Weekly Fishing Report: Recent heavy snowfall deteriorates ice conditions for anglers

The ice fishing season is in full swing now. Most folks are fishing in portables as there’s not quite enough ice to be pulling wheelhouses out yet. Snowmobiles and ATVs are being used on many lakes, but make sure you know the ice conditions before heading out. We received a lot of snow this past week, which is not good for the ice-making process because the snow insulates the ice. I’ve already noticed the impact on Lake Bemidji; water is seeping up through the natural cracks in the ice and then slush forms underneath, and that can really make it a mess getting around. Take that into consideration when venturing out. When conditions warrant,...