December 5, 2025 Sundin: "Ice Season Startup, L.O.W. Ice Rescue + More Gift Ideas"
Notices about ice accesses opening to the public this weekend are popping up everywhere. On Lake Winnibigoshish for example, reports of ice thickness ranging from 6 to 8 inches are common. Some resorts and rental operators have announced that they’ll allow foot traffic, along with lightweight ATV access this weekend. Similar reports from Leech Lake,
Some small lakes in the Grand Rapids area have anglers fishing them already, but only the shallowest, most wind protected lakes should be considered. Deep water, or wind exposed areas have been slower to freeze and ice should be allowed to “lock up” for another week or so.
Explore cautiously, because even when the ice looks good, there may be unseen dangers. Case in point, Lake of the Woods, where Lake of the Woods County sheriff’s department was called out to rescue an ice fisherman on Thursday.
The angler entered the ice on foot from Graceton Beach landing where the ice appeared to be safe. Not long afterward, brisk south winds developed, breaking away the ice sheet. Floating north into open water with the ice fisherman on it. Sheriff’s boat and water safety officers provided the transport back to shore using their large air boat.
It’s understandable that folks get anxious for good early ice fishing action. Stop and think about it though, the last thing your family wants to hear is that you died during a “hot walleye bite”. Rapidly changing weather conditions are a recipe for ice disaster, so do yourself a favor and play it safe. The best policy is to wait for ice and weather conditions to stabilize before venturing out. 
— Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X
December 5, 2025 Sundin: "More Christmas Fishing Gift Ideas"
As supplies of good quality live minnows become increasingly difficult to ensure, my interest in using artificial lures to catch walleyes has intensified. Some have worked out better than others, but in 2025 I experienced using some really good ones. Today, in the interest of fulfilling yesterday’s promise to share ideas about great Christmas gifts, I want to highlight a few more of them.
Last spring I fished on Upper Red Lake with one of my favorite fishing crews. For me, Red Lake walleyes have always been plenty easy to catch using live bait. But on that trip, we decided to spend a day using crankbaits instead.
At the West Wind Resort, I asked for guidance about some of the best choices for trolling crankbaits on the big lake. They turned me on to one of their top choices, Berkley’s Flickr Shads. Now I already had plenty of crankbaits and brought along some of may favorites. Throughout the day, we experimented with several, comparing the effectiveness of various shapes, sizes and colors. Long story short, the recommended Flickr Shads did perform very well, better than most of the others we tried.
You may recall the report from that trip, if not, you can read the full story here >> Upper Red Lake Walleye Report May 15, 2025. On that day we used the #5 size, and if you’re interested in lures for fishing on Upper Red Lake, that would be a solid choice. But if you fish elsewhere, then larger sizes may serve you better. Either way, the Flicker Shad would make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas.
As always, my strong preference is to shop locally and there are plenty of great tackle and bait ops that have these baits on hand. That said, if you can’t find them locally, the I suggest checking out the Berkley website. Not only will they have the lures in stock, but right now, they’re offering discounts for the holiday season too. Follow link to >> Berkley Flicker Shad
Next up on my Christmas list is Suffix 832 fishing line. Over the years, I’ve shunned most of the so-called “super lines” that I’ve used. This line is different from the others, I think. It rarely gets tangled, casts like a dream and for me, has been less prone to blowing around wildly in the wind. While there are still many times that I prefer to use standard monofilament lines, the Suffix 832 is my top choice of “super lines”. I think your favorite angler would be very happy with it too, and it would be an excellent stocking stuffer.
Again, shop locally if you can, but if you can’t use the link to >> Rapala’s website to purchase Suffix 832 fishing line.
Fishing reels are a frequent topic of conversation in my boat and for me, there is only one choice. Pflueger’s President spinning reels are smooth operating, easy to use and above all, durable. Comparable in quality to reels that cost much more, the Presidents have been my first choice for several years now.
If you’re buying a reel for ice fishing, most ice rods will balance nicely with the size 20 spinning reel. For open water fishing with live bait, jig and minnow, lindy rig, or light artificials the 25-size spinning reel will balance best with light, or medium light action rods in the 6- to 6-1/2-foot lengths. Consult the charts for larger sizes they have available for trolling, casting and larger size artificial lures. Follow the link to >> Pflueger Fishing Reels
Here’s an idea for ice fishing and it’s a lure that I cannot live without. It’s Lindy’s Tungsten Toad in the #6 size. My favorite colors are Glow/Pink, and Yellow/Pink for crappies. For perch and sunfish, I love the Orange/Brown color and use it frequently. Most often, we tip these with waxworms, euro larvae and the like, but small plastics can be used effectively too.
