Ice Fishing

Park Rapids Area Fishing Report March 2nd, 2009

Although the season for walleye, northern and bass officially closed over a week ago, anglers have been out on the lakes in quantity, searching for perch, bluegill and crappie. And if you're looking to catch those species, the Park Rapids area is definitely the place to be.

Anglers are catching crappie both shallow and deep at this time. On some lakes, the crappie are cruising deep water environments looking for schools of minnows and plankton. Those deep water fish typically are more active toward evening and after dark. Small crappie minnows suspended high in the water column have caught the greatest number of fish this past week.

On other lakes, crappie relate to shallow to mid-depth vegetation. Look for cabbage weed and coontail clumps growing along steep drop-offs in the 12-16 foot range. Both crappie minnows and tiny ice jigs tipped with a waxworm have done well. Those wanting to keep their hands warm by re-baiting less often are turning to Berkely GULP! maggots and Northland Tackle Blood Worms, both of which do a wonderful job of fooling big crappie without the addition of live bait.

Bluegill action has been excellent, with high numbers of fish in the 9-10 inch range reported. Just like the crappie, the bluegills are inhabiting both shallow and deep water areas. Stop by or call one of the local bait shops for more information as to which lakes are doing the best at specific depths.

Jumbo perch are becoming more active as they beginning feeding heavily to increase the development of their eggs for the spring spawn. The nicest fish have been caught in 16-28 feet using small jigging spoons tipped with either a minnow head or gob of larva.