One of the largest bodies of water on the Fox Chain, encompassing 1,700 acres, Pistakee has historically been a wintertime favorite for anglers. Pistakee Bay is one of the few deep spots on the south end of the collection of lakes. The depth here provides a huge wintering pool for multiple species of fish.
Otisco has a solid reputation for producing tiger muskies, and often big tigers, during both the open-water and ice fishing seasons.
A 2018 DNR fish survey of the popular lake shows that it remains a solid fishery for walleyes, smallmouth bass, and muskies while also offering panfish and largemouth bass opportunities.
Fishing with ice jigs under a slip-float can produce some exceptional catches this time of year. Live bait for most species is key. Floating minnows off the bottom on three-way rigs or suspended from a slip float can mean some fair catches of walleyes.
In a year when ice conditions have generally been sketchy, the North Country is probably the safest bet for getting out on the hard water. That said, keep an eye on changing conditions.
It got cold enough over the past week to freeze much of the slush that was limiting areas that anglers could reach. Lakes across the state still aren’t in the best condition, but there was a lot more fishing activity last week than previously.
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