EARLY ICE IS GOOD FISHING — PREPARE FOR SAFETY

By Mashkode-bizhikigahbaw, Benji Sam, Mille Lacs Band member

Since 1976 in the state of Minnesota, there has been just one year in which there was zero recorded ice related fatalities in the winter. This occurred in the winter of 2015-2016, and in general, there is a significant reduction in ice-related fatalities across the ice belt. However, no ice is ever 100% safe, and following these basic guidelines, you will be sure to not only stay safe this ice season, but you might also find yourself catching more fish this coming winter.

As a rule of thumb, it is not recommended to venture out on thin, cloudy ice, and it is advised to have at least 4 inches of clear ice to safely walk on ice. Traveling with the buddy system is a sure way to set yourself up for success in the event you come across thin, compromised ice. Carrying tools in hand such as ice picks, spud bars some folks call them, to check the ice thickness before putting your weight forward is a smart approach to navigating safe conditions. Adding handheld ice picks and keeping them accessible in a pinch is also a smart move in the event of falling through the ice to help grip your way back to safe harbor.

It is also recommended to bring 100 feet of heavy-duty rope with on trips in the event of falling through. With another person near, rope can help pull your partner out of freezing cold water in a pinch. Some experts recommend tying a throwable safety flotation device onto said rope to throw to a party in distress. With the technology available at our fingertips today, there is no reason fishermen should go out ice fishing without float suit technology, which reduces the risk of dunking underwater in case of emergency.

Each year, dozens of vehicles fall through the ice, resulting in frostbite, hypothermia, loss of limbs, and even death. Many vehicular ice accidents can be avoided by sticking to plowed roads, utilizing the knowledge local resorts have, and by driving at slow speeds to avoid ice heaving. Most resorts ask that you keep speeds less than 15 miles per hour when using ice roads because it keeps the roads in strong, working condition as well as reduces risk of road failure.

As for the fishing — there is a reason ice fishermen venture out on thin ice: because the fishing is generally the best early in the winter. Many walleye and northern pike are still swimming near the shoreline structures in 8-15 feet in low-light conditions near rock/gravel and weed line transitions. Walleye can also be found in abundance on main lake structures such as mud flats, gravel bars, and deep, rocky points in 20–24 feet of water chasing bait across the lake. While searching for walleyes, a general rule to remember is on sunny days, fish will respond to more natural colors such as silver, gold, reds, etc., and on cloudy days, they may react better to UV colors such as pinks, purples, and chartreuse, glow baits, and rattling-style baits. When paired with a minnow on a bare hook in the hole next to you just off bottom, jigging these baits will often result in plenty of success when chasing ogaa (walleye).

Bluegill and crappies, this time of year, can also be found in the deeper waters often on the main basin in 25-30 feet of water. Perch will often school in larger numbers in the late fall and winter near shallow, sandy, and weed flats in 6-10 feet of water. Look to the shallow bays like Cove, Wahkon, Isle, Wigwam, Vineland, and Mac’s Twin bays for starters. These panfish often prefer a small jig tipped with a wax worm or crappie minnow, flashy gold spoons, or set lines with a small crappie minnow just off bottom. These shallow flats near weed lines in the same bays listed above often serve as great starting points for spearing ginoozhe (northern pike) in 8-10 feet of water. If you can find standing weeds this time of year, you will be able to bring home multiple fish.

If you don’t know where to start, call the MLB DNR office for assistance or connect with the many resorts around Mille Lacs to rent a fish house this winter and get your family on the water. Remember that no ice is ever 100% safe.

Tight lines!