When the lakes get 4 to 5 inches of ice, I go spearing for Northern Pike, one of the most beloved of our Minnesota game fish.
Spear-fishing requires a fairly big hole in the ice, so when the ice is thinner it’s much easier to make the 2 x 3 foot hole. Usually I pick a spot where the depth of water is about 8 to 10 feet so the fish are relatively close to the surface. Also, for ice spear-fishing it’s important to have a fish house that doesn’t let light in. The darker it is in the house, the easier it is to see the bottom. I’m also careful to choose clean, clear lakes for the best visibility.
I didn’t spear fish on the lakes in Northern Minnesota this year because the heavier snows came and insulated the ice from the colder temperatures. Because of this, the water comes up through the ice making the heavy snow on top slushy and hard to drive or walk on. So I hope for better conditions up there next year.
I have been fishing at a couple lakes in the Twin Cities area and the ice is now above 14 inches. That’s great because I was able to start driving out instead of walking and pulling my portable house, auger, and other gear.
On December 28th we had a wonderful day with temperatures around 40°F (HEAT WAVE!). I just sat on the ice and enjoyed the sunny afternoon as I caught 4 Northern Pike, 1 Bass, and 1 Crappie.
Shortly after mid-winter the weather turned to the sub 0° again, and I called it “ice-making weather”. I have never had to get an extension for my auger yet, but maybe this will be the year. If so, that means the ice is 3+ feet thick. Wish me luck!
-Larry Knott, JETPUBS Inc.