Early Ice Out Lake Trout Fishing

[Outfitter17]

If anyone has an Ice out trip booked, you might want to see if you can move up your dates with the ice looking like it will be a record ice out. If you have thought about an ice out trip before, but have never done it - now is the time. We are going to be ice free for approx. 5 weeks before walleye season opens up here. That means great spring trout and shallow water pike fishing for an extended period of time.

Here are a few of the Lake Trout Lakes in my area that will be going out well ahead of there normal ice out dates.

Lower Manitou Lake

Pipestone Lake

Crow Lake

Trout Lake (N. of Rainy)

Dogfly Lake

Plus many more I am sure.

[Hoffer]

Outfitter-

What does that mean for the smallies?? Does that mean they will be bedding in like late May? We had been up usually in middle June and the first year (2 years ago..) later June and hit the smallies pretty good. However, those were really late Springs. So, will the smallie bedding be done already by the time June hits ?? or will they continue into June? Weird Spring so far! almost a polar opposite of last Spring!

[Outfitter17]

Hey Mark,

I am guessing if things continue like they are and we have normal spring temps with the early ice out, the bass should be on their beds late may/early june. If they are just coming off when you guys get in don't worry, because the past few years after the spawn we have gotten 8-10 days of incredible topwater fishing. Either way the fishing will be good.

[ryan_schmidt]

Hey Matt,

Keep me posted on when the ice goes out on Manitou. I can't wait to get back up their and hammer the trout. A few years ago when we had a early ice out we stayed at Camp Manitou, and the trout fishing was excellent. Let me know if you have any openings.

[Outfitter17]

Hey Ryan,

Welcome to FM. I think you will do well with you guide business on the RL forum. I know once guys do a walleye trip with you and Matt and experiance some of the great east end RL fishing in the summer they will be hooked.

Anyways, You may want to talk to Jarrad Shermoen. I think he is putting a group together to come up the weekend of 17th. I am sure Matt will be in it along with Shuff and Johnny. Check with them and let me know.

Good Luck on FM.

[Mike Stark]

is the ice out yet?

[Outfitter17]

From the wind and warm weather we are having I am guessing Saturday.

[james_walleye]

good lord we will be fishing late june patterns when we head to Dogtooth the first week of june.

[Outfitter17]

James,

If the we get a normal spring accompanied with the head start we already have, you will surely be fishing patterns we normally see 2-4 weeks later.

[Hiddenbay]

Any news about ice out on the Manitou? Is the Lower Manitou clear of ice?

[Outfitter17]

Esox and the stretch are clear, I am guessing Lower manitou is also open.

[Hiddenbay]

Thanks for the quick response.

[Outfitter17]

Hiddenbay - No Problem,

When are you planning your first trip up?

[Hiddenbay]

No firm plans yet. I may be up there in mid July. Depends on work.