Happy New Year and may the fishing be better than ever! As I type this, the ice is in “repair” mode or “starting over” mode all over central and north central Minnesota. I’m referring to the area that I have been frequenting within the last week. The area entails south of St. Cloud about 20 miles and north to the Lake Itasca / Park Rapids area and everywhere in between. These areas have open water, boats in the water, frozen slush, black ice, and at best a very weak and soft 4-5″. So for now, all the gear is more than ready to go and the fish houses are on the launch pad ready for clients—but that’s going to be another week.
Thankfully the forecast is cold and finally stuck at ice making temps 24 hours a day—not for 1 hr. a day like we have been having! So be safe, be patient, and be smart. Much more fishing intel to come in 7 days. Lotsa Fish! Lotsa Fun!
Captain Josh Hagemeister
Minnesota Fishing Guide Service
320-291-0708, 218-732-9919,
www.minnesotaguideservice.com