Again, shop locally if you can, but if you can’t use the link to >> Lindy’s Tungsten Toad on the Lurenet website.
Okay, I may have a few more ideas in the coming days. But maybe you have questions about unique ideas for anglers on your fishing list. It's easy to to contact me, and I'd be happy to offer ideas for you, just drop me a line. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X
December 4, 2025 Sundin: "Ice Fishing Season Startup" Events on The Radar and Christmas Gift Ideas
If you want to be ice fishing this weekend, you can be. Obviously, folks are already walleye fishing on Upper Red Lake. Less obvious, and likely less visible are folks finding their way onto smaller, shallow water lakes for catching panfish and spearing northern pike. With overnight lows in the single digits, ice is forming fast and new opportunity presents itself every day.
For me, it’s been the “surgery season” and I’ve been sidelined due to cataract surgeries. I got my 2nd one completed about a week ago and now look forward to another week of recovery before I can get too serious about anything outside. Because I sat out most of the deer hunting season, I’m hoping to get the green light on December 11, to hunt the final 3 days of the muzzleloader season. After that, we’ll start drilling holes in the ice in the Grand Rapids area.
During my time off, I’ve been keeping tabs on upcoming events, organizing fishing article ideas and preparing for Christmas. Here are a few current items on the radar screen this morning.
December 4, 2025 MN-FISH World’s Greatest Ice Auction Now Live! More than 70 Packages Available.
“With the ice fishing season already upon us and the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to check out MN-FISH’s World’s Greatest Ice Fishing Auction. This auction is special, with more than 70 items up for bid, including a new Ice Castle wheelhouse, shelters, augers, electronics, clothing, guided fishing trips, vacation stays and much more.
Here’s the best part. All proceeds from the auction will support MN-FISH’s vital mission work in St. Paul and across the state. Already we have secured more than $100 million in state investment back into fishing, but there’s much more to do. So, stop by the World Greatest Ice Auction site right now, check out the great prizes, and bid. Auction Closes December 7th at 9:00 pm. CLICK HERE to join this >> MN-FISH Online Auction running now through Sunday, December 7th, 2025
"The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in Lake Winnibigoshish to share their thoughts on prioritizing future management of the lake, as an initial step in updating the lake’s management plan.
The Lake Winnibigoshish management plan (including Cut Foot, Little Cut Foot and Sugar lakes) is set to be updated over the next two years.
The updated master plan will consider current public values and attitudes about the lake and will be used to guide management of Lake Winnibigoshish fish populations and habitats. It will include management goals, objectives and strategies for the lake for..." Learn More >> December 4, 2025 Lake Winnibigoshish Management Public Comments
Last summer, I offered guidance about some of the fishing gear that provided me, and my customers great success. This morning, I thought it wise to offer up some ideas for fishing lures that will make great stocking stuffers for Christmas.
Remember the story about Tim Meyer, the guy that turned me on to using Eye Candy to catch walleyes and perch on Lake Winnie? The full article rand on September 14, 2025 and maybe this snippet will jog your memory.
“Tim Meyer, owner of Beauty Bay Lodge in Nevis MN was exceedingly helpful, gracious and generous. Meyer not only showed us the lures he and his crew were using but also gave us a small supply of them to try for ourselves. Northland Tackle’s Eye-Candy, Paddle Shad paired with their 1/8-ounce Smeltinator Jig was the lure they had set up. Their method consisted of trolling at about .7 to 1.0 mph while they fished the jigs using an aggressive sweep-fall presentation. “You can’t jig it too hard,” Meyer advised.
Once we got rigged up with the lures, and became familiar with the correct jigging motion, fish began to cooperate with us. As you can see by accompanying pictures, we caught perch, walleye and pike using them."
The setup, a 1/8 ounce SMELTINATOR® JIG , paired with a 3-1/2 or 4 inch Eye Candy Paddletail Shad would make a great Christmas gift. As always, I encourage you to shop locally and get them from a tackle shop or bait store in your hometown. But if you can'd find them there, click here to visit the Northland Fishing Tackle Website, to check out their full lineup of fishing lures, they'll be happy to sell them to you directly.
Tomorrow morning, I'll share a more announcements, along with a few more gift ideas so be sure to check in before you go shopping! — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X
Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Report December 3, 2025
"For folks looking forward to ice fishing at Lake of the Woods, things are shaping up nicely. As you can see in the image from Big Traverse Bay, there is ice forming on bays and along the south side of Lake of the Woods as well. The upcoming weather forecast shows lots of below zero and single digit air temperatures and that will accelerate progress.
