First Ice Findings

LOA guides Jeff "Jiggy" Andersen and Chuck Hasse spent a little time over the past few days in search of finding some fishable ice in the area.  After a few cold nights, a scouting mission or two, and a few phone calls they each had plans set in place to head out on their first frozen water adventure of the new season.

With not too many local options to choose from, Jeff and his good friend Jason Mitchell packed up for quick trip to Devils Lake, ND with hopes of getting their fill of super-sized jumbo perch.  It wasn't long after arriving, and they struck gold.  Limits of 11-12" with an occasional fish over 13" thumped the ice all day long, along with an occasional "bonus" walleye from time to time.  What a great way to start the season, hitting the century mark on pig Devils Lake Perch!  Immediately following, they jumped in the truck for the long drive ahead to make their appearance at the St. Paul Ice Show.  Stop in and say "hi" if you see them. You can see and hear more of Jeff's report below:

Meanwhile, closer to home, Chuck set out on Leech Lake to chase some Walleyes under the full moon.  It's very much worth noting that Leech Lake is a little unusual as far as first ice from other area lakes. Walker Bay still remains wide open as of now, but the main lake has been ice covered for the better part of a week.  After checking the ice, enough 4-5" clear ice was found to make their way out to one of Chuck's favorite early ice spots.  As the full moon peeked itself from the horizon, the walleyes turned on with a vengeance.  Many nice slot fish and eaters were pulled from the holes over the next few hours.  They ended up leaving with enough marble eyes for a good size meal, and a few picture fish as well.  Here's a few highlights from the first ice trip from Chuck...

Please keep in mind, no ice is safe ice....no matter what the conditions are.  The MN DNR recommends a solid 4" of clear, solid ice before venturing out by foot.  6+ inches is recommended for atv or snowmobile traffic.  Its also a very good idea to bring a buddy when you make those first few trips of the year. LOA always takes all precautions when making that first ice trip of the season. 

If you would like to get out on the ice with one of our LOA guides, give us a call at 855-LOA-HOOK

 

Last Call for Late Fall

Last Call Fun For the LOA Guide Team

   Through Wind, Rain, Snow or Sleet, a few of us at LOA still refuse to put the boat away for the season.  If you are like me, procrastination and refusal to admit the open water season is coming to an end allows us to get a few extra weeks in of great fall fishing.  This is also a time many of our guides here at LOA get a chance to get out and fish with one another, a chance we do not get too often! 

  
  
    On Leech Lake and Gull, fish are being found concentrated on and along shore breaklines,  as well as in clusters clinging to the last of the remaining weed growth on shallow sand flats.  Presentations have been very simple, a standard 1/8 oz Vegas style Northland jig tipped with a rainbow or big fathead has been taking most fish.  This setup fished vertically at peak times of the day has been the go-to for the late fall fisherman.  The water right now is VERY clear, so early morning and late evening have been the best times for active fish, just as you would fish them through the ice. 

   
   
   
     These last few nice days have been a great opportunity to get out and plant one last echo of those screaming drags into our minds, run stabil through our gas tanks, and simply just enjoy being the only other boat on the lake before winter sets in.  Above all else, it's also been a good scouting tool in the fact we are able to locate some of those haunts that will hold good numbers of fish come first ice. As you already know, the ice season is very near, give us a call at 855-LOA-HOOK and book your next winter ice fishing expedition with one of our LOA guides today!