Jarrid Houston column: St. Louis River ice still unsafe, stick to inland lakes

Thanks to everyone who stopped at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center to mix and mingle with the ice fishing community last weekend. The Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show was again a great time. We are continuously humbled by all the community's support for our little business.

In conjunction with the busyness of the ice show, we were able to mix in a little ice angling. That cold spell we received last week certainly locked up a bunch of ice which is great.

However, with the mild temperatures that started this week, we slowed some progress. Thank goodness we are climbing further into December, meaning cold winter conditions are inevitable. Let's continue to cross our fingers that we don't get a big hit of snow.

Let's talk about this week's fishing report:

According to our sources, the Ashland area of Lake Superior has some ice forming around shorelines. Not even close to being ready for human traffic, but a good start. If we can get into an extended cold spell with no precipitation or wind, we will be in great shape. After the troubled ice surrounding the Gitch last year, it would be nice to have a more normal year. That is what I am considering this start so far, normal. Fingers crossed.

The St. Louis River had a follow-the-leader mentality last weekend. The ice conditions are sub-par and very hazardous in the flat areas. We elected to stay off the ice for that reason. With a whole season in front of us, we are in no rush to risk their safety for a fish.

According to our sources, harbor ice is anywhere from 1-5 inches. However, it is very spotty and with the most recent mild temperatures, it has only become more dangerous. We are not encouraging anyone to ice fish the expansive flats of the St. Louis River for at least another week. We need a cold spell to lock it in. This should be the case by Christmas, which again is more/less "normal" timing.

With all that said, the protected bay areas upstream do have safer ice conditions for panfish opportunities. We have been finding a few crappie, perch and sunfish bites over 5-7 feet of water. Small horizontal-type baits are faring well when tipped with a soft plastic. Make sure to have a dead stick tipped with a minnow nearby. This time of year, you absolutely have a great chance at a big pike or walleye.

Inland waters are the safest areas for early ice fishing season. Especially the smaller lakes around the upper "ice belt." Up north of Duluth, anglers have been busy with some nice panfish bites over old weed areas. Basin fish are not setting up yet, but that should change as we get closer to the end of the month.

For now, the best spots will be the shallower 6- to 14-foot vegetative areas. Working tungsten with a bright color scheme is best. Meat in the form of spikes or waxies is a good bet, but don't be afraid to fish plastics either.

For walleyes, "primetime" low-light period bites will continuously be important. Jigging aggressive spoons near a dead stick with a fathead will be a best bet. Make sure to dial in your Vexilar or other electronics to a level that does not put out too many electric pulses. I like the low-power option mode for many of our bites.

Pike are certainly an active fish this time of year, so don't overlook simple setline tactics over shallower transitional areas. Ice fishing is here ladies and gentlemen, but we still need to be safe.