03.10.15 Fishing Update

Hello sportsfans… Welcome to the weekly blast (and we’re not talking cold front).

Whoa! Spring is coming early to Lake of the Woods. Maybe after getting pounded these past couple of winters, someone is going to smile on us a bit.

Or, a bite… However you choose to look at it. OK. So… The latest?

It’s no secret that some warm weather has blanketed our region of the north.

The snow’s melting… Days are getting longer… And yes, we are still ice fishing. It’s a fair question.

Now, there is a big ice cube on this lake, and nothing dramatic has changed as of

today. We are continuing to make our trek north, searching for fish, and having mixed results at best.

As the fishing and conditions dictate… We will continue to make changes in our day to day efforts.

Until then, hopefully the fish start to pick up the pace. And we will keep you

abreast with our reports as we move further into the month of March.

There was some chatter this morning (guide table) of possibly pulling in the reins

and starting a migration of fish houses toward the south shore. This talk was being generated in part by current fishing success and travel distance.

Sounded as though we might be gearing up for a move? Fish some clean ice? Maybe finish strong these next couple of weeks?

Stay tuned… To set the hook!

Hello Sportsfans — welcome to the weekly loosen your drag here on Lake of the Woods.  We will start from the stretch and wind our way through this past week.

Without using many words of wisdom the fishing can be summed up as:  a week ago “cork popping”, and today “not much fiz” left in the beverage.  It more than seems like we’ve been on the drop as far as numbers and action for about the past seven days.  Some might say it’s comparable to what the MN Twins generally go through just before All-Star Break.  A losing streak…  Ouch!  Snap!  Boom!

Except for us…  We’re well past the break…  And actually, we’re only looking at about THREE more solid weeks for the ice fishing season.  Not good news when you hit a dip (slow fishing) in early March, but
we’ve seen it happen before.  It’s almost as though the fish stall-out with their anticipation of spring.  Or it is the unsolvable equation if you will.

Can’t make ‘em bite?  Go figure?  Either way we keep moving and keep hustling in hopes that something comes about.  As long as we’re still getting enough fish in the pail to put a fresh meal on the plate in the evening, then let’s be darn good and happy… we’ll take it!

This morning there was some chatter at the guide breakfast table about beginning a southward migration with the fish houses.  But the feeling is, to be honest, it’s mostly chatter.  We’d like to think we could catch fish closer to home, but until we hear a legitimate report, or see it for ourselves, we’ll most likely be sticking to the reefs up north.  It’s kind of a “stick with what got us here” attitude.

Lots of activity this week and this weekend here at Ballard’s Resort.  With a little luck the walleye action will pick up…  Either way we’re having fun!!

Set the hook.

Wow!  Hello Sportsfans…

Have you checked the 10-day for LOW?  HA!!  More-cold-weather.

Do you find it odd that we actually root for below zero temps with highs in the teens?!  Especially this time of year?!  Now, remember who you’re talking to.  And remember what’s coming up.

March Ice Fishing!  Yes!

Oh such a beloved time of year…  Walleyes and Saugers on the reefs…  A smitten of perch…  Maybe a jack or two lobbed into the mix…  And the beauty?  We have FOUR MORE full WEEKS to ENJOY!!

What’s the latest snap?  Well, to be quite honest, we actually saw a spark of resurgence last weekend from up north.  Matter of factly Saturday came in quite close to the tune of five hundred fish for the day.  That’s some pretty steady action by most standards.  Some might even say:  EXCELLENT

No secrets, if they’re on the radar, jig ‘em up and ker-boom, fish on.  We’re having a good week so far.  Windy as all get out…  But, decent action reported by most.  They’re saying it’s the little guys that keep you busy, the occasional “slot trophy”, and what could be better for supper…  FRESH FISH!!

As we move into March.  Get ready.  Get……

Set the hook!

PS.  we’ll see you on the reefs, it’s time for some March ice fishing!!

East by West…  Playing the bump and move.

Hello Sportsfans and welcome to the weekly cast here on Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods.  Mid-FEB.  Here we are. Giving chase in the NE sector of Big Traverse Bay, and looking at what these next few weeks might bring our way.

The latest?  As of this morning there was ample chatter at the guide table per options on moving shacks, success rates, best bets, and plenty more fishing banter.  What came out of the discussion sounded like more options on moving East…  And moving West…

With our main core of shacks that are dispersed basically from Bridges to Garden the thought is to continue fishing clean ice and hone in on specific areas that appeared to “do better” over the course of the past couple of days.  “How’s fishing” is the general question, fair enough, and right now the response seems to be mostly hit and miss.

It has the impression of a FEB pattern that we bounced through last winter.  Remember that one?  Quite comparable…  One day good.  One day not so good.  One day so so.  Then repeat the pattern.  The good news is we still have six full week of winter fishing to enjoy!  Catching fish…  Plenty of fresh powder on the lake.  Colder than all get out.  And ice conditions near perfect!

A big week and weekend in the works.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Set the hook!