We have seen a lot of changes this month in the weather and in the fishing: snow, wind, rain, above-freezing temps followed by extreme cold. With the ups and downs in temperatures and pressure, fish have a tough time getting into a regular routine. The best news is that the recent subzero temperatures helped solidify ice.
Area lakes are packed with heavy snow. Most shoreline areas have a good amount of slush as well. Ice conditions vary, but most smaller to medium sized lakes have anywhere from 6 to 8 inches.
Remember, check ice for yourself before heading out and do not rely on someone else. However, do check in with other anglers, bait shops, guides and resorts. Also, after drilling out and setting up, plan for your fishing area to immediately be saturated with water on account of the weight. A comfortable pair of insulated rubber boots will protect your feet.
As for the fishing the action continues to be near shore tip-up fishing for northern pike and walleyes. Pike continue to cruise the shallow weed edges during the day, walleye into the late afternoon to dark. Panfish has been hit-and-miss, but target areas in the 10 to 20-foot drop-offs near vegetation. Best baits have been smaller soft plastics on a small teardrop jig. Electronics are an important tool to find these fish.
Although we have plenty of snow the lakes are not completely safe and have not been stacked yet for the snowmobilers. Preliminary checks on ice thickness informs that it not quite ready, but should be soon. Some marsh areas are not solid either yet. Visitors and residents of Spider Lake Township are now allowed to operate their ATV/UTV’s on all township roads, excludes private driveways.