January is almost over, and here comes February. The forecast so far for February, shows a very cold pattern, with only moderate amounts of snow, maybe below normal. Very good for fishermen. We have Ground hog day, Lincoln’s birthday, my wife’s birthday, and a few other events coming as well.

But the biggest event coming is the mega tournament on Grand Lake, Feb 14, from 12 to 3, over $15,000.00 in prizes, including a beautiful camo gator. Look to www.icefishalpena.com for prize details and rules and so on.

We have tickets for sale here at Buck’s, and you must come into our shop or send someone in to get a ticket here. We accept only cash or checks, and the proceeds go to the River Center project, NOT to us. There will be 1,000 tickets sold, 30 wonderful prizes, food, beverages, [ coffee etc] and your ice fishing holes will be pre-drilled, so all you have to do is show up to win, oh yes, and catch a fish to weigh in.You may also get tickets at the Chamber of Commerce, or Clem’s Bait shop.If you are coming to this event from anywhere south of Grand Lake, then you will be driving right by Buck’s Bait shop, for a ticket, bait, and tackle, 8501 US 23 North.

Fishing reports this past week have been very good for the most part.Some folks tell me that you do have to move around a bit, and try some different spots to be successful some days. I don’t see that as a problem, as the ice is in very good shape this year, suitable for foot traffic, quads and snowmobiles.Once more, use caution, be careful, have fun and stay alive and well.

Folks are using minnows mostly, Blues, Golden Shiners, and Pike suckers, as well as wigglers when they can be harvested when it not too cold, and wax worms. Depths vary daily, but 8 to 17 feet is what we hear.

We look forward to seeing you soon, and remember ALWAYS use Lorie Rigs.

Open 7-5 weekdays
Open 7-3 Sundays