Fun in the sun Minnesota style

Although the "1st ice bite" in the Brainerd Lakes Area offers some of the best Walleye fishing action anywhere in the country, the last half of the ice fishing season can be some of the best panfishing action you will ever experience. After mid-January, walleye fishing can be a little challenging if you are not able to stay on the fish every day. However this is when the panfishing really heats up!

If you and your family or friends like catching Crappies, Bluegills, Perch and an occasional bonus Pike or Bass, then the Brainerd Lakes Area is where you want to be! In addition to the panfish bite, another great thing about late season ice fishing is the weather. The sun gets to be very intense by mid-February creating warm days on the ice all the way to "ice out". Talk about some fun in the sun "Minnesota style"! Think about catching a lot of fish while catching some "rays", tossing around the football or softball and hitting around some tennis balls (snow golf).

Oh, and don't forget about the food! Set up the grill, throw on some brats and burgers, set out the lawn chairs and you have just guaranteed yourself a great "on ice party"! Sounds like some great family fun to me, and that is exactly what my family and I will be doing this weekend! Hope to see you on the ice...Don't forget to bring the sun screen!

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Some of the best lakes for late season ice fishing are Round, Upper Gull, Pelican, Edwards, North and South Long Lakes, The Whitefish Chain (Clamshell and Lower Hay) and a host of other small lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Contact any of our great local bait shops for up to date ice conditions and where the best "bite" is.

Professional Angler

Bob Hanson