When driving on 81 you will see the people out there. HWY 81 splits the two lakes. Generally, when people talk about 81 ponds they mostly mean west of the highway. I have heard reports on Dakota Angler of nice fish coming out of there and it makes me scratch my head. I have been out there a few times and talked to many people fishing out there and everyone says the same thing. Plenty of fish caught, but absolutely nothing with any size. The decent sized fish have to be in there somewhere. Good luck if you decide to give it a try. As of last Wed. ice conditions were good with roughly 12 inches of ice.