Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/80912
ICE FISHING DESTINATIONS GRAND RAPIDS MINNESOTA RICK JOHNSON HEA VENS NORTH DAKOTA JASON MITCHELL DEVILS LAKE Jason Mitchell spent an extraordinary amount of time on Devils Lake as a guide with the Perch Patrol Guide Service for over a decade. Devils Lake is a massive body of water that is renowned for enormous jumbo perch, walleye and pike. Mitchell, along with the Perch Patrol Guide Service, was credited with pioneering ice guiding with hands-on education incorporating high quality equipment and mobility. The Perch Patrol has been on the cutting edge of deep basin panfish tactics, understanding fish movements and aggressive fishing techniques for walleye. Theories, strategies and techniques that were developed by the Perch Patrol have been a cornerstone for much of the modern ice fishing revolution. // jasonmitchelloutdoors.com GRANBY RESERVOIR COLORADO BERNIE KEEFE Granby reservoir in north-central Colorado maintains some of the best and most consistent trophy lake trout fishing in the state. Lake trout get all the attention due to an honest shot at fish over 30 inches, with chances at fish up to 30 lbs. A great population of smaller Mackinaws (15 to 20 inches) keeps anglers busy and also makes great table fare. The rainbow trout bite stays strong during early mornings and cloudy days. Kokanee and brown trout also inhabit the reservoir. World- class skiing at Winter Park and Sol Vista add to the attractions in the area, while snowmobiling the surrounding hills also attracts visitors. Other lakes in the area include Grand Lake, Willow Creek and Shadow Mountain reservoirs, giving anglers an entire week of locations to explore. // fishingwithbernie.com 20 ICE TEAM.COM >> THE ICE ANNUAL 7 FAVORITE SPOTS OF THE ICE TEAM PROS Ice fishing is my passion and has been for 35+ years. My favorite fish to catch are bluegills, but I also love catching (and eating) walleye, crappie, perch and lake trout – actually, I just love catching whatever is biting! I have had the opportunity to fish throughout the ice belt, but since retiring near Grand Rapids, I fish frequently (72 days last winter) within an hour or two of home. The Grand Rapids area has some amazing fisheries; my favorites include Winnie, Bowstring, Bass, Ball Club and Leech – big lakes with lots of fish, and lots of BIG fish. And there are hundreds of small lakes in Itasca County. While they can't hold as many fish, the hard work of finding and getting to the small remote lakes can be rewarding. The problem with these small lakes is that once word gets out about them, they get creamed, which is why most avid ice fishermen keep their lips zipped about their hot little lakes! I respect this, but it doesn't keep me from probing when I overhear talk about a hot bite! MINNESOTA JEFF ANDERSEN LAKE OF THE WOODS LOTW is simply a place to catch large numbers and trophies of almost all species that swim in fresh water. With endless amounts of structure of all types, from long expansive sand breaks and rock reefs to river current, it is known as the "Walleye Capital of the World" for good reason. But don't let that title fool you, because it is also home to monster pike, jumbo perch and slab crappies. LOTW should be on your fishing go-to destinations bucket list! // leisureoutdooradventures.com