Minnesota guide Brian Brosdahl gives his latest Buzz Bite Report for Northern Minnesota on December 14th, 2023.
Northern Minnesota: 12-14-2023
Ice conditions continue to vary from lake to lake. From Leech Lake up to the Grand Rapids area small lakes have anywhere from three to seven inches of ice.
The larger deep lakes still need more time and have some spots that are still open.
Anglers 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.
Crappies can also be caught in the soft bottom basins anywhere from twenty-five to thirty feet of water. Most of these fish are going to be suspended a few feet off the bottom.
Small tungsten jigs or small spoons paired with a wax worm or euro larvae will catch plenty of panfish. Plastics are also working well.
During low light conditions the new super glow colors by Northland Fishing Tackle have been working best.
Walleyes can be caught along the first break in ten to sixteen feet of water. Spoons paired with a minnow head are hard to beat.
Look for largemouth bass and northern pike in the shallow weed beds. Suckers minnows and shiners on tip-ups have been the best presentation.
Red lake is kicking out walleyes right now. Spoons tipped with minnow heads have been working great. The best colors by far have been red and gold. Deadsticks and set lines paired with fathead minnows are also producing a number of bites.
A crack did open up recently so check with the resorts before you head out.
If you do plan on venturing out onto the ice in Northern Minnesota please use extreme caution and make sure to have the proper safety equipment.
- Brian Brosdahl
