TIP TOP.  Monday’s looking snowy as a small disturbance takes most of Monday to clear central North Dakota. While you get ready for some light shoveling we’ve got the tip-up tips for the business end of your pike offerings as late ice – and faster fishing – approaches.
Featured Photo:   FLAG!  Admit it, you love yelling it on the ice! Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Mon 2/24 – Oh no! Snow! – Hi 30, Lo 25, Wind E@13, G22 – 3” Snow
Tomorrow: Tue 2/25 – Dust It Off – Hi 24, Lo 18, Wind N@11, G20

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
7:32AM        6:20PM

Moonrise         Moonset          Overhead                Underfoot
8:26AM           7:27PM           1:52PM            1:31AM
Moon Phase:  Waxing Crescent (1% Full)

EDGE HOUR:  7:00-8:00AM.  The sunrise stretch before it starts blowing will be your best bet for a bite in our Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

SPEAR ‘EM.  One classic rig for adding frozen herring, smelt or even a hot dog to a tip-up for pike is to spear the offering in the center of the belly with the hook shank and run it up through the back near the dorsal fin so the bait rests in the bends of the treble. This way the bait hangs horizontally and looks natural.

RIGGED.  Another option for fishing pike on tip-ups is the quick-strike rig.  With either trebles or dual hook setups, these allow for multiple points to make contact with fish as they grab the bait and swim off.

CIRCLE IT.  A circle hook also remains an option when looking to catch and release a few fish as well.  Run it through the back of a frozen (or slightly thawed) bait and check the way it sits in the hole for that natural profile.  Remember a hard jerk isn’t required, just a stiff, steady pull to set the hook while preventing damage to the fish.