Late February Ice Update and Fishing Tips
February 17, 2017 // Joe Scegura
I’d like to start off with the question that’s on everyone’s mind… how is the ice?? Well as of today we have still been making ice. There has been zero melting across the Alexandria area. The ice is as safe as it ever has been with 24”-30”. After the forecasted rain this coming Monday-Tuesday I will check conditions again, but as for the ice conditions going into this weekend they are excellent! I actually had 3” of ice in my holes form in the last 48 hours. It’s going to get warm for the next week, but then it should be cold again by next weekend. I really don’t think the ice or ice fisherman will be effected much at all.
The fishing has still been great! The panfish are still going well on some of the big lakes as well as some of the very small lakes around the area. The nice weather makes searching for the active sunfish and crappie much more enjoyable. The best depth has been 15’-20’. Small jigs like the #12 Lindy Toad is always a favorite of mine. Tip it with a wax worm or Euro larva to catch fish during the day. After dark switch to a small crappie minnow.
I personally have been spending most of my time chasing walleye with pretty good success. 20’-35’ feet of water with minnows and plain #4 hooks has been working best. My kids have had a great season so far and they really enjoy it. In fact there’s not much more they’d rather do than go out to the fish house. It doesn’t hurt that they get to pull in tasty walleye either! They feel pretty special catching supper for the family.
The ice looks like it will be around for quite some time, so plan a trip up with your family! If you have any specific questions or concerns feel free to email or post a comment below.
I’d like to start off with the question that’s on everyone’s mind… how is the ice?? Well as of today we have still been making ice. There has been zero melting across the Alexandria area. The ice is as safe as it ever has been with 24”-30”. After the forecasted rain this coming Monday-Tuesday I will check conditions again, but as for the ice conditions going into this weekend they are excellent! I actually had 3” of ice in my holes form in the last 48 hours. It’s going to get warm for the next week, but then it should be cold again by next weekend. I really don’t think the ice or ice fisherman will be effected much at all.
The fishing has still been great! The panfish are still going well on some of the big lakes as well as some of the very small lakes around the area. The nice weather makes searching for the active sunfish and crappie much more enjoyable. The best depth has been 15’-20’. Small jigs like the #12 Lindy Toad is always a favorite of mine. Tip it with a wax worm or Euro larva to catch fish during the day. After dark switch to a small crappie minnow.
I personally have been spending most of my time chasing walleye with pretty good success. 20’-35’ feet of water with minnows and plain #4 hooks has been working best. My kids have had a great season so far and they really enjoy it. In fact there’s not much more they’d rather do than go out to the fish house. It doesn’t hurt that they get to pull in tasty walleye either! They feel pretty special catching supper for the family.
The ice looks like it will be around for quite some time, so plan a trip up with your family! If you have any specific questions or concerns feel free to email or post a comment below.
SHARE THIS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Posted in Fishing
