Jim McDonnell
11-30-2003, 11:16 AM
West Okoboji and Big Spirit Lake still has alot of open water. East Okoboji is frozen north of Stoney Point and the remainder of the lake is on and off again, depending on the wind. Upper Gar and Minnewasta have a coat of ice as of today. Virgin, Elk and Silver Lakes are iced over and fisherman are starting to edge out. Take care if you decide to venture out, a set of ice picks and a life vest is probably a good option. Just don't head out alone.
Boat ramps can be ice and snow covered so do check them out before backing down the ramp. Once on the lake, a Fireball Jig and minnow or a Roach Rig and chub will get you some action. The lakes are clear, so work 12 to 14-feet and deeper until you find some biters.
There is some muskie action being reported, mostly in the form of follows. Some continued warm weather could turn the follows into biters. You just have to take the time to go.
If you can find some open water on our smaller rivers, you'll pick up some walleye. Cast a Power Grub or have a minnow on a dead stick rig in a bank rod holder.
The Missouri River at Chamberlain still has a walleye bite going. Call ahead to make sure the ramp at the park is open. Work the 10 to 20-foot break lines with a jig and minnow. Go deeper for sauger.
The South Dakota Waubay area lakes are, for the most part, frozen with ice fisherman working their way out where safe ice exists. It sounds like 3 to 5 inches of good ice is the norm.
So put new gas in the Lazer Auger, and make sure it runs, before heading out. Blow the cobwebs out of fuel lines, and put new line on your ice reels. Also check out the new Frabill Shaks at Oh Shucks and all the new ice fishing equipment that is available. If you don't have a Vexilar FL18, you could think about putting it on your Christmas wish list.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter, trapper and outdoor writer in the Iowa Great Lakes area. 712 933-5532.
Boat ramps can be ice and snow covered so do check them out before backing down the ramp. Once on the lake, a Fireball Jig and minnow or a Roach Rig and chub will get you some action. The lakes are clear, so work 12 to 14-feet and deeper until you find some biters.
There is some muskie action being reported, mostly in the form of follows. Some continued warm weather could turn the follows into biters. You just have to take the time to go.
If you can find some open water on our smaller rivers, you'll pick up some walleye. Cast a Power Grub or have a minnow on a dead stick rig in a bank rod holder.
The Missouri River at Chamberlain still has a walleye bite going. Call ahead to make sure the ramp at the park is open. Work the 10 to 20-foot break lines with a jig and minnow. Go deeper for sauger.
The South Dakota Waubay area lakes are, for the most part, frozen with ice fisherman working their way out where safe ice exists. It sounds like 3 to 5 inches of good ice is the norm.
So put new gas in the Lazer Auger, and make sure it runs, before heading out. Blow the cobwebs out of fuel lines, and put new line on your ice reels. Also check out the new Frabill Shaks at Oh Shucks and all the new ice fishing equipment that is available. If you don't have a Vexilar FL18, you could think about putting it on your Christmas wish list.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter, trapper and outdoor writer in the Iowa Great Lakes area. 712 933-5532.