Eurolarvae are working best. Walleye activity remains somewhat slow, with a few fish being caught late in the day or overnight on a deadstick, plain hook, and shiner minnow around main lake structure in 14 to 18 feet or 20 to 24 feet. There’s been some eelpout coming off the main lake reefs and breaklines in Walker Bay.