As always, ice conditions vary, but hearing good ice reports from Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay. Ice guides are out checking conditions and will share when their ice roads and trails will be opening. They are not open yet.
Some checks have also been done out from Pine Island and Zippel Bay on the main lake (Big Traverse Bay). Again, things are looking good and coming right along. It's not ready yet, but good progress is being made.
On average, day houses normally get out around December 10th, give or take, with spear houses on back bays and some collapsible fish house travel before. Again, every area is different, every year is different and Mother Nature is in control. Resorts and ice guides will make the call. As of now, things are looking good.
On the Rainy River, the majority of the river is ice covered but the ice is still thin, but it is ice covered, stay tuned!
Up at the Northwest Angle, the lake is ice covered, which is great news. The ice is not ready yet. Local resorts and ice guides will keep anxious ice anglers posted with reports soon. Up at the Angle, some resorts open before Christmas and offer ice fishing. Other resorts traditionally open December 26th. Check with your favorite ice fishing resort for details if you want to get out in December.
The cold weather in the forecast is welcomed by resorts, outfitters and ice anglers alike. It won't be long, stay tuned!" — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH
Wired2Fish December 3, 2025 "How to Store Lithium Batteries for Winter"
"As temperatures begin to drop, Wired2fish’s own Nick Dumke walks through how to prepare lithium batteries for winter. Whether you remove them from your boat or leave them installed, Dumke outlines practical MillerTech recommendations that protect performance and extend battery life.
Step-By-Step Storage Tips: When winter arrives, Dumke explains that anglers can safely store MillerTech lithium batteries either in or out of their boats. Around the Wired2fish office, the team often removes batteries when harsh weather or moisture becomes an issue.
Once removed, the batteries are stored indoors on a ..." View Video and Learn More >> How to Store Lithium Batteries for Winter
News Release "DNR keeps walleye limit at three for winter on Mille Lacs Lake"
The walleye limit for ice fishing season on Mille Lacs Lake will remain at three fish longer than 17 inches, only one of which can be longer than 20 inches.
“Mille Lacs’ walleye population is trending in a good direction for both adult and juvenile fish,” said Brad Parsons, fisheries section manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “We’re pleased to keep the current regulation in place for this winter and offer anglers this harvest opportunity.”
For yellow perch, the daily and possession limit will be 10. The change is a shift from last year, which began with a perch daily and possession limit of ..." Read Full Report >> 2026 Mille Lacs Winter Ice Fishing Regulations
More Recent Fishing Reports
Follow on X • Follow on Facebook • Lake of the Woods 12-3 • Lake Winnie 11-13 • Gary Barnard 11-11 • Technology 10-25 • Charts 1-23-25 • MAPS 1-22-23 • Barotrauma Study 1-25-24 • Fish Consumption • Forward Sonar • Panfish Workgroup
News Release November 2025 "DNR invites public input to update of Lake Winnibigoshish management plan November 10, 2025"
"The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in Lake Winnibigoshish to share their thoughts on prioritizing future management of the lake, as an initial step in updating the lake’s management plan.
The Lake Winnibigoshish management plan (including Cut Foot, Little Cut Foot and Sugar lakes) is set to be updated over the next two years.
The updated master plan will consider current public values and attitudes about the lake and will be used to guide management of Lake Winnibigoshish fish populations and habitats. It will include management goals, objectives and strategies for the lake for..." Learn More >> November 11, 20225 Lake Winnibigoshish Management Public Comments
You Are Invited To Become A Duly Deputized Fishrapper Cub Reporter Too!
If you've been waiting for a gold engraved invitation to participate in the daily reports, then stop waiting and consider this your own personal invitation.
Helping your fellow fishermen and women stay abreast of fishing conditions in your area is good for everybody and it's easier than you think! You don't have to write a book, you don't have to share your secret fishing spots and you don't even have to mention your lake. You see, with just a few words about general trends, seasonal patterns or local weather conditions you can help steer your fellow anglers to more gratifying fishing experiences. So, be like Dan and Sean, and become a duly deputized "Cub Reporter", it's good for fishing and that's good for everybody!
Use the Contact Us page, or if you prefer to be "social", use our community page on facebook Fishing Reports Minnesota, that is the Facebook counterpart to this page and it is open to the public, so you can post your own fishing update or just share a photo of a nice catch.