Hookset Fishing

31” mammoth jigging this morning. Biggest one topside this winter.

The past couple weeks on the ice have been a true test of patience.

We’ve been marking piles of fish — screens lit up morning and evening — but getting those walleyes to actually commit has been a different story. It’s been one of those stretches that humbles you, forces you to slow down, and really dial in the details. The kind of fishing that reminds you why it’s called fishing and not catching.

The good news? We’re finally seeing a solid uptick in activity. Fish are moving better, showing more interest, and we’re putting more bites together every trip. It feels like things are starting to line up for a really strong run here.

But what’s truly special right now is the ice.

Current ice conditions are about as good as it gets. Thick, clean, consistent ice across the bay has opened everything up. We’re not limited to spots, not picking our way around questionable areas — we can safely and confidently go wherever the fish set up.

That kind of freedom is rare. It lets us fish the best water, not just the accessible water. Smooth travel, solid footing, and the ability to cover ground and stay on active fish.

When the ice sets up like this, it changes the whole game. It gives us options, mobility, and the ability to adjust on the fly — which is exactly what you want when the bite is turning the corner.