Ice fishing in the Park Rapids area is in full swing—as long as you are walking or using a small ATV. The
ice varies in thickness greatly (3”-7”) so you must be cautious. Remember, ice is never 100% safe!
Especially now that there is quite a bit of snow on the ice acting as an insulator, even with the cold
temps, ice formation will be slow. However, there is plenty of great fishing just a short walk of shore.
The pan-fish and pike are roaming shallow weed beds close to shore. Tip-ups with a lively sucker
minnow suspended 2-3 ft off of the bottom will do the job for the pike. The sunfish and crappies are
found in the same areas—mainly in the 6-10 ft depth range. A small white ice jig tipped with a wax
worm or spike will put fish top side. Walleyes are found on the deep weed edge with is still green many
times in the 13’-20’ depth range. A simple jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head has been
productive. Lotsa Fish! Lotsa Fun! Minnesota Fishing Guide Service 218-732-9919,
www.minnesotaguideservice.com www.minnesotaicefishhouserental.com Captain Josh Hagemeister