As 50+ degree March days and sun rays destroy the ice on top of Minnesota’s frozen lakes, I have to think back on what was another fantastic year on the hard water. Yes, this is an ode to ice fishing. No slush or snow drifts on the ice like last winter. This year allowed 3 trips to the great Devils Lake and 2 Upper Red Lake trips mixed in. But I can’t count out the local trips with my brother or friends. I saw people get their first crappie, walleye, and so much more.
Ice fishing is as beautiful as it is ugly. I saw idiots in my group puking their fucking guts out by 9am from the back of a SnoBear. Puking up booze, pulling heads off minnows for bait, and someone walking to the cattails on the shore to take a shit are all part of ice fishing. I’ve seen AirPods float to the bottom of a lake, precious Busch Light spilled, and even a rod sink down this year. But I will see it next year too.
The thrill of fighting a fish below the ice is always fun. The excitement of it coming through the hole will never go away. The ice around us is going to hell now, and that means the ice fishing season is likely coming to an end. Unless you’re crazy enough to still be out there. Good news is that open water will be here soon. We will have early May crappies ready to bite as well as opening weekend to get some walleyes. Twins Baseball should be on the airways to listen to as well.
As open water season nears, I will do my best to report where the hot bites are. Hopefully you will find yourself on the open water soon. When you catch that limit of fish don’t be afraid to try some new recipes as well. I think we can all agree, ice fishing is something we all needed this year.