Let’s start off with some ice reports… Lake Bemidji is mostly cinched up. I did find 2 good slush pockets running the sled on Sat. I would guess that this -50 degree snap will finish those off as well. Still seeing variable ice thicknesses on Bemidji, with as little as 12.5″ in spots, and as much as 22″ on plowed areas.
Fishing on Bemidji was absolutely fantastic until the wind switched and we went into the deep freeze. One group of renters reported non-stop action, and we had a great night on the sled last week as well, putting hooks to limits and some ‘pout. Now it’s more difficult, but everyone is still catching something. Friday was tough, with renters reporting 3 walleyes, 5 walleyes, and 7 walleyes in the 24 hour period, with some of them being little tikes. With some stable weather, I expect fishing to get back on track.
Smaller lakes vary. Some are like skating rinks, as the snow sucked up all of the slush/water and froze solid. Others are still holding some pockets of slush, which are hidden by a layer of crust on top. Be careful on some of the smaller lakes, especially the spring fed buggers!
Panfishing has been stellar when a guy can get out. The brutal cold makes hole hopping an arduous task. Once you locate a pod of fish, you can sure hunker over them and make hay though.
The weekend ahead looks beautiful. Can’t wait to feel my fingers again!
