Ballard's - Lake of the Woods, Minnesota

To February We Roll…

Sportsfans!  Hello.  And welcome to the weekly blast here on Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods.

Consistency.  That’s really been the word for us these past few days.

Early last week and toward the weekend we posted some of our best fishing numbers of the season.  Lots of sauger roaming the bottom and some good slot / trophy walleyes hovering at suspended depths.  Overall just a good mix.

From house to house we were seeing, again, “consistent” fishing.  To this I attribute our guides efforts.  They work hard.  They give you the extra advantage of being in the right place at the right time.  We sure can’t make ‘em bite, but we’d like to think we have that ability.

Anyway…  Back to the fishing.  Again as posted last week we continue to roam the flats near the first section of reefs located about twelve miles north of the Lighthouse Gap.  It’s here where we are situated in approximately 34-35 feet of water.  And we are catching fish.

The numbers really spiked on us about last Thursday / Friday.  This was a “pre-front” bite that went gangbusters.  Limits of fish were being caught daily.  If you were here I’m sure you would attest to the great bite and overall fishing atmosphere.  Lots of fun!

From there we kinda dribble our way through the weekend storm on Saturday and Sunday.  The numbers dropped as did the weather which was very predictable.  We still managed a decent weekend and for the most part I saw our visitors heading home with limits of fish after a couple days spent on the lake.  So that’s always a plus.

What’s next?  The word from the lake is that we are continuing to stretch our way north.  Breaking new trail.  Spreading the shacks.  And basically running and gunning to stay on fresh ice and new pockets of fish.  As mentioned previously it’s a guides game.  And I really think this is where our crew shines.

January was a boomer month.  Overall solid fishing.  And a great teaser for what is to come.

If you think back…  The past three or four winters we have seen our best ice fishing action during the months of February and March.  If such is the case this year…  Look out!  It could be a gangbuster season.

Til next week.

Set the hook!