Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report February 20, 2025

"Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing continues to be good for many anglers as cold temps remain. Several large lakers were caught this last weekend in 30 to 50 feet of water. Blade baits, bucktails and tubes all produced trout. Tip ups tipped with a dead smelt or small minnow also was effective on lake trout this last weekend.

Stream Trout - Splake continued to be a popular catch for many anglers this last week. Anglers have been finding them between 20 to 40 feet of water. Small tubes, soft plastics and dead minnows, tipped on a small jig or jigging spoon have been very effective on Splake.

Rainbow trout have also been a popular catch for anglers this last week. Rainbows have been running a little deeper in 40 to 60 feet of water. Small bug flies, tipped with a wax worm or dipped in scent, have been very effective at getting rainbows to bite.

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to be slow but steady which is normal for mid February. Less active minnows like chubs, deadsticked on a rattle reel, continue to be the most popular and effective way to catch walleyes. 12 to 18 feet of water continues to be where the majority of walleyes are being caught.

Eelpout - Eelpout continue to show up in anglers' catches, day and night. Anglers fishing for lake trout have been finding eelpout out on humps that top out in 15 to 30 feet of water, surrounded by deep water. Walleye anglers have also been catching eelpout in shallower water and near river mouths in 10 to 20 feet of water. For both locations, heavy bright glowing jigs loaded with smelt chunks and pounded on the bottom has been very effective." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358

Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism February 18, 2025

"Ice fishing remains strong across Big Traverse Bay, along the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Most resorts and outfitters are reporting great action on both walleyes and saugers. Ice thicknesses continue to build, making this one of the best ice travel seasons in recent years. If you're fishing on your own, be sure to bring an extension for your ice auger, as ice thickness is significant.

Some of the plowed ice roads are now extending over 19 miles out, which is necessary for staying on productive schools of walleyes and saugers. Most fish houses are positioned over deep mud, while some remain on or near structure. As always, it's fishing, but February has been highly productive for most anglers. It's Lake of the Woods, be prepared to catch some small fish along the way. This also shows the health of the fishery.

The extended ice fishing season length on Lake of the Woods means there are still plenty of opportunities. Ice fishing houses are allowed on the ice through March 31, 2025 and both walleye and sauger fishing seasons remain open through April 14, 2025. Northern pike fishing never closes, and with thick ice, conditions are shaping up well for good late-season action.

Current Fishing Depths & Patterns: Most fish are being caught in 26 to 32 feet of water. Anglers are catching walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout with some pike, tullibees, and crappies mixed in. Watch electronics for suspended walleyes. Many are reporting plenty of fish for fresh fish fries with extra to bring home.

Best Techniques: The one-two punch of using one jigging line, along with a deadsticking line continues to be the go-to strategy. Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head are producing consistent bites on the jigging rods. Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap-style lures are also working well. Lures with a built-in light have been effective in the stained water. Reminder: In Minnesota, lighted lures are legal, provided that any battery is mercury-free and the hook is attached directly to the lure (not on a dropper line).

On your dead sticking rod, use a plain hook or small jig with a live minnow, set 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, is catching many of the neutral or less aggressive fish.

Bite windows vary daily. Some days, mornings are best, while other days, afternoons produce better. Walleyes can move through at any time, so staying patient and paying attention to electronics is key.

On the Rainy River, mornings and evenings continue to be the most productive times for walleyes. A jig and minnow or jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head has been the most effective presentation.

Sturgeon fishing has been good by anglers targeting them. (Reminder: The current sturgeon season is catch-and-release.) Safety Note: While ice conditions on the Rainy River are good, they can vary significantly due to the current. Always check with resorts or outfitters before heading out.

Up at the Northwest Angle, ice fishing remains excellent in the islands region of Lake of the Woods. Resorts continue to move fish houses, keeping guests on active schools of walleyes. Anglers are catching a solid mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees.
Big crappies are being caught just over the border in Canada. If you're interested in targeting crappies, check with a NW Angle resort for guide services and ice conditions." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

February 17, 2025 "Appearance F-M Walleyes Unlimited Thursday February 20, 2025"

I’m excited to let you know about my upcoming appearance at the annual meeting of the Fargo Moorhead Walleye Club event this Thursday, February 20, 2025.

