Wouldn’t you know it — we have some ice forming. Not much, but some. Last weekend's overnight temperatures were able to get below freezing, which indeed started to cap over some small area ponds and back bays.
We will certainly be building on that with the upcoming forecast. Let’s hope that we get cold, no wind and no heavy dumps of snow. That is the formula for the perfect ice-making recipe. Until then, we just have to be patient. With last year’s terrible winter, I know most anglers are chomping at getting out. However, we still need to do it safely.
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In the meantime, this is a good opportunity to go through some inventory and ensure you have all your gear and tackle in check. Coming up soon are popular ice fishing sports shows, including our own Arrowhead Ice Fishing Show at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center on Dec.13-15. It's crazy to think we are now getting into December.
Here is our report:
Lake Superior has been silent, except for a few usual hardcore smallies fanatics over in Chequamegon Bay. Best tactics are still slow dragging a sucker or pitching plastics at shallower rock piles. Hard-bodied baits will take fish, too, not only smallies, but of course, lurking big pike. It’s no secret some big fish can be caught for those ambiguous enough to get out.
St. Louis River, other area rivers and inland lakes also have been mostly “ghost-townish." Docks at boat launches and most private shoreline properties have been removed for the winter. The only anglers we have been hearing from have been the muskie gurus. Muskie season will close soon, so if you want to try one ditch effort for a fish, now is the time. With that being said, make sure to know your regulations.
In other news, some regional bites are happening for those willing to travel and fish. The mighty Mississippi holds great open-water walleye and sauger opportunities all year long. Or, if you’re willing to travel even further, Wisconsin’s famed Green Bay also has a great cold-weather bite.
For the rest of us (including myself), we will just wait out the next few weeks until we have safe ice fishing. Also, it’s still hunting season for Wisconsin residents, so there's that. Speaking of which, hopefully, everyone is enjoying, or enjoyed, the deer camp traditions. I know I am.
A little more hunting, then it will be full-on ice fishing mode. We are getting there.
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