ice thickness and fishing report

[thiniceguy]

This is the first time in this forum, how's it going. I didn't see any fishing reports so I though I'd post one. Today was my first day on the ice which is the latest date I've been out in the last 13 years. After checking ice on a half dozen lakes between Big Lake and Peqout Lakes I settled on a lake near Merrifield and fishing was very good including 10 walleyes, 2 pike and dozens of perch in 4 hours. The largest Walleye was a 26" beauty that's swimming again. Ice thickness varied from 5 inches on bays of South Long, Pelican and others to 1 1/2" on most lakes that froze Tuesday. Edward had good ice. Before I get scolded by too many of you for venturing out on thin ice I'll tell you that I am very careful. Some say that it's not worth it for a few fish but I say the first 2 weeks of ice is the absolute best time for walleyes (trophies and numbers). Get your safety gear together, travel lite and get on the water. Most lakes that froze Tuesday will be safe for walkout fishing this weekend. Good luck!

[Corey Bechtold]

Welcome to the site! Glad you got on some fish. Keep up the good work! What did you catch your fish on?

Welcome again,

Corey Bechtold

[thiniceguy]

I caught fish on assorted jigging spoons with a head or tail of a fathead minnow as well as my dead stick which I had a chartreuse frostee with a tail hooked fathead. The largest fish were caught mainly on the deadstick.

Jeff

[MinnesotaMuskie]

Hey...welcome to the forum...take care on that ice...

Soundls like you had a great day...keep us posted...I do not get up that way much anymore...fish Sand Lake near Longville once or twice a winter.

Once again...welcome.

[Sportland_Bait]

Great Report, I can't wait to get out after them eyes. Welcome to FM. Stop in the shop sometime and say howdy.

Jason Erlandson

[MinnesotaMuskie]

Thinice...one more thing...not sure if saw the area reports...scroll down and you can zero in on any part of the state.

[Steve Foss]

Welcome thiniceguy:

I'm with you on early ice productivity. And I'm CAREFUL. At 250, I outweigh most guys probing with spud bar and ice cleats, so I take it VERY easy.

A good day for you. Those are nice. Some days, no fish, others lots. Any day on ice is good. My first day on Birch Lake near Babbitt on Sunday yielded 29 flags and 15 pike. Action!!!