The F-M Walleyes Unlimited, Inc., was inducted into the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame in 2023, North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame in 2015 and the US National Fishing Hall of Fame way back in 2011. Over the years, I’ve known about the club, been familiar with some of their members and have had many friends go over and speak at their events. For me though, this Thursday will be my first ever speaking engagement at the F-M Walleyes Inc., in fact my first ever visit to one of their club events.

The F-M Walleyes Unlimited website offers this announcement. “Annual Meeting and Chili Feed, featuring Jeff Sundin. We are pleased to host MN Hall of Fame Guide Jeff Sundin!
For over 40 years, Jeff has guided thousands of multi-species anglers earning the title of Minnesota's Best Fishing Guide. Jeff’s seminar titled, “Better Angling through Inward Facing Technology,” will make us all better anglers with the tools we already possess.
Just like all our meetings, the February member meeting will be free and open to the public. Board member positions to be voted upon (see below for more information). 2025 Membership Cards will be available at the meeting!”

Recently, I got together with Scott Brewer and Kyle Agre on their "Gone Outdoors" podcast and offered more information about my talk. In a nutshell, we'll be looking at our instinctive connection to fish, water and environment. I'll offer my personal guidance about how I've learned to be a better angler by tapping into the instincts bred into us from the beginning of time. You can hear more about the upcoming event by following this link to the Brewer, Agre podcast >> "Hall of Fame Fishing Guide Jeff Sundin Previews FM Walleyes Unlimited Appearance".

I hope to see you this Thursday, February 20th at 6:00 PM, Ramada Inn, 3333 13th Ave, Fargo ND for the Fargo Moorhead Walleyes Inc. Annual Meeting. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X

Wired2Fish February 17, 2025 "The Truth Behind the 41 Pound Bag on Sam Rayburn"

"On Feb. 8, Riley Harris and Luke Potter put together a day on Sam Rayburn Reservoir that their great-grandchildren will likely be talking about someday. Teaming up to try their hand against more than 150 other boats in the first event of the 2025 Texas Team Trail, Harris and Potter boated a five-fish limit worth 41 pounds, 9 ounces. Their haul was a full 16 pounds-and-change heavier than the second place team, with 25 pounds, 4 ounces.

On Feb. 8, Riley Harris and Luke Potter put together a day on Sam Rayburn Reservoir that their great-grandchildren will likely be talking about someday. Teaming up to try their hand against more than 150 other boats in the first event of the 2025 Texas Team Trail, Harris and Potter boated a five-fish limit worth 41 pounds, 9 ounces. Their haul was a full 16 pounds-and-change heavier than the ..." Read Article and Learn More >> The Truth Behind the 41 Pound Bag on Sam Rayburn

Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report February 13, 2025

"Lake Trout - Lake Trout fishing has remained on the good side as cold temps settle into the area. Many anglers reported seeing good numbers of lakers this last weekend and many anglers came home with trout. Lakers were being seen in a little bit shallower than normal. 20 to 40 feet of water. Blade baits, spoons, bucktails and tubes all accounted for trout. If lakers didn't hit any of those baits, small to medium size shiners often sealed the deal.

Stream Trout - Splake were a popular catch this last weekend for many anglers looking for stream trout. Splake were often found on flats in water depths of 15 to 30 feet of water. Bucktails, blade baits and small jigging spoons tipped with a wax worm or dead minnow. Anglers also caught rainbow trout, often while targeting Splake. Smaller jigging spoons tipped with wax worms was the best way to catch them.

Walleye - Walleye fishing continues to improve for many anglers spending nights out on the lake. Deadsticking chubs with bright glowing glow demons have been the most effective way to catch walleye during the overnight hours. Depths continue to be shallow in 12 to 16 feet of water.

