Detroit Lakes Fishing & Ice Report (2/24/26)

With walleye and pike season now closed, it’s time to shift our focus to bass and panfish (or tullibee, if that’s your thing). Yes, it is legal to continue fishing for bass, but harvest does not reopen until May 23rd.

Another important date to remember is February 28th — the day your Minnesota fishing license expires. It’s easy to overlook. If you plan to hit the ice in March, make sure to renew before heading out.

The panfish bite has remained steady over the past few weeks. Deadsticks tipped with a small red hook, split shot, and a minnow have produced the most — and the largest — crappies. I run baitfeeder reels on my guided trips, and customers have been putting plenty of slabs on the ice with that setup. We’re marking fish near bottom alongside bluegill, as well as suspended just a few feet below the ice. Wax worms are still effective too, so bring them along.

Ice conditions on Little Detroit are currently very good, but that can change quickly this time of year. Accesses remain firm, and anglers can travel the lake fairly easily by driving over the frozen, flat slush layer that makes up the top 4–6 inches of ice. That said, there are still areas where tires can break through the top crust, so caution is warranted.

It’s important to remember that the sun’s angle and intensity increase daily this time of year, and even slightly below-freezing temperatures can deteriorate cloudy or slushy ice. I recommend reassessing conditions day by day as we move toward the end of the hardwater season.

Thanks for reading this week’s report. If you’re heading out this weekend, stay warm and good luck!

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Last call for ice house rentals! I have one 17' sleeper house available this weekend, and I have day house availability on Sunday. Plus, I still offer guided trips through the middle of March.

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