Pro Fishing Tip of the Week: Scout now for ice-fishing hot spots

Now, in late fall, is the time I start ice fishing … despite no ice.

Anglers should be out now, scouting for first-ice hot spots. Remember last December? No ice, but I was “ice fishing” in my boat in the same areas where I should have had fish house rentals.

There’s a good chance that where you find fish now through November is exactly where they will be when there’s 5 inches of good, walkable ice.

So on that note, plan ahead by finding three kinds of spots: 1) Spots that are close to shore so you can walk to them at first ice. 2) Find additional spots that are farther out for when the ice is thick enough for ATV or snowmobile travel to reach them. 3) Find spots for the mid- to late season, out in the main lake to which you can drive a vehicle.

MORE FISHING TIPS AND FEATURES FROM OUTDOOR NEWS:

Dan Small: Lake of the Woods provides another memorable adventure

Fall is the perfect time for catching bass with crankbaits

Shift your focus, at least a little bit, toward ‘hunting’ for big walleyes this fall

Take advantage of the gorgeous weather now and find your ice-fishing honey holes by using the most efficient scouting tool you have – your boat!

Josh Hagemeister

Years of guiding experience: 36

Favorite lake: All of them (and the Mississippi River)

Favorite fish to catch: Walleyes, crappies, smallies

Hagemeister owns and operates Minnesota Fishing Guide Service. He can be reached at (320) 291-0708, (218) 732-9919, or online at www.minnesotaguideservice.com