Ice Reports
I spent a few hours scouting area lakes last weekend just to get out of the house and to get a feel for what others may be doing. It was surprising to me how few people I saw fishing. Parkers Lake in the Plymouth area was completely devoid of anglers for the second time that I have driven by now. This lake usually has considerable traffic by fisherman looking for blue gills and crappies. It also contains a healthy number of large pike. Anyone looking for a place to get away from the crowds on more popular spots may want to give Parkers a try.
Some Minnetonka fisherman have started to drive on the ice. Many are still parking near shore and using ATVs or snowmobiles to go out, but some trucks were all the way out Sunday. As I write this, the thermometer is well below zero so more ice is surely being made. Grays Bay had its normal handful of anglers. Wayzata bay has developed a couple distinct clusters of shacks.
Weaver lake is one of my favorite area lakes. Not only is it close to my home but it often gives up quality fish and has limited pressure, especially during the open water season. During winter however it is not uncommon to see several dark houses and a hand full of portables anytime you drive past the launch. Sunday the lake was deserted. I must admit I was shut out on my first attempt on Weaver this winter so that may explain a lack of fisherman there.
Medicine Lake was by far the busiest area lake. Guys were scattered all over the lake. Bait shop reports say they are catching walleyes but that is typical bait shop talk. Two main clusters of shacks are in the typical areas. The south west arm was loaded with trucks, wheel houses and portables like always. The north east portion of the main basin also has a considerable number of permanent houses. Portables dotted the rest of the lake Sunday.
Monday I took a ride and checked a few lakes in the Alexandria area. 14 inches of ice has people driving on most of the lakes up there. I didn't get any reports on fish being caught but guys were fishing. I also spotted 3 rooster pheasants and one hen. I will have to give Spear a shot at them next fall.
Good luck but don't catch them all.
Sport
Some Minnetonka fisherman have started to drive on the ice. Many are still parking near shore and using ATVs or snowmobiles to go out, but some trucks were all the way out Sunday. As I write this, the thermometer is well below zero so more ice is surely being made. Grays Bay had its normal handful of anglers. Wayzata bay has developed a couple distinct clusters of shacks.
Weaver lake is one of my favorite area lakes. Not only is it close to my home but it often gives up quality fish and has limited pressure, especially during the open water season. During winter however it is not uncommon to see several dark houses and a hand full of portables anytime you drive past the launch. Sunday the lake was deserted. I must admit I was shut out on my first attempt on Weaver this winter so that may explain a lack of fisherman there.
Medicine Lake was by far the busiest area lake. Guys were scattered all over the lake. Bait shop reports say they are catching walleyes but that is typical bait shop talk. Two main clusters of shacks are in the typical areas. The south west arm was loaded with trucks, wheel houses and portables like always. The north east portion of the main basin also has a considerable number of permanent houses. Portables dotted the rest of the lake Sunday.
Monday I took a ride and checked a few lakes in the Alexandria area. 14 inches of ice has people driving on most of the lakes up there. I didn't get any reports on fish being caught but guys were fishing. I also spotted 3 rooster pheasants and one hen. I will have to give Spear a shot at them next fall.
Good luck but don't catch them all.
Sport
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