Colby Bozovsky pictured with a 13.5″ perch caught in the Park Rapids Area a few days ago.
Report submitted by Smokey Hills Outdoor Store
December 16, 2015
Ice conditions are shaky in the Park Rapids area. Lakes such as Fishhook, Long Lake, and Potato are still open enough to launch a boat! Some of our smaller lakes have anywhere from 3-6 inches of ice. These lakes include Portage Lake, Straight Lake, Lower Twin Lake, and a few of the Crow Wing Chains. The Minnesota DNR is recommending that people stay off the current ice until the conditions improve. Remember that no ice is “safe ice” and if you plan on venturing out on the lakes, seek the help of a local guide, wear a life jacket and bring the proper safety gear such as ice picks. Here is a fishing report for those of you willing to head out on to the “hard water”:
Walleye- Hovering in shallower parts of most fishable lakes in 6-12 feet of water. Jig the Northland Tungsten “Silver Spoon” in either 1/4oz or 1/8oz paired with a minnow head for best luck! Or the New VMC “Fastgrip Octopus” Triple Barb live bait hook with a rainbow or shiner minnow for best chance on snagging that wall hanger.
Bluegills- Anywhere from 5-10ft of water around taller around any standing structure. A few hot lure this ice season so far have been The VMC “Tungsten Fly jig” or the Northland “Tungsten Larva Fly jig” Either paired with a Crappie minnow or Wax worm for best results!
Crappie- In somewhat the same location as bluegills around that 8-16 feet with the tall standing structure like weeds. Rig up a VMC “Tungsten Tubby” jig or Lindy “Tungsten Toad” paired with either a crappier minnow or wax worm for your best chances on filling the bucket!
Check out our full Ice Castle inventory at SmokeyHills.com!