Minnesota Pro Tip of the Week: Ice conditions challenging on Lac qui Parle Lake

By Chuck Ellingson

Years of guiding experience: 20

Favorite lake: Lac qui Parle

The fishing has been tough as of late, and I honestly think the weather has a lot to do with it. It’s 30 degrees one day, and 40 below the next. There’s just been so much fluctuation. That has made the bite hard, and we hear the same thing over the border in South Dakota.

While there is a tendency for fishermen here to want to set up close to shore, I’ve been plopping houses in the middle of the lake and finding fish in deeper water. Deeper for Lac qui Parle means like 11 feet.

A red and white jig is kind of the local pattern on LcP and that, topped with a crappie minnow, has been the ticket as of late. Neon green or yellow jigs also are a favorite here. Also, the bite has been best at nite, from about 9 p.m. until about 1 or 2 in the morning. You’ll pick some up on rattle wheels at all hours of the nite.

Ellingson owns the Watson Hunting Camp and Bar on Lac qui Parle Lake. Get a hold of him at www.watsonhunting.com or (320) 269-9136.