The north and south ends of Lake Bemidji are largely empty this year, with just a few ice houses on the north and south shores.
As a result of all that heavy and wet snow that fell back in December, experts said the conditions this winter have been especially brutal.
As a result of that, the ice doesn’t build up as much, and all that weight forces water through cracks and other natural openings, and then you get a slush, and then with the wind and snow, just getting around becomes nearly impossible,” said Dick Beardsley, of Dick Beardsley’s Fishing Guide Service. “So it’s been a struggle, but you know it makes it a challenge, that’s for sure.”
There is still plenty of opportunity for ice fishing in the Bemidji area, with over 400 lakes within 25 miles of the city. Though temperatures can be quite cold and the bite may be slow-going, anglers have been able to successfully snag some good catches.
According to Beardsley, jumbo perch can be found in Lake Bemidji in waves throughout the day, while walleye typically bite best early in the morning and late afternoon. The ideal ice thickness is 30 inches; however current conditions vary between 15-20 inches depending on where you fish.
