Minnesota Fishing Report for January 11
Please remember that ice is never considered totally safe. The Department of Natural Resources reports that 4 inches of ice is the minimum thickness recommended for travel by foot. Ice safety guidelines also recommend a minimum of 5 inches of new, clear ice for snowmobiles and ATV's, and 8-12 inches of new, clear ice for cars and small trucks. Please note that melting and refreezing makes ice less stable, especially in areas with springs or current. Anglers are asked to please call ahead for the most current conditions before venturing out. Anyone choosing to venture out must use extreme caution and check ice thickness often.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/agents.html==========================
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
International Falls
On Rainy Lake, the American Narrows area has started giving up walleyes in 36-40 feet of water. Near Rainy Lake City, you’ll find walleyes during evening hours in 25 feet of water, and northern pike during the day in slightly shallower waters. The Bushyhead Island area is giving up walleyes in 35-40 foot depths. ATVs and snowmobiles continue to be the primary means of transportation.
Grand Rapids
Northern pike are active in the shallow weedy areas of lakes Pokegama, Wabana and Swan. Walleyes are hitting during evening hours in 19-26 feet of water on Sugar, Trout and Wabana lakes. For limits of crappies, work 20 feet of water on Big and Little Splithand lakes. Crappies and sunfish are being pulled from 17-23 feet of water on Little Ball Club and Big Cutfoot Sioux lakes.
Kabetogama
On Lake Kabetogama, glow jigs tipped with fatheads are turning a few walleyes, sauger and perch in 30-35 feet of water. Small sucker minnows are turning northern pike in depths of 12-20 feet. Slush conditions have improved, making more areas accessible to anglers.
Ely
Walleye anglers are taking good numbers of walleyes from most lakes, however most fish have been small. Due to inconsistent ice thickenss, most anglers are refraining from checking out new areas in search of larger fish. The shallow bays tend have the better ice conditions, and are giving up some good-sized pike. Crappie action has picked up on many of the area’s smaller lakes.
Grand Marais
Large lakes, such as Saganaga and Gunflint, have seen very limited angling activity due to the high amount of slush. In fact, most lakes still have ice issues worth noting. The only recent walleye reports have come from North and South Fowl lakes, where anglers are taking fish during evening hours close to shore. Look to lakes such as Duncan and Daniels for rainbow trout.
Duluth
Look to Fish and Boulder lakes for walleyes and crappies in 10 feet of water during evening hours. On Caribou Lake, the sunfish have started hitting in depths of 10-12 feet. Rice Lake is a safe bet for northern pike in 7 feet of water. Tip-ups with sucker minnows or smelt have worked best.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Baudette
On Lake Of The Woods, morning and evening hours have been best for walleyes and sauger action. For the most fish, use bright- or glow-colored jigs in 24-32 feet of water. Although the midday walleye action has been limited, there have been quite a few large pike taken from the deeper waters. The Oak Island area is producing walleyes on the 22- to 26-foot reefs. Walleye action has also improved on the Rainy River this week.
Waskish
On Upper Red Lake, the cribs and rock piles on the south end are providing steady walleye action in depths of 6-13 feet. An occasional crappie is also being taken from this area, but reports off the north end have been limited. Northern pike seem to be more scattered recently, however the southeast corner continues to give up several big fish each week.
Blackduck
Anglers that remain mobile on Blackduck Lake are finding good numbers of perch in depths of 20-23 feet. The 14- to 18-foot breaklines of Blackduck Lake are giving up a few walleyes during evening hours. Round and Island lakes have been the best walleye options. Gilstead, Rabideau and Pimushe lakes are producing the most bluegills and crappies.
Bemidji
Look for steady walleye and perch action on lakes Bemidji and Plantagenet in depths of 20-30 feet. The walleye bite has been best during evening hours. Some good-sized crappies have started hitting on Lake Irvine in depths of 17 feet just before dark. The smaller area lakes are worth noting for bluegill action.
Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, perch reports remain inconsistent, however anglers staying on the move using snowmobiles and ATVs are having some success. The sunken island north of Big Muskie Bar is producing perch in 18-25 feet of water. Perch are also coming from 30-35 foot depths at Horseshoe Bar, and from Moxies Hole in 25-30 feet of water. A few walleyes continue to be caught at sunset, with tip-ups and shiner minnows triggering northern pike throughout the lake.
Walker
On Leech Lake, a decent walleye bite is being reported at the 26- to 29-foot humps of Walker Bay during low-light hours. The Pine Point and Narrows areas are best for jumbo perch in depths of 12-15 feet. Set lines and shiner minnows are triggering walleyes on Kabekona Lake in 18-24 feet of water.
Hackensack
Panfish action has picked up in depths of 12-15 feet on lakes such as Five Point, Birch, Pleasant and Ox Yoke. A few walleyes can be found during evening hours in 20-30 feet of water on Woman and Birch lakes. Shiner minnows are turning numbers of northern pike along the weedlines of Woman and Birch lakes.
