Minnesotans are looking at bitterly cold temperatures this weekend, and just because it is expected to be WELL below zero this weekend, doesn't mean you still can't get out on the lake and pass some time fishing. Here are 4 other fish you can aim for this weekend that aren't walleye, along with some tips to help you catch them.

When It's This Cold Out, The Bite Can Slow Down

When we see temps resembling the Arctic Circle in Minnesota, it can mean that the fish will be slowing down. While catching walleye can be fun, I've got 4 other fish you might want to set your sights on this weekend, during the cold, to help you pass the time.

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Before we get to the fish, if you are going out this weekend to fish, make sure you've got plenty of fuel for your house, and you might want to think about putting your generator in the box of your pickup, rather than on the ice with just how cold it's going to be.

Perch

Perch are plentiful in Minnesota's lakes, and they are pretty tasty, too. What I love about fishing for perch is that they are cold-weather champs; the cold temperatures don't seem to bother them much this time of year.

The best time to find them is around midday when the walleye bite slows down. Look for them around mudflats, the edge of weeds, or near the edge of basins.

The best bait to use is live minnows, like fatheads. Or switch it up to waxworms when they get finicky. For jigs, you might want to try some glow or metallic teardrop jigs (1/16–1/8 oz), or if you are fishing in deeper water, use a tungsten jig for better drop.

Remember to be patient, as in don't be afraid to let it sit. Perch will stare at it forever before committing.

Crappies

Crappies are still very catchable in extremely cold weather; you are just going to have to go deeper. Expect more of an evening bite with the colder temps, and think about downsizing your jigs along with some subtle movement as you hang over the basins, think about 20–35 feet of water.

When it comes to bait, again, small live minnows are a great choice; if you can't find some, or they don't make it all weekend, plastic bait can also work. In terms of what kind of jig you want, tiny tungsten jigs (3–5 mm) work great, or glow jigs after sunset.

Much like with the perch, remember that less movement will often lead to more bites. Just breathe on the rod tip.

Bluegill/Sunfish

If you are out to catch fish this weekend, chances are you'll have plenty of success with bluegill/sunfish. They are surprisingly active with it's brutal out. If you are in a portable and want to hole hop, this is the fish you should be focusing on. Look for green weeds or inside edges, and chances are you'll find bluegills.

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In terms of what kind of bait you'll want for bluegill/sunfish, single waxworms are great or spikes, as they seem to last longer in the cold. Tiny plastic bait is also an option for you. Ice flies in weeds can be your best friend when you are looking for bluegill/sunfish.

Again, it's going to be cold, which means the fish are going to be slower to bite, so remember, for success, if your jig is moving a lot, you’re moving it too much.

Northern Pike

Just like a postal worker, these fish don't mind any type of weather. This is the perfect fish if you don't want to hole hop. Set a tip-up while you jig along some shallow weeds, points, or near the edge of drop-offs.

For bait, look for large sucker minnows on your tip-up while you jig with a medium spoon.

Your best chance at catching a Northern this weekend will probably be in the shallow weeds that still produce, even when it’s well below zero.

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