For more information, contact District 5 at (765) 342-5527 or the LD Bait and Tackle at (765) 529-5510. Tourism information is available from the Henry County Convention and Visitor's Bureau at (800) 676-4302.

LAKE OF THE WOODS
Lake of the Woods in Marshall County has been the scene of intensive walleye stocking for over 10 years and now is the time to reap the benefits.

"Walleyes are now the draw for Lake of the Woods," fisheries biologist Bob Robertson said.

"We've been stocking walleyes at Lake of the Woods annually and they can be taken through the ice. For the most part, anglers are jigging with minnows, setting tip-ups baited with minnows or using small Rapala jigs and Swedish Pimples when the lake freezes over."

The 'eyes tend to hang low to the bottom when the winter weather arrives. They can be found as far down as 30 feet, depending on conditions, and anglers are going to have to work for them.

Walleyes are actively feeding throughout the hardwater season and will hit jigs when they're well presented. Minnow heads or whole minnows can be put onto treble hooks of the jig for added attraction. Replacing the tiny trebles with a single hook or next size up treble shouldn't hurt the bait's action.

Using light tackle to detect subtle strikes is crucial. Line shouldn't be over 6-pound-test and a light-action rod will allow even cold fingers to feel when the bait is hit. Ice-fishermen should make absolutely certain that their tip-ups and reels run smoothly. The fish should not be able to feel the slightest resistance when it takes the bait. Light line with only a split shot or two is the rule of thumb with a lightly hooked, lively minnow on a small hook.

Lures that flutter and vibrate work well when ice-fishermen gently use a lift-drop jigging presentation. Let the lure rest between the lift and the drop and vary the amount of time between lifts. Bounce the lure off the bottom on occasion and generally keep it within a few feet of the bottom.

However, there's more than 'eyes under the ice.

"There's some improved bluegill ice-fishing for a change," Robertson said.

Recent years have produced some nice 'gills, but not like the lake used to pump them out. White bass were illegally stocked and made a big inroad into the local fish population. The numbers of white bass have declined, but even in their own right, silvers have created new winter fishing opportunities. Last year was particularly good with nice sizes and numbers of white bass hitting the bucket.

Anglers can step into a mixed bag on this lake. Yellow perch, black and white crappies, bluegills, pumpkinseeds, redears, hybrid sunfish, white bass and largemouth bass are all possibilities.

Lake of the Woods is located southwest of Bremer on West Shore Drive in Marshall County. It covers 416 acres with an average depth of 16 feet and a maximum of 30 feet. The public launch is off West Shore Drive.

For additional information, contact the District 1 office at (574) 896-3673. For tourism information, contact the Marshall County Tourism Bureau at (800) 626-5353.

The Hoosier State may only have two or three weeks of safe ice every year. Don't take chances on spongy or slushy ice. Ice should be at least 4 inches thick for safe walking and 5 inches for snowmobiles.

For more information, visit the DFW online at www.in.gov/dnr.fishwild.