Minnesota guide Brian Brosdahl gives his latest Buzz Bite Report on the ice conditions in Northern Minnesota on November 29th, 2023.
Northern Minnesota: 11-29-2023
We’ve got ice up here in Northern Minnesota, but it is very inconsistent.
Several small lakes near Grand Rapids and the Bemidji area and have as much as five inches of ice, but most have two to four inches.
A few of the small, shallow lakes are accessible and some anglers have started to venture out. The big lakes are still open and will be unaccessible for at least another week or so.
If you are going to head out you can expect to find bluegills and crappies in the shallow weed beds. Look for standing green weeds anywhere from five to fifteen feet of water.
Small spoons and jigs paired wax worms or euro larvae will work great for panfish. During low light periods focus on glow colors and slightly larger presentations.
Anglers can also expect to catch pike and bass in those same weed beds.
Target bass and pike on minnow profile baits like the Rapala Slab Rap or on 1/8-ounce Northland Fishing Tackle. Coffin Spoons tipped with a minnow head.
If jigging presentations aren’t working put out a few set lines rigged with live minnows.
Target walleyes along the first break during low light periods. Set lines and spoons tipped with minnow heads are going to be your best presentations.
If you do plan on venturing out please use extreme caution and make sure to have the proper safety equipment.
- Brian Brosdahl