Eelpout - Anglers continue to see more and more eelpout show up in their overnight catches. While many are catching them in the sleeper houses placed in 12 to 16 feet of water, deep locations out around humps in 20 to 40 feet of water have been more consistent for catching. Bright glowing spoons loaded with smelt chunks or minnow chunks are popular, but bright glowing tubes are also very effective on eelpout." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358

Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism February 12, 2025

"Ice fishing remains strong on Big Traverse Bay, spanning across the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Resorts and outfitters are staying on top of nice schools of walleyes and saugers with ice roads extending up to 16 miles out. Many of the fishing shelters are positioned over deep water and mud bottoms and most fishing activity is taking place in 26 to 32 feet of water. Some of the rental shelters, depending on resort's specific operating areas are on structure like deep points or reefs.

Extensions are being used on ice augers as the ice continues to thicken. The thick ice this year will be good for the extended ice fishing season Lake of the Woods enjoys with fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31, 2025. The open season for walleye and sauger remains open through April 14, 2025 and the northern pike season never closes.

Overall, February has been very productive for most anglers, but it is mid-February, and there are periods of slower action mixed in. Anglers are finding a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers, with a good number of jumbo perch in the mix this year. Some big eelpout are also showing up. Anglers are reporting plenty of fish for fresh fish frys and usually extra fish to bring home. Some days, mornings are better, other days, it's the afternoons. There is no distinct pattern, they could come through at any time.

The one-two punch of a jigging line and deadstick is the way to go. On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head have been consistent. Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap style lures also doing well. Lures with a light have been working well in the stained water. Please remember, in MN, lures with a light or water activated light can be used as long as the battery is mercury free and the hook is attached directly to the lure and not as a dropper line. On the deadstick, a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom.

On the Rainy River, the start of the day and end of the day have been best for those targeting walleyes on the river. A jig and minnow or a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head is also producing some fish. Some big sturgeon being iced by ice anglers targeting them. It is a catch-and-release sturgeon season currently.

Although ice conditions on the river are good, they can vary significantly due to the current, so anglers should always consult local resorts or outfitters for the most up-to-date safety information and fishing advice.

Up at the Northwest Angle, ice fishing has been strong in the islands area of Lake of the Woods. Resorts continue to move their fish houses around, staying on the best schools of walleyes. Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, and jumbo perch with an occasional pike or tullibee as well. Big crappies are still being caught just over the border. Fish houses are available, check with a Northwest Angle resort for info on crappie fishing.

Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses on the ice through March 31, 2025 and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14, 2025. Perch, crappie, and pike seasons remain open year-round." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

Wired2Fish February 12, 2025 "Pro Fishing Legends: Where Are They Now?"

"Do you ever wonder what some of the legends of the pro bass fishing game are doing now that they’ve retired? They follow the same retirement plan that many retirees do. They go fishing.
Wired2Fish tracked down seven of the all-time greats of the game and we found out what they are up to.

Roland Martin, one of bass fishing’s pioneers, just can’t quit. At age 84, he still guides on Florida’s Headwaters Lake and Lake Okeechobee for the hefty sum of $1,500 per day. And he’s still in demand. “People want to catch that bass of a lifetime, and I can help them with that,” said Martin, who still lives in ..." Read Article and Learn More >> Pro Fishing Legends: Where Are They Now?

News Release February 11, 2025 "Minnesota DNR Fisheries Rulemaking | Proposed Fishing Gear Rules"

"The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking for the public to comment on proposed rules about fishing methods that, if adopted, would go into effect in March 2026.

The rules propose increasing the maximum allowed distance between hooks in tackle configurations with multiple hooks from 9 to 18 inches. The rulemaking also allows for the use of certain automatic hook-setting devices for ice fishing that currently are not allowed and includes clarification of the definition of “hook.”

These changes would allow anglers to use a wider range of commercially available products and be more practical for bait commonly used. The changes are anticipated to reduce the number of swallowed hooks and deep hook sets, thereby decreasing hooking mortality without posing a threat to conservation.

Comments can be submitted through Thursday, March 20, 2025 by email to bethany.bethke@state.mn.us opens in a new browser tab or mail to Bethany Bethke, Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator, Fish and Wildlife Division, Minnesota DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155."

