Ice fishing has started in the Devils Lake basin. Note that ice thickness can vary dramatically. The Main Basin, East Bay and East Devils Lake still had some open water as of November 29th. We found 4-5 inches of ice on Lake Irvine, Stink Lake, Lake Alice, Chain Lake and Mikes Lake. Pelican Lake was completely iced over. Note that there has been some variation on the capped over areas from where there had been geese. Up to this point, we have been walking out and testing the ice with a spud bar.
We have been finding good walleye bites in 4-7 feet of water wherever there are tighter contours or hard bottom transitions. Look for areas where there is one to three feet of water visibility as some areas are really turbid and churned up from strong winds at freeze up.
Try rattle spoons like the Rattling PT tipped with a minnow head. Good colors include glow, chartreuse and gold.
Jason Mitchell
