The Spalding ramp iced up last night along with most of the northwest side of the middle basin. We are expecting more cold temperatures so chances are it won't thaw out again this season. The south end ramp at the marina typically remains open much longer than the ramps in the northern portions of the lake. But, several days in a row of low temperatures in the single digits have been known to ice it over as well.

It isn't wise to attempt to walk on the ice when it just forms. Once it thickens up and ambient temperatures don't rise much above freezing it can still be dangerous. Many folks ice fish when conditions allow. But, this year most of the water one would be able to safely walk to will at most be 3 to 4 feet deep. We generally prefer to fish the south basin in late fall and winter.

Sorry folks, I have been out of town. I also have plans on being out of town toward the end of this week.

We had a cold morning this morning at a cool 7 degrees F. Calm winds and cold temperatures have allowed most of the middle basin to ice over. More calm cold nights are predicted so I don't think it will open up anytime soon. Our highs are only expected to reach the low to mid thirties for the rest of the week so that won't help melt much ice either. At this time, no precipitation is predicted for the next few days even though we will see some clouds.

We will be seeing more fog in the colder mornings now that there is more ice on the lake.

Fishing Report

Ice has formed up on the shallow basins of the lake. At this point, I wouldn't recommend walking on the surface...yet. There are still several patches of open water but most of the shoreline has iced over.

The bite has finally picked up for the average shore fishermen after several weeks of on and off days. Trollers are seeing some great action too!

The west side of the south basin (Lake of the Woods) has been fishing pretty well but I always like to know I can access the fish when they don't come in to water any shallower than 10 feet. This is one reason that I always suggest having a float tube.

The east side along the Springs to Eagles Nest has had its good days and bad days however, fish are starting to move around in that area now and more folks are starting to catch them. Shore access for vehicles is limited to Eagles Nest subdivision which can be inaccessible during inclement weather. Most all shore access is limited to walking.

A few more are being caught off the Jetty and Pikes Point at the marina but it has had a few "off" days. But, that is just fishing!

Fish are being caught at the 3 to 7 ft depths in 10 to 20 feet of water; while those fishing the deeper water (30 to 50 feet) are not only finding fish on top water but at 18 to 24 ft too. Typically the lake becomes the same temperature throughout the water column this time of year and the fish are caught at many different levels above 30 feet. When the bite slows up, I tend to go to the more natural colors of brown or olive over bright and flashy colors.

Best lures

Sure Catch: Large Red Dog, Medium Goldie Locks, Medium Zebra, medium Gator.

Needle Fish: Fire, Florescent orange (pearl or brass back), rainbow trout, frog.

Rapala's and minnow imitations work best where minnows are present. Nightcrawlers behind dodgers are also a productive method this time of year.

Grubs in olive, brown, black, watermelon and orange have also been top producers.

Trolling Flies

Plain Jane brown has still out fished many of the other popular colors. Florescent orange (J Fairs "hot one" has produced some fish but will steadily get better as water temperatures drop causing the native shrimp to turn orange.

Bait fishermen using nightcrawlers have also found some action. Be sure to have some attractant along. Garlic Gravy and Krill have been the most successful flavors. Powerbait in combination with nightcrawlers has also worked well in the past. Colors include Florescent orange, chartreuse, rainbow and occasionally red or hot pink. If you are using powerbait to float your nightcrawler off the bottom, be sure you use enough to do the job. Test it before you toss it. Small marshmallows are also a favorite treat when used in combination with a nightcrawlers.

Shore fishing has picked up. Some days the fish have not moved in close until later in the morning but at least more fish are foraging along the shoreline now. Using longer rods for steelhead and salmon will cast much farther than the typical 6 foot rod from shore. Accesses to shore fishing in the south basin include Pikes Point and the jetty at the Eagle Lake Marina, Christie Day Use area and the Circus Grounds, Wildcat Point (via Brockman Lava Beds). Shore fishing is also available along highway 139 however it may have iced up last night as well, I will know more tomorrow.

Jig fishermen have used long rods for years just lighten up the pound test on the spool. Jig colors that work best are natural wild turkey (almost black once wet) olive and brown. Occasionally when the water has been stirred up by some fierce winds yellow and white begin working.

Fly Fishermen need not look any farther than good old wooly buggers and wiggle tails. Brown has been the best color over the years but olive works well also. The small florescent orange wooly buggers are best along the rocky ledges when water temperatures drop below 45 degrees. Sizes 10 and 12 are the normal sizes we use here. If you are going to the effort to hike in to fish, make the effort to pack your float tube. I can't stress the importance of being able to reach the fish that are just out of reach for the average wading fisherman.

The shore fishing only recently picked up, it has been pretty tough fishing. But, now when the shoreline bite goes off, those fish only moved out to deeper water. Be sure you can access them, or wait until the next "cruise" of the school.