
St. Cloud to Osakis areas have 14-17” of ice on most of the lakes. With the cold temps and the ice moving around, a lot of ramps are starting to get buckled as well as heaves on the lake so be aware of that as you are traveling on and off the lakes.
As for fishing it’s definitely been more hit or miss with the changing weather. Some days have been great and others fairly slow. I’m finding crappies on the edges of the basins for the most part. 20-40 feet of water on most of the lakes is where I’ve been but focusing on the edges of the basins near structure. Jigs and plastics and small 1/16 ounce spoons have been the ticket.
The walleye bite has slowed a bit as well but they are still being caught on the break lines in 12-18 feet of water during the evening or right as the sun is coming up. A spoon with a minnow head or a dead stick/tipup with a minnow have been producing the best. I like to set up a tipup in a different depth than I’m jigging just to cover more water as well as have another presentation.
Matt Klug
MK Fishing Guide Service