Yes, there is still ice out on the main lake.

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The next couple days we at forecasted to receive 3-8 inches of snow, which will prolong the ice-out.  it’s looking more and more like a “normal” mid to late April ice-out for us up here.

For those that read Outdoor News, (www.outdoornews.com/minnesota) you should read the March 28th, 2025 edition and read Rob Drieslein’s “Outdoor Insights” opinion piece about FFS and how it possibly lead to the Mille Lacs Perch “blowup” that happened this winter, and the limit reduction because of it.

Those Perch didn’t just magically get big and start biting. Fishermen found them in middle of nowhere spots where they always have been. FFS just made them simpler to find. 40 years ago I would go out on snowmobile, late season, drill and fish, drill and fish, drill and fish.  Sometimes I  got on them, but many times not.  When you have the ability to comb large areas with sonar it becomes much easier.

My only experience with FFS was 40 years ago when the Hinckley DNR fisheries came up to our place during the late season to the Tullibee Hole.  The military had loaned them a forward sonar unit to try. I was able to go with them and watch.  They were locating schools of fish up to 1/4 mile away. under the ice.  There was no resolution of definition with it but it some mass.  I would head that direction, fish and found Tullibee.  Pretty amazing for back then.

There will be alot of discussion about FFS in the future. Until then we will continue to see reduced limits from the DNR. It’s beginning to look like fishing is a “rich man’s” game.

Keep a Tight Line!

Eddy

After watching the ice with hopes of reopening for a little while I decided not to.  We are closed for the season.

Thank You to all of you that patronized our business this season. Cindy, I and the workers really appreciated it.  After going thru a tough couple years, it was nice to have a 10 week season again.  I also want to thank the crew for their hard work in keeping things going out there and keeping our taking care of our customers.

There will be some changes next season as the business evolves, as all do. The need to make the business run more efficiently with rising costs for labor, fuel, insurance, etc. became more apparent as the season unfolded. This business has been around for 70 years, plus for me to make plans for it to continue beyond my time, changes were necessary.

Check out our summer red house rental on the website, (under vacation home).  There is some openings left for this summer and with the Walleye limit at 2/person it should make the trip worthwhile.

See You next Winter!

Eddy

We will remain closed until after the rain/snow storm passes this weekend, and see what is left out there for ice, and decide if it is even worth continuing. The top 4-8 inches of ice is pretty soft and honeycombed but there is still almost 24″ of good ice out there.  It would have to be continued cold and below freezing temps to firm it up.

With the Perch limit drastically reduced, fishermen might not be interested anymore.

Eddy