So, I've had zero luck since moving near Lake Nokomis this fall. I live in walking distance of both Nokomis and Hiawatha, and I have a hand auger and some old school ice fishing gear. Is it worth my time when the ice hits or am I better firing up the car and driving elsewhere? Any suggestions are appreciated, especially firsthand experience...

There are plenty of guys on this forum who fish Noko, not so many on Hiawatha. I've not ice fished Noko but have on Hiawatha ussually on a day when I have 2 hours or less. I've caught small panfish and missed a few pike...it's close and doesn't get alot of pressure but the lake is full of stunted panfish and bullheads there are some nice pike to be had and anything else that makes its way in from the creek. Check the DNR site for a map some nice dropoffs close to the road, I've been told to be careful around the flow of the creek.

Both lakes can be tough. If you have lots of time, like a whole day off, I might be more inclined to drive somewhere else. But if you just have a few hours and want to fish, both lakes are close and have fish.

Nokomis is definitely better as far as big fish potential.

If you want any specific tips, email me. benandhisbeard at hot mail. I'm in the neighborhood.

ya know... i like calhoun. although the crowds can creep up quickly and late ice fish have been presured perty dog on heavily it has been my experience that with a little time locating secondary cover/ spots this lake can produce some good sized fish and fairly consistent fishing.

Anyone check the ice yet on Nokomis. The lake has been locked up for a week. I have driven by many a tme over the last few days, but neither the time, nor the "stones" to walk out there and check it.

Da Biggin. I have not given Calhoun the time necessary to find the spots. I have however fished Nokomis a lot. I would be up for trading some tips if you are. If so let me know and we will talk via email.

I grew up near these lakes and have fished in the summer,but never winter. Get over that way once in a while,and see people on Nokomis in the winter. Would like to try it this year

I fished Calhoun a bit last year and absolutely hammered the 5 inch perch... if anybody has a few tips on spots i'd appreciate it... canoe_crew at the hotmail. Or if anybody would be down for exploring, I have a vex and a 4" hand auger...

I live with in walking distance of Harriet and Calhoun. I'd be up for some exploring too. I did not fish Calhoun once last winter, but did hit up Harriet some. I'll be having a short work day Thurs, so I plan on checking ice on a few city lakes for a possible night of fishing or later on in the week/weekend.

eric.kolcinski@gmail.com

Bailey27,
Im up for some exchanging and possibly getting together this ice season... captaincommando02@hotmail.com .... looking forward to hearing from ya.

I was thinking about going to Nokomis this week and possibly this weekend. I have never fished there before I plan on running a tipup and a rod. any tips?

I use both pending on what I am fishing for. Be pepared to do a lot of moving and be safe... I dont now if the ice is all that safe there as of yet. I love fishing this lake and one thing I can tell you is that if you're planning on using the lake map offered on the DNR website dont be surprised of things arent as they appear.

Be extremely careful on Nokomis. EXTRA cautious if you don't know the lake. There are a some drainage pipes that feed the lake with warm water and create current. You will fall through if you hit these area's this early in the season....
I would reccomend having somebody with you and being prepared with Ice picks and ropes to be safe.

i noticed the maps being off this summer in my yak. even the one lakemaps chip in my gps is not exactly on with the depths.

I hit Nokomis tonight on the NE side. Ice about 3", little more, little less. I drilled about 10 holes, didn't move out too far into the lake though. I did bring my picks and din't want to push my luck. That wind was wicked and I got skunked. Nice night anyway. This cold ought to thicken things up here!