Editors Note: The image upper left, courtesy In-Fisherman, links to an October 2017 article about automatic hook setting devices for ice fishing. The specific products depicted may, or may not be under consideration in the rule change process. For more details aboiut specific lures, and fishing gear under consideration follow this link. >> More Information, including the proposed rule language and contact information for comments, is available on the fisheries rulemaking page of the DNR website.

News Release February 2025 "Mille Lacs Lake Fisheries Advisory Committee | Meeting Set For February 18, 2025"

"The Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee (MLFAC) will meet from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Izaty’s Resort (8383 Izaty’s Rd, Onamia, MN 56359) and via online video conference. The agenda will cover winter creel survey updates, an update on the multi-year plan discussion with the 1837 bands, an update on the fall night ban, and a discussion on regulations for 2025.

Members of the public may observe MLFAC meetings, but these meetings serve primarily as a way for the committee to hold group discussions. Ten minutes are reserved for public comments and questions. For the upcoming online meeting, members of the public who wish to observe the meeting or speak during the public comment period should contact millelacs.fisheries@state.mn.us by Tuesday, Feb. 18, at noon. Meeting minutes will be posted after the meeting on the Mille Lacs Lake management page.

Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Mille Lacs Lake area fisheries office by email at millelacs.fisheries@state.mn.us or by phone at 218-429-3031 or using your preferred Telecommunications Relay Provider.

The committee has been active since October 2015. Its purpose is to advise the Department of Natural Resources on the State of Minnesota’s fisheries management program for Mille Lacs Lake.

For more information about DNR’s management of Mille Lacs Lake and how to get involved, visit the Mille Lacs Lake management page. To sign up to receive these email updates, click on “Newsletter” on the left menu and enter your email in the blue box on the page."

Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report February 6, 2025

"Walleye fishing has steadily improved this last week. Anglers have mainly been catching quality walleyes in 10 to 16 feet of water, overnight, in their sleepers. Less active minnows like chubs have been the bait of choice for successful anglers. Glow demons in orange or green have been the colors to use.

Lake Trout - Lake Trout fishing was good for many this last week. Anglers reported catching trout in 30 to 40 feet of water. Flats and sunken islands have been the best areas to target for lakers. Blade baits, bucktails and tubes in silver, blue and chartreuse have been very effective on lakers. Suspending a sucker 5 to 10 feet off the bottom, under a tip up, has also been effective.

Stream Trout - Splake were a popular catch this last week for many stream trout anglers. Salted crappie minnows or gulp minnows, tipped on a small tungsten jig or jigging spoon, have been very effective. Key depths for Splake have been 20 to 40 feet of water. Rainbow trout have also been biting for many anglers. Small jigs or spoons tipped with wax worms have been effective for them. Key depths for them have been 5 to 15 feet under the ice over 10 to 40 feet of water.

Eelpout - Eelpout continues to pop up in anglers catches. 6 to 12 feet of water continues to be the depth anglers are finding them. Heavy spoons, loaded with minnow chunks and pounded on the bottom, have been very effective. Area anglers have been finding them near river mouths and shallow rocks." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358

Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism February 6, 2025

"Ice fishing is still going strong throughout Big Traverse Bay on the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Some ice roads are now extending more than 16 miles out, with over two feet of ice reported in most areas. Resorts and outfitters continue increasing weight limits.

As a rule, fishing continues to be very good with consistent action for anglers. Most anglers are targeting deep mud with others fishing structure if available where they are going out of. There are fish in both areas. Most fishing activity is taking place in 26 to 32 feet of water. Anglers are finding a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh fish frys and bring fish home.

On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head have been consistent. Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap style lures also doing well. On the deadstick, a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom. Don't lose patience because you never know when the fish will move through the area you're fishing. Anglers fishing the entire day normally have success. Electronics are a big help as well.

Although ice conditions on the Rainy River are good, they can also vary significantly due to the current, so anglers should always consult local resorts or outfitters for the most up-to-date safety information and fishing advice.

