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I spent a few minutes on the phone this morning with my buddy, Brad Dusenka, at Frankie's Bait. He was quick to report that the panfish bite has been very consistent of late, particularly along the south end of Chisago Lake.

Brad also mentioned that anglers have had tremendous success on Sunrise Lake, catching sunfish and northerns by day and crappies during low-light periods.

If you're looking for near even odds to pick up a few walleyes, look to the area out in front of the Dinnerbel Restaurant. Crappies will also keep anglers busy in this location at times when the walleye bite slows.

Ice conditions are reported to be fine for foot traffic, but be safe out there and use your head.

I'll see you on the lakes.

Dan Brown's weekly outdoor column is brought to you by Frankie's Bait and Marine, in Chisago City, and St. Croix Outdoors, in St. Croix Falls, Wis.

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