Pepin Ice

Hey guys,

Did a lot of fishing on Pepin this summer and was thinking it’d be fun to try out the ice there this winter. Does it take a while longer to freeze over than other bodies of water? What’s a good gameplan? Back waters or main lake? I’m not looking for secret spots. Concerned more about safety and am looking for advice from others that have done it. I’m never to crazy about driving the truck out so probably would use my atv to get around. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Ryan

Let us know how you do.

It does freeze later and there are currents that keep the ice thin especially near points. (e.g. I’ve seen current swirling by long point in the summer). There also could be rough fish schooling near the surface thinning the ice. I’d be really careful checking the thickness often if striking out on your own. I’ve gone thru once and Lake Pepin is off limits for me,…makes me too nervous. Backwaters are better but still be careful.

That’s what I was curious about. My folks moved to Lake City and it became a go to spot for me with the boat this summer. My Dad and I could take out my 4 year old and fish and my Mom was loving hanging out with my infant son. Hoping to keep that up this winter on the ice. I was thinking just around Lake City or Frontenac. Not to picky on fish…walleye and sauger are fun but I’m just as happy chasing crappies or even the perch we kept finding this summer. Just want to be safe about it.

The lake proper doesn’t offer a very strong winter fishery anymore. There are a few areas that will hold a few fish. The beach at Frontenac can be good but one needs to be careful of thin ice over the wing dam there, especially with kids along. The beach at Hok-Si-La can be good fishing late in the day when shadows start to fall on the trees. Trailer Point historically was a great place to fish, the up-stream side of the point, but that hasn’t been the case in many years. You may find some fishing downstream from the ramp at Roschen Park….second and third creek areas, but be wary of the ice if you venture down that way.

The lake can toss up some large pressure ridges so be careful near those as the ice can fracture quite a ways away from the fault itself. Open water can be around the cracks as well.

I’d spend my time chasing panfish closer to Wabasha’s backwaters between there and Nelson Wisconsin. The backwaters found below Wabasha and near Kellogg are also good for panfish. Try the marina in Wabasha on young ice for panfish. Wilcox Landing and West Newton areas are pretty consistent panfish producers.

Do yourself a favor and look up the DNR’s website and go to publications. Find the “Mississippi River Guide” and have them send you a copy. Its free and it will show you all of the places I have mentioned to help you get around on the ice but its also a dandy guide for the boat too.

Thanks for the reply Tom. Your information is very much appreciated.