On the Rainy River, the morning and evening hours are the best for fishing walleyes. A jig and minnow combination has been a good presentation. A jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head is also producing some fish. Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is still producing some big fish through the ice. There are two sturgeon seasons on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, a catch and release season and a harvest season in which you can keep one fish per calendar year.

The harvest season for sturgeon runs from April 24, 2025 thru May 7, 2025 and again beginning on July 1,2025 thru September 30, 2025. The catch and release season runs from May 8, 2025 thru May 15, 2025 and again from October 1, 2025 thru April 23, 2026.

Up at the Northwest Angle, ice fishing remains good. Resorts continue to move their fish houses staying on fish. Some fish houses are set up on structure while others are targeting deeper mud flats.

Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees. Good numbers of big crappies are still being caught in select areas and hard sided fish houses are available to target them. Check with a Northwest Angle resort for info.

Jigging one line, deadsticking the second is effective. Some days the jigging line is hot, other days the deadstick. Some good colors have been gold, glow red, glow white, wonder bread, pink, chartreuse and orange.

Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses on the ice through March 31, 2025 and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14, 2025. Perch, crappie, and pike seasons remain open year-round." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

Wired2Fish February 6, 2025 "Electrified Kayak : Old Town Sportsman BigWater"

"In my humble opinion, striped bass might just be the perfect gamefish. They eat everything from invertebrates nearly invisible to the naked eye up to 15-inch baitfish. This means you can catch them on just about any type of gear you desire, from flies and light tackle to heavy trolling setups. Among my favorite ways to chase them is with spinning rods; the kind you might use for largemouth. In my mind, there’s no better sport than a 28-inch striper ripping drag as the reel screams.

Another cool thing about stripers is the variety of habitats they utilize. Depending on the season, you can find them in extreme shallow waters with depths measured in inches or ..." Read Full Article and Learn More >> Electrified Kayak : Old Town Sportsman BigWater

Jeff Sundin February 6, 2025 "A Night with the Pros" | MN Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame

"A passion for fishing, bred into us for generations gives us a common bond. Today, anglers head outside to “test our luck” on fishing lakes and streams all over the state.

The reward for our pursuits varies, for some, only participation in the highest forms of competition while deploying the latest technology is good enough. For others, standing on the bank, hoping for a bobber to go down is equally rewarding. For most of us, happiness lies fishing somewhere between.

It is rewarding to me, to remember the history of fishing in Minnesota. Honoring where we came from, and at the same time, paying attention to where we’re headed. Minnesota’s Fishing Museum, and Fishing Hall of Fame offer a connection between the two. I wholeheartedly support the Minnesota Fishing Museum, and the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame. I’d love it if you would ..." Read >> "A Night with the Pros" | MN Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame 2025

Wired2Fish February 6, 2025 "Pike Using Saltwater to Invade More Habitats in SC Alaska"

"Invasive northern pike are expanding their territory in Alaska by using salt waterways to invade new freshwater areas in the south-central area of the state, according to a study recently published by the journal PLOS ONE titled, “Estuarine dispersal of an invasive Holarctic predator (Esox lucius) confirmed in North America.”

The study says that University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers working with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) discovered the spread of the invasive northern pike by analyzing small ear stones called otoliths from fish caught in the region. This is the first documented proof that pike are using estuaries where fresh water mixes with ocean water to colonize new territories.

The otoliths have a unique composition of strontium isotopes in their layers, which can ..." Read Article and Learn More >> Pike Using Saltwater to Invade More Habitats in SC Alaska

February 2, 2025 "Grand Rapids Trout Fishing"

Happily, I graduated recently from my so-called “recovery period” from a minor surgery. Since then, we’ve been thinking about ice fishing, and the kids have been lobbying for a trip on the ice too. Even though I’ve been freed from lifting restrictions, I didn’t want to tackle too much of an expedition. And since Ryder, our youngest grandson was coming along on the trip, there was an extra level of consideration regarding “ease of access to the lake.

Our kids, Joelle and Patrick love to fish for trout and that idea sounded fine to us. So, after researching a few possibilities, we settled on a nearby Grand Rapids area lake with relatively easy access, and a good supply of trout stocked by the DNR Fisheries.

