December Ice Fishing in the Brainerd Lakes Area
December ice fishing in central Minnesota is a mix of preparation, patience, and adapting to changing conditions. Here is how I approach fishing for walleyes, crappies, perch, and northern pike, along with photos and gear I use.
Lakes and species I know
I have fished Round Lake, Eagle Lake, Emily Lake, Kego Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Mitchell Lake in the region. My December targets include walleyes, crappies, perch, and northern pike. Conditions and fish behavior change from lake to lake, so I adjust depth, bait, and presentation rather than relying on one pattern.
How I target walleyes
I often fish in roughly 6–12 feet of water, depending on conditions. Live fathead and sucker minnows are staples for me. I use them with appropriately sized treble hooks on tip-ups or rattle reels, and I also fish colored jig heads tipped with sucker minnows. Always check current regulations and choose tackle appropriate to the bait and fish.
For active jigging, Swedish Pimples and Rapala Jigging Raps are part of my regular lineup. During daylight I favor chartreuse, pink, and orange; in low light or darkness I reach for glow-in-the-dark lures and jigs. Those are my preferences, not a guarantee that one color works on every lake.
Electronics I use
I own Vexilar FL-8 and FL-18 flashers, and I use the FL-18 more often. The FL-18’s bottom zoom is helpful when watching fish close to bottom. My gear photos also include a Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Ice-Fishing Bundle listing; the screenshot is a product reference, not a current price quote or proof of a field test.
Rods, reels, and tackle
For walleyes, I prefer Fenwick and Ugly Stik ice rods paired with Shimano spinning reels. I also own Genz rods. Rather than recommending one rod for everyone, I suggest matching rod power and action to the species, lure weight, and fishing style.
Portable shelter and permanent fish house
For mobile fishing, I have a two-person Clam flip-over portable shelter. I use portable setups and sometimes fish outside in December. Later in winter, when conditions permit, I also use a permanent fish house. I do not treat a particular calendar date or ice thickness as a guarantee that it is safe to place a house on the ice.
Memories from the ice
Some trips are about finding a good bite, while others are about the company and time outdoors. These are a couple more photos from past ice fishing trips.
Ice safety comes first
No ice is completely safe. Thickness varies across a lake and can change near current, springs, pressure ridges, and access points. Check current local reports, measure conditions along your route, carry ice picks and rescue gear, and review local shelter and vehicle requirements. A permanent house should only be moved onto ice after a careful assessment of conditions and load.
Review the Minnesota DNR ice safety guidance and fishing regulations before going.
Gear to compare
Here are product searches for equipment similar to what I use. These are regular shopping links, not affiliate links, and specific models and listings should be checked before purchase.
- Vexilar FL-18 and FL-8
- Fenwick ice rods, Ugly Stik ice rods, and Shimano spinning reels
- Clam two-person flip-over shelters
- Swedish Pimples, Rapala Jigging Raps, and glow jig heads
- Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Ice-Fishing Bundle
Some products linked here are comparable options rather than verified exact matches to my personal gear. This page currently uses non-affiliate Amazon search links.