ALEXANDRIA AREA
The wind has prevented most of the big, deep lakes from completely capping with ice. The small lakes do have 2 to 4 inches of ice but it varies in depth so walking on it was not advised early this week.
Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255
BATTLE LAKE
The big lakes such as Otter Tail and West Battle remained open as of Tuesday morning. Some of the small lakes have ice thick enough to walk on and a few people have started venturing out. The only report worth noting early this week was off Pelican Lake by Ashby where a few walleyes and crappies were being caught in the narrows.
Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596
DETROIT LAKES
The small lakes have 2 to 6 inches of ice, but open water is still noticeable on the big lakes. Anglers have just started to pull out portable shelters on these small lakes, but fishing reports have been limited. There should be plenty of ice fishing options in this area by the weekend.
Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248
PARK RAPIDS AREA
The bays and most small lakes have 3 to 4 inches of ice on them, but there is open water on the bigger bodies of water. Anglers have started walking out on some of these areas, but success has been limited. There should be plenty of ice fishing options by this weekend. The second weekend of deer hunting saw fewer people out, but some found success.
Delaney’s (218) 732-4281
Smokey Hills Outdoors (218) 237-5099