Leech to Mille Lacs: a snapshot of the conditions

Where: Leech Lake

What: Walleyes, perch

Skinny: Driving is safe on much of the lake, but check locally for details. This week's cold snap slowed the perch bite a bit, but it's generally been good in 8-12 feet. Walleyes are being taken morning and evening, with the evening bite best. Check out Walker Bay and the Goose Island Flats, fishing 14 to 18 feet down.

Where: Mille Lacs

What: Walleyes, perch

Skinny: Best ice (16-18 inches) is on the south and southeast, where some pickups are pulling wheel houses onto the lake. Foot and four-wheeler traffic is more common on the north and west. Daytime perch bite is pretty good, as is the overnight walleye bite. Jigging spoons and minnow heads for walleyes (best depth: 24-27 feet), eurolarvae for perch.

Where: Snowbank Lake

Skinny: Smitty's Resort has 2.5 miles of road plowed over 18-20 inches of ice. Snowbank is covered with 4-6 inches of snow, with about 8 inches in the woods -- enough for skiing and dogsledding. Trout action generally has been good, with 3-6-pounders taking ciscoes and minnow-tipped jigs off the bottom.

Where: Lake of the Woods

What: Walleyes

Skinny: Ice near Baudette is generally in the 2-foot range, but travel on plowed roads only is recommended. Most fishing is in 28-31 feet of water, with gold and orange producing best; glow jigs tipped with minnows also are working. At the Northwest Angle, saugers are mixed in with walleye catches, with good action in 27-29 feet.

Where: Chisago Lakes

Skinny: Vehicle driving is generally safe, but a few spots should be avoided. Check with Frankies or another bait shop for the latest information. The crappie and sunfish bite has been good areawide; crappies at night and sunnies all day. Chisago Lake, North Lindstrom, South Lindstrom, North Center -- all are producing.