Unseasonably warm weather in early January thawed ice on all Pennsylvania lakes, and these reports are all about open-water fishing, mostly for panfish and bass. However, a recent spate of frigid days and nights seemed poised to put safe ice on northern lakes at least.
The fishing outlook for northeast Ohio’s steelhead streams is excellent right now. The Rocky and Chagrin rivers, as well as the Cuyahoga, were giving up their share of steelhead.
Rice’s ability to provide excellent walleye fishing is one of its finest attributes. Annual walleye stocking and adequate natural reproduction combine to maintain a robust walleye population.
Mother Nature delivered exactly what wasn’t needed across most of the state last Friday – more snow and wind. This just added to the poor lake conditions across much of northern Minnesota where angling activity continues to be limited due to deep snow and an amazing amount of slush on many lakes.
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.
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.
Otisco has a solid reputation for producing tiger muskies, and often big tigers, during both the open-water and ice fishing seasons.
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.
Ice conditions are improving, but angling activity has been low due to unsafe ice. Check ice thickness often if you venture out.
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