Ice Fishing

Taking the time to search for fish is part of the winter strategy. Like I said earlier, you cannot catch fish that are not there.

The windy and warm weather we saw Wednesday in the St. Cloud area wasn't helping local ice conditions thee last couple of days has improved those conditions. That according to Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News.

Many outdoor enthusiasts are finding this winter sport to be both entertaining and rewarding. The question I often get relates to the basic equipment necessary to get started.

We all have our secret spots and favorite lake to go to catch fish, and in our neck of the woods, we happen to have one of the best ice fishing destinations in the country.

There is no question that the development of the first ice in the early winter period creates a feeling of euphoria for seasoned ice anglers.

Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON today. He says with the warmer weather the ice along the lake shores has been affected and public lake access could be a concern for late season ice fishermen and women. Glen says anglers should air on the side of caution in regards to ice conditions and using a 4-wheeler or just walking onto the ice would be a better option if these weather conditions continue.

I like having my Dirty Dozen favorite lakes and enjoy checking them out on an annual basis to see which ones are producing the best.

When it comes to winter ice fishing, I like to keep it simple. I also like to catch fish. And yes, these two concepts are totally compatible.

I remember when the DNR first talked about stocking channel cats into the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes near Cold Spring, Minnesota.

Anglers who ice fish on Mille Lacs Lake will be able to keep one walleye again this winter.