Google AI overview and basically just a great report on ice fishing in the Brainerd Lakes area

The Brainerd Lakes area is seeing good ice depths (18-20"+ on larger lakes) with solid ice forming, though slush and pressure cracks are present, requiring caution; fishing is active, especially for panfish (crappies, perch) in weeds/breaks (10-18 ft) and walleyes on humps/edges (15-28 ft) during low light with glow jigs or spoons, but conditions change, so check with local guides like Lyback's Ice Fishing for daily updates before heading out. 

Ice Conditions

• Thickness: 18-20+ inches on larger lakes like Gull, 6-11 inches on smaller lakes (check locally).

• Traffic: Foot and ATV traffic is common on smaller lakes; larger lakes see more traffic as conditions firm, but slush and pressure cracks exist, requiring caution, especially near ramps and ridges.

• Safety: Be aware of changing conditions, especially with temperature drops; always check reports and local guidance before venturing out. 

Fish & Techniques

• Crappies: Good bites on smaller lakes and North Long Lake (16-20 ft) using glow jigs (chartreuse/pink) tipped with minnows, especially in weedy areas or near breaks.

• Walleyes: Active at low light (sundown) on Gull and Round Lakes near rock/mud transitions, humps, and deep weedlines (14-28 ft); jigging spoons (green/gold) or live bait presentations work well.

• Perch: Found in weed pockets on flats (8-16 ft); aggressive jigging with spoons or tungsten jigs.

• Pike: Sucker minnows or spoons on set lines or jigged near weeds in 8-16 feet. 

Hot Spots

• Gull Lake: North end, mid-lake humps/gravel bars (22-28 ft), rock-to-mud transitions.

• Round Lake: Deep weedline/break edges (10-14 ft).

• North Long Lake: Saddle area between main/upper lake (16-20 ft). 

Tips

• Use a Vexilar to watch for fish following bait.

• Jigging spoons and glow jigs are effective.

• Low light (early morning/evening) is prime time.