Local Ice Report
Detroit Lake keeps building ice with over 16” in most spots. It is one of the safest lakes for ice fishing in the region right now. Other lakes are at the same thickness, or not far behind.
Words of Ice Wisdom
This is not true for every lake. It is still possible to go through the ice if you don't follow simple safety precautions. Do these two things to stay safe: 1) drill ahead, and 2) use your legs and eyes to assess every scenario. As mentioned before, drill holes every 50'-100' ahead in the path you plan to take. Another good practice is to remove yourself from your vehicle before you enter onto a lake. Walk up close to the access and use your eyes to determine if it looks safe. Often times the ice at an access is the first to break through due to heavy traffic and high speeds.
Fishing Report
A general lack of snow on lakes has led to an ideal scenario. First, the ice can build fast without the insulation of snow on top. Second, anglers can travel to many different spots on area lakes so wheel houses are well dispersed as opposed to big groups of houses fishing a single structure. Let’s keep this up! When we give each other breathing room, everyone catches more fish. The good news is many lakes in our area have a lot of structure to explore, and GPS mapping software will show you where to go. We have been given an awesome and uninhibited opportunity to try spots that have been inaccessible for a few years. I say, let's take advantage of this!
The fishing continues to be good, even during cold days, and the patterns & behaviors have not changed since last week. Walleyes and crappies are biting on small minnows/minnow heads and wax worms (for crappie) from 4-8 am and 4-11 pm, while pike, bass, and bluegill are biting during the day. Chartreuse, orange, and pink colors work well. You can still catch all species shallower near green weeds. In fact, we fish shallow weeds in 10'-14' all winter long and have success. Eyes & crappies have also moved deeper & further from shore, too. In lakes with deep holes, look for crappies suspended near and over those deeper holes (25'-40'+) right now and in the weeks to come. We have some good weather in the forecast, so get on out there and have some fun!
The Baxstar Fishing Difference
Save yourself hours of scouting and tens of thousands of dollars in Ice Castle purchases when you hire Baxstar Fishing Guide Service! We have luxury Ice Castle sleeper houses plus day houses of all shapes and sizes on some of Detroit Lake's best fishing spots. With the holes drilled and the heat on, all you have to do is show up and start fishing! You can also hire Baxstar owner, Brady Baxter to guide you on Detroit Lake or other area lakes this winter. He loves teaching new and veteran anglers alike how to improve the way they fish lakes in the area. You can learn more about the rentals and services we offer by clicking the button below.
What is it like to fish with Brady Baxter?
Brady is featured in Season 2, Episode 1 of Life on the Ice by Ambush Outdoor Products. See the episode below!