steve Carney
guest writerIt is a well known fact that early ice is the best time for walleye action throughout the state of Minnesota. This early frenzy can be shortlived as the ice fishing legions descend on the hard water hotspots thru Christmas and into New Yearís.
The northern part of Minnesota is making ice as we speak with four to ten inches very common on Lake of the Woods and Leech Lake. The southern part of Minnesota is lagging behind because of the balmy temperatures of November with ice just starting to form on most lakes.
The ìportableî ice fishing shack has continued to increase in popularity with the majority of ice anglers now preferring to tow by hand or machine a plastic-bottomed, tent-like device that is both convenient to set up and light weight. These shacks have evolved over the years to now feature creature comforts such as built in seating, plastic windows and inner aluminum framing. The feature I like best is the ability to stow your ice auger, electronics and fishing gear within the base of the portable shack. Once your gear is stowed inside the portable you have a mobile fishing machine that when pulled by an ATV or snowmobile can go just about anywhere no matter what the snow depth.
Over the years this writer has switched over exclusively to a snowmobile for ice fishing transportation. Never again will I be driving a vehicle no matter what the ice thickness. Too many close calls over the years have convinced me that towing my portable shack with a snowmobile is the safest mode of transportation. The snowmobile has also increased my fishing success as this has allowed me to explore and fish areas that most cars and trucks canít access. I prefer to go fishing where there are no plowed roads and the snowmobile or ATV gives you the ability to strike out and fish in relative privacy. Keep in mind most ìfairweatherî fisherpeople have a tendency to follow the crowds which means following plowed roads is their main method of operation. The successful and consistent ice person always avoids the masses because early season walleyes wonít tolerate crowds or noise. Just think back to the best times on early ice...chances are you were just about alone on a spot and the walleyes were very active. This is no coincidence.
The best time of the winter fishing season is on the doorstep right now. Crank up your sleds, fill the propane heaters, and letís hit the ice for some walleye action that is happening now!
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