Yeah I’m not setting my expectations too high, but we just caught a 45″ musky last weekend in 36 degree water on live bait in MN and I can’t imagine just because 5″ of ice forms above their head, they stop eating entirely. I don’t know, I could be wrong and most of the time I am, but I feel like they should be catchable in the first couple weeks of ice and am going to take a couple shots at it.

PS these epic trophy hunts always sound so fun on paper, but when I’m actually out there, I just end up getting frustrated and giving up. So we will see how this goes…

I’m actually in South Dakota. The season doesn’t close here and I think there might be a good window during early ice. Got a few lakes that are starting to kick out 4 footers now.

That’s what I’m afraid of. Hopefully backwater bays and stuff open up so we can at least go for pike. Just gonna have to say a prayer I guess.

I’d love to see Pool 2 be highlighted. We’ve seen several shows on pool 4 and for good cause, but everybody and their brother fishes Pool 4. Highlighting the lights out walleye fishing on Pool 2 would be awesome. Get out there for prespawn eyes maybe?. It won’t hurt the fishery if more people get out there as it is catch and release only and often times pool 2 is a much closer destination for people than trailering all the way down to Red Wing.

Perfect thanks guys. Heading out now. At some point I gotta find them myself huh?

Thanks for the info. That’s been my strategy so far. A lot of computer time. It’s been more driving around and looking for spots than actual baits in the water since I’m new to South Dakota. Looking to soak some baits today, I’ll let you know how it goes.

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the good luck and information I can get. My plan was to swing up to Dakota Angler tomorrow after work and pick their brains for a while. Hopefully I can throw a little game plan together. I don’t know a soul in this town yet and if I can’t make human friends, I might as well try for something with a little smaller of a brain….