Temps in the area have now stabilized and made for some freezing conditions. This is good in light of the many ice breakthroughs in the last week. In a sense, we are back to normal (for the most part). Fishing in the Twin Ports and surrounding areas has been decent depending on which species anglers are targeting.
The inland lake bite is still the best bet for consistent action. The easiest approach is to fish vegetative areas with nearby drop-offs. Ten feet of water has been ideal for a plethora of species. Bass, pike and the occasional walleye have been taken on live bait set-ups. Anglers are putting a lot of panfish topside using small teardrop-type jigs with soft plastics or waxworms.
Lake Superior ice fishing has been decent and dicey. Satellite images have shown ice blowing out in a lot of areas of Chequamegon Bay. The safest bet is still the area near Ashland. Anglers are catching a variety of whitefish, splake, trout, burbot, walleyes, perch and the occasional brown trout. The best tactic has been using tip-ups with live minnows hovering in the middle of the water column. Don't be afraid to fish shallower waters. Aggressive jigging of smaller spoons has also been productive.
The St. Louis River continues to be a "hit-and-miss" bite. Anglers who log more hours on the water are showing the most success. There are a few bigger walleyes in the system. There are always a "few bigger walleyes" in the system. Anglers are encouraged to release these fish so they can have at their annual spring spawning routine that will commence in a few short months. Jigging smaller buckshot spoons tipped with minnow heads continues to turn the most fish, but some are being caught on live minnows under floats as well.
Jarrid Houston of South Range is a fishing guide ( www.houstonsguideservice.com ) on Minnesota and Wisconsin inland waters, the St. Louis River and, in winter, on Lake Superior.
