Getting ready as open water is about here
So the Storm of the year missed us and now the arctic cold has settled into place and we are making ice instead of melting it, but all is OK as the Rainy River despite the cold is opening and will be very fishable by the time you read this.
Each year anglers travel from all parts of the states in hopes of tackling some of the large walleyes and sturgeon that swim in the Rainy River and the time to get up there will happen from now until April 15th for a chance at a true trophy walleyes and the sturgeon fishing remains good until the end of April typically.
When fishing the Rainy River, there are a number of good presentations that will help in catching those big walleyes. For me I stick with a ¼-3/8 oz Northland Fishing Tackle gumball jig in either pink or Gold and tip that jig with a large 4” white twister style tail and a rainbow chub. When fishing with the jig and minnow trying to stay as vertical as possible will help in keeping that bait in the active zone. Look for breaks, points or corners along the river channel as these areas tend to hold better numbers of fish. There are some nice flat areas that at times hold schools of walleyes but more times then not a small piece of structure will give you the upper hand. Keep in mind the water is very cold and the fish like the bait moved very slow if at all, feed it to them on a silver platter and hang on!
The ice fishing for those still out there continues to improve as we head into last ice. Great panfish reports coming from big and small lakes throughout the Itasca county area. The perch fishing on both Winnie and Leech lake is improving as well. Anglers are finding perch in depths ranging from 8-30 feet, but look for the best bite of the year to happen as we inch closer to ice out in the 8-10 range. When fishing perch or panfish this time of the year, many times one can tip a jigging spoon and aggressively jig it with a minnow head or wax worm and catch fish nearly as fast as one can get it in the water. Before closing, I have to tell you that all the New Sunrise Colter Salmo colors will be at Glens in the next week, they will be the only one carrying them and be sure to get some as the 6 new colors will be a big success for you this summer. You can also order them online at www.glensoutdoors.com.
So with lots of good things happening in our area and we will be hitting the open water before too long. As we get closer to opening day, one can follow what we are doing daily on my website at www.seancolter.com or hook up with me on facebook. Looking forward to another great season and I hope your as ready for it as I am, she sure has been a long winter. Bring on the Spring and some Warmth!
See you out there soon,
Sean Colter
218-244-2954
www.seancolter.com
