Crow River Ice Fishing

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

Has anybody ever ice fished this river or any similar river. I finally decided to try it this weekend for a little bit. I figured I would check out a spot I fished this fall to see if the fish would still be in the same area. I knew that for this river it was a decent depth area and when I drilled a couple holes I found 4-5 foot of water. I figured with depths like this nothing would happen, figuring all fish would have moved to some deep hole that I have no idea where it is. After this all I was hoping for was to see carp swimming through the hole maybe for a spearing opportunity, but to my surprise within 10 minutes of starting jigging I caught a 22 inch pike on a frozen creek chub head. I didn't stick around to see how it would have kept going because of prior plans, but next Saturday it is game on. I will post pictures as soon as possible. So this is why I was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience on a small river.

[tsande00]

I have been tempted to fish the Crow all year. Problem is the areas I've seen have mostly been open all winter. How much ice did you have where you were fishing?

I'd love to hear how you do out there. If I was more familiar with the depths and ice conditions I'd be out there myself.

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

I had about 8 inches where I set up, but near there was an area with less than 4. It all has to do with depth and if you were on a bend. Shallow water and bends had less because of current, and straights had more. I was on a straight and I found anywhere from 7-12 inches. There's a spot that I really want to try but it seems as if it wont freeze this winter so it probably wont happen.

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

Small water pike from Saturday

[Tom7227]

At one time I thought I was able to get a map of the crow river from the DNR but I just tried and didn't find it. What I recall is a booklet sort of thing. Maybe you could spend some time searching and score. As you obviously know the ice can be extremely unpredictable so be sure to have some spikes along. Might be smart to get someone to go with you and have a rope or something just in case.

[Ryan_V]

Funny! I fished that spot earlier this winter. I believe I met you there this fall once!

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

I never met anyone in this spot, but there is a pretty good chance you met me on the river this fall, I fished a lot of areas. This spot is close to Lester Prairie and I have never seen anyone fish it except for me.

[Ryan_V]

My bad, thought you were father south. Thought it looked familiar!

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

Are you thinking Biscay? You were walleye fishing?

[Ryan_V]

That would be me! Your darn northerns kept biting that day, I took home a limit of nice ones to pickle!

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

Went out Friday and Saturday, tried the area that had iffy ice earlier in the year, when I got there there was actually a lot of ice. There was only one other group fishing out there. I stayed for a bit and caught one 20 inch pike. Then I went back to where I was the weekend before and set up a tip-up and I jigged out of a house. I was there for about 1.5 hours and only got one pike but it was well worth it being the only one.

34" 11 LBS

On Saturday I headed back to the spot I tried first on Friday. We decided to do some some spearing and tip-ups. We got a few both ways. Some nice pike and catfish. Also saw buffalo, redhorse and walleyes down the hole.

2 Biggest of the day. 29" Pike, 28" Catfish.

An area that was quiet Friday and Early Saturday became very busy as the day wore on. Shows how word of mouth and a populated area can spread the word of a good bite.

[live4chrome]

^Why I don't post specific areas I fish. Lots of people read these forums. Very nice fish though.

[LPCrowRiverFisherman]

First fish, area not given away. Second Area didn't specifically say even though obvious, It has already taken a hit no thanks to me.

Also, 34" Pike was released.

[mrklean]

great looking pike and way to CPR

[Stick in Mud]

Man, great thread. Now you've got me curious about all the other little rivers in this state that hold lots of great fish. Alas, the season is about over, and I'm already busy this weekend, so I can't go explore. Maybe next year.