When we set out on the journey, conditions were favorable, the breeze was light, and the air was dry. By the time we made it onto the ice, the wind was picking up and the skies were turning darker. Pat quickly set up the fishing shelter, and got the heater going and then he, and I started exploring. My target depth range was 10 to 15 feet, that’s been my best depth in the past. Of the holes I drilled, my first one was “the best”, I had an active fish appear on the screen almost immediately.  It raced up to my lure, took a quick swing at it but then disappeared.

Meanwhile, I was chatting with an ice fisherman when his fishing partner stuck his head out the door holding a respectable rainbow trout. Cool, I thought, we’re in the right neighborhood, and with luck, maybe we’ll have a good day. I moved a further down the shoreline, drilled a couple more holes and not long afterward, I experienced another “drive-by”. A trout faced up again, almost struck, then disappeared.

From outside the hub, Pat and I heard Joelle say that she had hooked a trout. The rainbow pictured here is the one she caught, another respectable trout, and another glimmer of hope for a productive day. But as we explored, the winds picked up, and no trout came to the holes Pat, and I were fishing. The cold winds finally drove us inside the tent, and there, playing with Ryder, eating hot dogs and staying warm became the primary mission. Snow started falling too, and that reinforced the “new” fishing plan.

The fish Joelle caught earlier turned out to be the only catch of the day. She caught it on a green flutter spoon, fishing in a depth of 21 feet. I know, it doesn’t exactly sound like a high-level fishing trip, but that’s okay, that’s the way it worked out. Besides, I don’t recall anyone bumming out about the catch rate, I think we were all happy just to be there. We can worry about the fishing again next time we go out.

My only regret is that nobody rigged up a comfy chair in front of the heater and tucked me in for a nap. I guess there’s a certain advantage to being 8 months old! — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email

Maps and Charts 101 | "NEW FishRapper Angling Education Section"

Interpreting the information contained on paper maps and interactive electronic charts was a topic brought up in a recent reader question. In a nutshell, the reader asked where he could find basic information about definitions that outdoor writers, television hosts and other "pro-anglers" use in their reports. Answering those questions led to a week-long project aimed at helping define common terms like breaklines, bars, points and weedlines.

Those individual Q&A replies are now consolidated ito a new FishRapper web page called "Mapping and Charting 101". With the launch of that page, a completely new section of the website "Angling Education" was born. The new section will expand as we add more fishing articles, videos and fishing reports aimed at answering the basic "How-To-Questions" that anglers, new to the sport will find helpful.

As always, your questions and comments are invited, so don't be shy! — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X

Wired2Fish January 28, 2025 "How to Catch More Crappies During Winter Months"

"Jack Uxa of Jack’s Guide Service on Lake of the Ozarks shares advice for finding and catching winter crappies on reservoirs. During the colder months, crappies tend to group in larger schools and hold in areas longer, making them easier to target. With the right approach and gear, anglers can experience the finest crappie fishing of the season.

HOW TO LOCATE WINTER CRAPPIES: Winter crappies gather near main lake points, docks, and brush piles. Uxa explains how to find these schools using forward-facing sonar while maintaining the proper distance to prevent spooking the school and make effortless casts. He then discusses where to ..." View Video and Learn More >> How to Catch More Crappies During Winter Months

You Are Invited To Become A Duly Deputized Fishrapper Cub Reporter Too!

If you've been waiting for a gold engraved invitation to participate in the daily reports, then stop waiting and consider this your own personal invitation.

Helping your fellow fishermen and women stay abreast of fishing conditions in your area is good for everybody and it's easier than you think! You don't have to write a book, you don't have to share your secret fishing spots and you don't even have to mention your lake. But even a few words about general trends, seasonal patterns and local weather conditions can really help.

Be like me, become a duly deputized "Cub Reporter", it's good for fishing! Contact Us or if you prefer to be "social", Fishing Reports Minnesota, the Facebook counterpart to this page is open to the public, so you can post your own fishing update or just share a photo of a nice catch.