Park Rapids, MN Ice Fishing Report for week of December 19, 2022
As many of you know the ice around the Park Rapids area was starting to look great and thickening up fast. On average the local lakes had about 6 to 8 inches of ice, with many of the bigger/deeper lakes having less. Many people driving four-wheelers and snowmobiles out on to the ice. But if you haven’t noticed we have gotten a lot of snow lately…
Unfortunately, the first big snowfall was not just 6 to 8 inches of light snow, but it came in a very heavy and wet form. And since the first big snowfall we have accumulated about another 8 inches of light snow. With all this snow the ice conditions have not been great. With about 8 inches of heavy wet snow, it has created a big layer of slush on top of the 8 inches of ice this has already made travel unfavorable for four-wheelers or vehicles.
Luckily, last Sunday started a cold weather stretch that will continue through the 26th. With this cold weather one could hope that it will freeze the slush that is underneath the top layer of snow. But it could go one of two ways. The slush could freeze completely making the ice much thicker underneath the light snow, which would be ideal. Or we could see where the top layer of snow will insulate the slush just enough where a thin layer of the slush will freeze and the rest that is remaining will be slush. If that happens, it will make it much more difficult to travel across the ice via walking or a four wheeled vehicle. This will also slow down the ice thickening process.
Even with this cold weather stretch, one would think the ice would thicken. That may not be the case since the snow creates insulation to the slush and ice underneath it. So, make sure to continue to use caution when going out on the ice.
On a good note, if you can get out fishing you should find some fish that are hungry. There are reports of Walleyes being found in about 15 to 20 feet on the break lines. Jigging minnows or even dead sticking has been working for many fishermen. If you’re looking for sunfish or crappies, they are still shallow or in deeper holes. Most using a small jig with a wax worm has been found to be most effective.
Come back to the blog next week to find out how the ice is after the cold stretch!
Have a Merry Christmas and maybe sneak in a little fishing!