Heading into the derby weekends things are looking good. We have a cold stretch that should firm up the ice enough that guys start driving trucks. I’m hoping that the thicker ice pushes some fish out of the backwaters and more into their traditional overwintering areas.

As far as fishing goes, nothing new with the bluegill and crappie bite, it remains fair. The northern are definitely getting more active. I think you will see flags popping at the derbies. If you have given up on tip-ups it may be the time to give them another try.

The perch have moved off of the north shore as I suspected and seem to be scattered along the west side of rosebud through the lights all the way down to the tracks. I went out yesterday and the first hole I drilled had fish. A few tips if you are struggling to catch anything. 1) Avoid other people, the perch are noise sensitive and spook easily. I was watching the fish on my electronics and I slid my rod box and they all spooked. Once you find some fish drill your holes and put the auger away. Drilling kills the bite. I had multiple times where I drilled an additional hole and pushed the fish out of the area. 2) Be mobile, don’t setup your operation until you are sure you want to commit to an area. 3) Tip Downs- They work and you can cover a larger area and pattern the fish easier. 4) Avoid other people, I can’t stress this enough. If you pull up on a group and drill some holes most likely you will ruin that spot for everyone.

Stop in for the latest!

Thanks,