Jim McDonnell
02-12-2003, 10:14 AM
Ice conditions are good on most area lakes with the exception of the east side of Big Spirit Lake. Holes and thin ice are the norm from Reeds Run north. The ice pack on the west and north side of the lake is solid. I would travel by foot, ATV or snowmobile and don't be wandering around the lake after dark.
The perch bite continues on Big Spirit. You still do alot of sorting to get a mess of 10 inchers. I often see small perch thrown out on the ice pack. Why? These little guys are the future of our perch fishing.
Buckshot Rattle Spoons, with a dropper and gold hook tipped with a wax worm, is a good lure choice. As is a Pilki or Fire-eye grub tipped with minnows or whigglers.
The grade on Big Spirit is producing good panfish action in the old lilly pad area. Anglers Bay also has a sporadic bludgill bite.
West Okoboji's Millers Bay is producing nice bluegill and a few crappies, along with largemouth bass and northern pike. Many northern pike are taken on Frabills Pro Thermal Tipups, with a chub or shiner. Keep in mind that the season for northern pike, muskie and walleye closes at midnight February 14th on West Okoboji, East Okoboji and Big Spirit Lake.
Minnewasta has a fair bluegill bite. For gills it is a good idea to downsize tackle. Try 2# XL Trilene, micro lures and a spring bobber attached to a Genz Lightning ice rod.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, outdoor writer, and avid hunter and trapper in the Iowa Great Lakes. 712 933-5532.
The perch bite continues on Big Spirit. You still do alot of sorting to get a mess of 10 inchers. I often see small perch thrown out on the ice pack. Why? These little guys are the future of our perch fishing.
Buckshot Rattle Spoons, with a dropper and gold hook tipped with a wax worm, is a good lure choice. As is a Pilki or Fire-eye grub tipped with minnows or whigglers.
The grade on Big Spirit is producing good panfish action in the old lilly pad area. Anglers Bay also has a sporadic bludgill bite.
West Okoboji's Millers Bay is producing nice bluegill and a few crappies, along with largemouth bass and northern pike. Many northern pike are taken on Frabills Pro Thermal Tipups, with a chub or shiner. Keep in mind that the season for northern pike, muskie and walleye closes at midnight February 14th on West Okoboji, East Okoboji and Big Spirit Lake.
Minnewasta has a fair bluegill bite. For gills it is a good idea to downsize tackle. Try 2# XL Trilene, micro lures and a spring bobber attached to a Genz Lightning ice rod.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, outdoor writer, and avid hunter and trapper in the Iowa Great Lakes. 712 933-5532.