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The cold overnight temperatures we've experienced during the last couple of weeks has created good ice conditions. For ice anglers and outdoor retailers, that is a very good thing. To most folks' way of thinking, we've endured far too many late Decembers held back from fishing by poor ice conditions that didn't allow anglers out on lakes until January.

The reports I've heard during the past week or so have been quite good, along with news that ice conditions are favorable for anglers on foot. A few calls to some area bait shops confirmed that the ice in the bays and channels is anywhere from eight to 13-inches and clear. Of course, deeper water freezes at a slower rate slower than shallower water, so anglers are wisely sticking to typical early-ice crappie and walleye haunts in shallow water areas.

Reports coming out of Mike's Bait in Forest Lake and Frankie's Bait in Chisago City are nearly the same. Whispering Bay and Pancake Island on South Center, Slimmer's Bay (behind the A-frame) and the south end of Chisago Lake are all giving up quick limits of fish. Also, anglers are beginning to venture out in front of the A-frame and reporting good crappie action beginning around 1 p.m., with another good couple of hours of fishing beginning again close to 4 p.m. Also look to the south end of Big Green and out in front of the school on Little Green, as they are top December crappie producer sites as well. Spider Lake was also mentioned as a worthwhile walleye destination.

A #6 or #8 crappie jig, tipped with either a minnow or waxie, under a small float is all you'll need to fool aggressive early-ice fish. Concentrate on water in the 10 - 14 foot deep range as you search for active, roaming schools of crappies. After you get that first fish in the bucket, you can bet there will be plenty more in the immediate area to catch.

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.

Also, don't overlook the shallow bays during the early-ice period. In some cases, these bays get no more than 6-8 feet deep, but they'll attract walleyes like a magnet during the critical 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. time period.

As I mentioned, ice conditions are reported fine for foot traffic, but be safe out there and use your head. The hard-water fishing season has just begun.

I'll see you on the lakes.

If you have comments for Dan or story ideas contact him at e-mail [email protected].

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