Detroit Lakes Fishing & Ice Report: Extended Edition (3/3/24)

The lakes sure look bare, don’t they!  While houses north of Highway 34 can stay on the ice until March 16th, many anglers have safely chosen to remove their houses while they still can.  I urge caution to those north of town, with houses still on the ice.  Once the slush on top of area lakes thaws, it will be much more difficult to remove your house.  

On many lakes the ice is still over two feet thick, but it is thinner near areas of running water.  So, while it is worth fishing right now (the bite is very good), anglers should be mindful of the changing ice conditions.  The (legal) bass bite has been incredibly fun the past week–especially on light panfish equipment!  Just remember to release them.  Bass and bluegills are most active during the daylight hours, while crappies are active when there is low or no sunlight.  Your best bet is a 2”-3” minnow on a deadstick, suspended in the water column. On Little Detroit, the crappies have been more abundant deeper, further away from the weedlines. Regardless of depth or lake, you will find them suspended. Good luck out there and be safe!

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Spring is right around the corner!

Now is the time to book your open water fishing trip and/or pontoon rental from Baxstar Fishing! The calendar is available for guided fishing trips and multi-day pontoon rentals right now. Group lake tours and single day pontoon rental calendars will become available as we get closer to the open water season. You can book by clicking below or you can contact me if you have any questions about your upcoming Spring & Summer plans on the water.