Cass Lake
A few perch are coming from 8-12 foot depths on Cass Lake. Hit Little Wolf, Big Wolf and Pike Bay lakes using shiner minnows in depths of 15-17 feet during low-light hours for the most walleyes. Northern pike are holding in the shallows of most area lakes. Bluegills are being pulled from Grace Lake in front of the public access.
Park Rapids
Walleye action has improved on Potato Lake during low-light periods in depths of 18-20 feet. The weedlines of Portage Lake are kicking out northern pike, with active crappies coming from depths of over 20 feet. The Crow Wing Chain is worth noting for sunfish--look for fish in 12-14 feet of water early and late in the day.
Detroit Lakes
Northern pike are cruising the shallows of Big Detroit, Little Detroit and Island lakes. Occasional walleyes reports are coming from lakes Melissa, Sallie, Little Detroit and Big Detroit in 20-24 feet of water. Look for crappies over 20 feet of water on Lakes Melissa and Big Detroit. The best sunfish action is taking place on Floyd Lake along the 15-foot weedlines.
Battle Lake
Consistent walleye action is being reported on Otter Tail Lake in 9-30 feet of water, depending on the time of day. On West Battle Lake, walleyes are coming from depths of 25-35 feet. Sunfish are being pulled from Wall, Dead, Blanche and South Turtle lakes in 15 feet of water. Look for crappies in depths of 15-20 feet during evening hours on West Battle and South Turtle lakes. A few larger pike have been pulled from the weedlines and flats of Otter Tail Lake on sucker minnows.
Alexandria
A good crappie bite is being reported on Carlos, Le Homme Dieu, Ida and Mina lakes in depths of 20-30 feet. Occasional walleyes reports are coming from lakes Ida, Carlos and Miltona during the evening hours, with set lines and shiner minnows working best. Look for sunfish in less than 12 feet on most of the smaller area lakes.
Osakis
On Lake Osakis, the best walleye action is taking place during early morning hours in 24-30 feet along the north end, as well as at One Mile, Two Mile and Four Mile bars. Look for sunfish on the north end of Lake Osakis in depths of 18-22 feet. Northern pike have been an easy catch throughout the lake. Smith Lake is producing sunfish. Crappies can be found suspended over 30 feet of water on Maple Lake.
Starbuck
The Glenwood end of Lake Minnewaska is producing sunfish and northern pike during the day in 12-14 feet of water. During evening hours, move towards the Fish Hatchery area for crappies. Shiner minnows are turning walleyes on the east end of Lake Emily in 5 feet of water during low-light hours.
Brainerd/Nisswa
The early morning walleye bite remains very productive on Gull, Pelican and North Long lakes. The larger fish are hitting jigging spoons, or set lines with shiner minnows, in depths of 16-28 feet. These same lakes are giving up good numbers of northern pike in depths of 8-16 feet. Rosy red minnows and glow jigs have been best for crappies on most area lakes in 18-25 feet of water.
Crosby
Walleye activity tends to peak right at sunset on Pelican and Serpent lakes in depths of 20-28 feet. Jigging spoons and minnow heads are producing the most fish. A lot of sunfish are coming from 10-16 feet of water on most area lakes, with the largest fish found roaming the six- to nine-foot weeds. Crappies can be found suspended over 26-32 feet of water on Bay and Cedar lakes. Northern pike are hitting minnows on the deep and shallow breaklines of most lakes.
Isle/Onamia
On the east side of Lake Mille Lacs, although there is some vehicle travel in the bays, most resorts are only allowing snowmobiles and ATVs onto the main lake. Anglers report a decent shallow perch and walleye bite in depths of 11-13 feet. Look for the perch to be most active during the day, with low-light hours providing a small window of walleye action. Reports have been few on the mud flats and deep gravel. On the west side of Lake Mille Lacs, snowmobiles and ATVs remain the only option for travel. Anglers are venturing out to the Seven Mile and Nine Mile flats, where the majority of walleyes are being taken. Work the tops of the mud during low-light hours, and slide off the sides during midday hours. Look for scattered perch to be mixed in with the walleyes. A few decent walleye reports are also coming from Seguchie’s Flat in depths of 24-32 feet.
Sauk Centre
Consistent crappie action is being reported on Sauk Lake in 33-40 feet of water, at the north basin of Big Birch Lake in depths of 24-33 feet, and on lakes Levin and Guernsey. Sunfish are active in Hunter’s Bay on Big Birch Lake, as well as on Lilly, Villard and Sauk lakes. One or two walleyes are coming off Sauk, Big Birch and Big Swan lakes each evening.
