WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
December 1, 2005

Is it May yet? Man the onset of Winter is just setting in, and all I can think about is getting out on the open water. I just wanted to let everyone know that I have finally made the decision on next years' boat. To some of you, I know you will be surprised. Yes, it will be a wheel boat. I have ordered a Lund 1900 LE ProV with a 150 Evinrude E-Tec. I am so excited to get it, but I guess it will have to wait.

So with the wait for the open water, I guess we will have to take the next few months and chase those Walleyes on the ice. As I get started with the ice fishing, I will again start sending weekly updates. It will likely be a few weeks until I get out there. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, but the better question might be are you ready for Christmas? Boy my 3-year-old daughter Jordyn is asking daily, "When is Santa going to be here?" I respond with saying as soon as he gets to go ice fishing!

Are you ready for some ice fishing? The time is closing in and many of the smaller lakes already have some ice, but I would not recommend getting out there yet. Looking at the weekly forcast, it shouldn't be long before we will have some fishable ice. If you are excited to get out and plan to, please remember to use extreme caution as the early season ice is ever-changing with even a just a slight warming of the day.

So when we get that fishable ice, where should one go? Winnie is a great choice early. Many of the mid-lake humps and bars produce some of the best numbers during those early weeks of ice. Red Lake will continue to be a favorite, as catching a limit of those slab Crappies is untouchable. Bowstring is a lake known for those Northend mud Crappies, but the Walleyes can bring good action early in the season.

The number one lake on my list is Lake of the Woods. The early season ice near Wheeler Point in Four Mile Bay, and then over Pine Island, is an ice angler's paradise. The fishing can be non-stop action for Saugers and Walleyes. Here a Vexilar and a golden Frostee jig or spoon tipped with a small minnnow or head will make for some fast action.

Lake of the Woods is a great trip for all ages. If you have not made a trip to the Northern border and walleye mecka, try to get up there in late December or early January, you will make it an annual trip once you make the trip.

So as we haed into the onset of Winter, the fishing opportunities start to come upon us again. Again, please use caution if you plan on hitting the ice this next month or at all this Winter. Ice fishing is a great time, but can end in a hurry if caution is not exercised at all times.

Think ICE!

Sean Colter
member of the NMLOG's
www.seancolter.com