We have ice! We his is by far the best travel conditions we have had the last few years. We are seeing 25-30 inches of ice across the lake. Little snow on the ice is making travel very easy. We do have a few ridges on the lake. Always check the ridges before crossing.
The perch bite has been a bit on the slower side this winter but we did see it pick up a little this last week. Hopefully it continues to pick up and we can finish the winter strong. Small spoons and minnow heads or spikes have been the bait of choice. For whatever reason the tungsten’s with spikes or wax worms hasn’t been has productive this winter. Another thing we are seeing is a better year class of perch. The average size of the perch we are catching is solid. Look in mud basins in 20-40ft. Once you find a few fish it’s been better to sit and wait or make small moves in the area the fish have been found.
Walleyes remain steady fishing 10-20ft. Spoons tipped with a full minnow or just a head has been best. Look for man made structures from when the lake was lower or old shoreline breaks and points. Mornings and evenings have been the best.
We are seeing a few more pike this winter. With the clear water conditions spearing and tip ups has been producing a few. We are also seeing some mixed in with the walleye bite. Back bays in 3-10ft are great places to look for pike. Weed edges and old roads.
As we transition into February we hope for the basin perch bite to continue to get better. Hopefully this we become a steady late ice bite. Travel should remain good with the lack of snow. Head to Ed’s for everything you need on the water!