St. Cloud/Eden Valley
Look in 16-25 foot depths on Rice and Koronis lakes for walleyes. Long and Browns lakes are producing walleyes in depths of 12-18 feet. Pearl Lake is kicking out panfish and northern pike in 12-15 feet of water. Crappies can be found suspended on Horseshoe and Cedar Island lakes over depths of 20-24 feet.
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TWIN CITIES VICINITY
Elk River/East-Central Minnesota
Elk Lake continues to produce sunfish in 9 feet of water. The north end of Blue Lake is kicking out crappies in 17-20 feet of water. Both lakes are giving up a few walleyes during evening hours. Northern pike action has improved on the north end of Fremont Lake. Tip-ups and larger minnows have turned the larger fish.
Annandale
A consistent crappie bite is being reported on Pleasant, Cedar and John lakes during low-light hours over depths of 20-30 feet. Northern pike are active on the weedlines of Cedar and Clearwater lakes. Clearwater and Sugar lakes are kicking out walleyes during evening hours. Lake Marie is a safe bet for sunfish and northern pike in 14-16 feet of water. Dans Lake continues to give up a few sunfish. French Lake is producing northern pike during the day.
Prior Lake/West Metro
A steady crappie bite is being reported on Hydes Lake in 12-14 feet of water. On Lake Susan, crappies are coming from 12 feet of water. Wasserman Lake is giving up crappies in depths of 18 feet. Whaletail Lake is giving up a few crappies in depths of 12 feet after dark. Look to the Lake Auburn weedlines for northern pike in 10-12 feet of water.
Waconia
On Lake Waconia, a steady crappie and walleye bite is being reported off Anderson’s Reef in 13-20 feet of water. Center Reef is producing walleyes, crappies and northern pike in depths of 11-13 feet. Pillsbury Reef at Wagner's Bay has been good for crappies in 18 feet of water. The weedlines of Waconia Bay are providing a mixed bag of panfish, pike, and an occasional walleye.
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, walleyes are active in 17-40 feet of water, and hitting glow jigs and fathead minnows during low-light hours. Brown’s and Wayzata bays have been the most productive locations. For northern pike, work the 15- to 18-foot weedlines of Grays Bay. The smaller area lakes, such as Medicine and Black, are giving up panfish in depths of 12-14 feet.
Chisago City
Sunfish are biting from the Eagle’s Nest to the A-Frame in 6-11 feet of water on Chisago Lake. Look to South Lindstrom Lake for crappies in depths of 24-26 feet. On North Center Lake, the sunfish and crappies are schooled together in depths of 8-15 feet. Some evening walleye action is being reported in 14-16 feet of water in the channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes.
White Bear Lake/Northeast Metro
White Bear Lake is producing walleyes and crappies during low-light hours in 15-25 feet of water. The Bayport area of the St. Croix River continues to produce crappies. Rush Lake is giving up sunfish in depths of 10-12 feet. Demontreville and Bald Eagle lakes remain the best bet for northern pike.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Red Wing
The warm temperatures led to lots of boat traffic on the Mississippi River last weekend, with good numbers of walleyes and saugers taken below the dam. On the ice, the Baypoint Park area is kicking out walleyes in depths of 8-12 feet, with panfish coming from around the docks. Look to Frontenac Pond for northern pike.
Faribault
There has been a consistent sunfish bite on Hunt Lake in depths of 15-20 feet. Shiner minnows are turning walleyes in 16 feet of water on Shields Lake early and late in the day. Crappies can be found suspended over 20-35 feet of water on Lake Mazaska. Shields and Mazaska lakes are giving up numbers of northern pike in depths of 14-16 feet.
Mankato
The narrows of Washington and Madison lakes are producing sunfish and crappies. Baker’s Bay on Lake Washington is also worth noting for panfish. Walleye action has slowed, although a few continue to be taken during evening hours from Lake Washington. Work the weedlines of Lake Francis using sucker minnows for the most pike.
Fairmont
Walleyes and crappies continue to bite consistently in depths of 20-23 feet of water on Hall Lake, especially during early morning hours. Look to Cedar Lake for a few walleyes during low-light periods.
Willmar
Walleyes, crappies and perch can be found scattered throughout depths of 15-60 feet on Eagle Lake. On Green Lake, walleyes and northern pike are active in 30 feet of water, with the northeast end producing panfish. For walleyes, look to Long Lake in depths of 10 feet or less. Lakes such as Wagonda and Big Kandiyohi continue to produce perch in less than 10 feet of water, while Games and Norway lakes have been good for panfish.
Ortonville
The Laguna Beach and Meadowbrook areas of Big Stone Lake are producing perch in 12 feet of water. A few walleyes are being pulled from the Meadowbrook area during evening hours. The area just north of the narrows on Artichoke Lake has been good for crappies in depths of 10 feet. A decent walleye bite is being reported on Lake Lac qui Parle towards dusk.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy Outdoor News, and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
