Reports, meaning I have talked to people in this area, are that this past week people have been catching a few northerns usings tip-ups in shallow water. The deeper water was still open on alot of the lakes in this area until the cold snap hit Thursday and then the lakes started to freeze up completely. The ice is not yet safe in the deeper parts but is on its way to getting there with the cold temps as of late.
This weekend has seen alot of anglers hitting the area lakes with the ice gaining thickness each day. It is too early yet for much info on the bite but Shields Lake saw alot of fishing as did Mazaska and Roberds Lakes for panfish using the normal techniques for panfish such as ice jigs with waxies as more ice covered areas were available for fishing.
Moving a little further west over to Francis Lake reports say that there has been alot of fishing there on the west end for crappies and even some northerns are being caught. Sounds like the crappie bite is doing pretty well there.
With the high temps being below freezing [32 degrees] and the lows being even lower [some in the teens] yet we should see some good ice making with a good early ice bite shortly. As always becarefull on the ice, have fun catching fish, and please feel free to post about your adventures out on the ice. Thanks, Bill
Thanks for the report Bill.
Gator Hunter