Park Rapids Area Fishing & Ice Report
Submitted by Smokey  Outdoor Store – 12/27/14

Ice conditions are improving by the minute on the Park Rapids area lakes. The ten day forecast predicts below zero overnight temperatures which will add thickness to the ice and make the fish more active. The majority of Fish Hook Lake has ice 11 to 15 inches thick, Island Lake North has 12 to 14 inches, Long Lake East has 11 to 16 inches, Portage Lake has 17 inches of good ice, Belle Taine has 10 to 14 inches and Potato Lake has 12 inches. Peak fishing times have been varying widely depending on the specific lake. Fish Hook Lake has been producing a decent rate of walleye catch at a rather odd time, 1 to 3pm in 10 to 15 feet of water. Upper Bottle Lake has been doing very well from 3 to 6 pm on the flats on the north end in 5 to 10 feet of water. The cold front has the pike very active. Find them snacking on panfish around the cabbage weed beds in 12 to 16 feet of water. KenKatch™ Tackle Company’s “Boss Jig” has been the hottest lure in the cold water for the active walleyes. Stop by the store for lake specific fishing and ice reports. We hope to see you very soon!

Cheyenne Platz pictured with her enormous walleye caught just north of Smokey Hills Outdoor Store on 12/26/14 (Photo courtesy of Smokey Hills Outdoor Store)