Explore Minnesota Fishing Report May 23, 2013 A great walleye bite is being reported in the shallows throughout the state. Jig and minnow combinations remain the preferred presentation. The late ice out in the northern half of the state should result in ravenous fish and amazing fishing for the next couple of weeks! The bass season opens this Memorial Day weekend; focus on the drop-offs related to shallow structure where fish will be staging. Anglers are asked to please throw all pre-spawn females back so the population remains healthy for years to come. Please note that the Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers that current cold water temperatures can be very dangerous; please use extra caution this Memorial Day weekend.
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2013/2014 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 11; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 25; muskie, June 1. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. Please note that seasons and regulations vary for certain boundary waters and some individual lakes and rivers--consult the Minnesota DNR Fishing Seasons and Minnesota DNR Fishing Regulations websites for the most current information.
This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism, with information provided by statewide tourism organizations and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Early season walleye fishing has been good on Rainy Lake and the Rainy River. On the lake, the best fishing has been near the mouths of bays, particularly the shallower bays with muddy bottoms. Working crankbaits slowly seems to be the best method. On the river, the fishing has been best downstream from areas with current such as below the dam at International Falls, below the rapids at Ranier, above the dam and near the confluence with the Little Fork River. Smallmouth bass are active on Rainy Lake, with fish hitting crankbaits in 20-25 feet of water near shorelines with lots of structure. Anglers are finding northern pike near the weedy edges of the bays, and near the mouths of those bays. There have been few crappie reports so far this spring, but action should heat up very soon. 800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Anglers are reporting lots of walleye and northern pike being pulled from the shallow waters by boat and shore fishing. Other popular depths are surprisingly in the 30-40 foot range. Earlier this week, some of the female walleyes were still full of eggs, and some of the males still had milt. The warmer water shallow bays contained the majority of fish that had completed their spawn. For the next couple of weeks, expect excellent fishing at various depths before fish scatter and head deeper. Sauger and perch will spawn shortly after the walleyes so expect these species to be extra hungry as well. Lake levels are coming up nicely; rock markers and navigational buoys are in place for safer boating. Please remember that walleye experimental regulations remain in place. You may keep walleyes under 17" and one over 28". You are allowed a maximum of 4 walleyes in your 6 fish limit of combined walleye and sauger. Also, in Minnesota, anglers fishing soft water are permitted only 1 line in the water. 800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
As of late last week, some decent walleye and northern pike catches were reported on many Ely area lakes. Minnows were the bait of choice, however some anglers also did well using nightcrawlers either tipped on a jig or slowly trolled on a spinner. 800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Gunflint Lake, Saganaga Lake and other boundary country lakes became ice-free earlier this week. Some area residents hit the water almost immediately, catching walleye and a couple of northern pike using traditional live bait. More good news is that the trout love cold water and are very active in the shallows. Large 7- to 10-pound spring lake trout are being reported. The mouths of area rivers are also a great place for active fish, and the shallow rocky inlets are full of hungry steelhead trout and brooke trout. A variety of river and fly fishing is yielding good results, and even casting spinner baits and spoons are bringing in these cold water fish. Last week, a steelhead weighing in 4-pounds was caught at the mouth of the Devil Track River, located roughly 4 miles northeast of Grand Marais, just off Highway 61.
www.VisitCookCounty.comDuluth/Grand Marais - Lake Superior
Between May 17 and May 19, lower shore rivers maintained normal flows with moderately clear water. Water temperatures were 47- to 52-degrees. Although fishing pressure was light, anglers had success with the kamloops and steelhead. Interviewed anglers landed 22 kamloops, 24 steelhead, and 1 brown trout. Along the middle shore, rivers were maintaining normal flows and fairly clear water conditions. Water temperatures were 47- to 50-degrees. Angling pressure was moderate and anglers reported lots of action. Interviewed anglers reported landing 52 steelhead and 3 kamloops. Along the upper shore, rivers maintained moderate to slightly high flows and water temperatures ranged from the low 40s up to 48-degrees. Fishing pressure was moderate and anglers reported encountering good numbers of steelhead. Interviewed anglers landed 10 steelhead, 2 kamloops, and 2 brook trout. Earlier this week, rivers were rising and becoming more turbid due to rainfall. French River trap totals through May 20 were 1117 kamloops and 127 steelhead.
Grand Rapids
As of late last week, the walleyes were still concentrated due to a continued spawn, but they were expected to turn more active quickly as water temperatures warmed. The rivers were already warming up rapidly and good walleye action was being reported. Northern pike had already scattered, and were responding to trolled shad raps. Bowstring Lake, located just northwest of Grand Rapids, was beginning to give up some nice fish. The larger area lakes such as Lake Winnibigoshish and Deer Lake (both west of Grand Rapids) should now be producing lots of fish, with early season fishing rapidly heating up throughout the Grand Rapids area. To learn of the many lakes and rivers in the Grand Rapids vicinity, check out the Visit Grand Rapids Lakes & Fishing web page.
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
All parts of the Lake of the Woods are now ice free and fishing has been excellent. Trophy walleyes continue to be pulled from both the Rainy River and the lake. Depths of 5-12 feet over the sand and rubble, and 20-25 feet of water are working well. The best approach has been a jig and frozen shiner, with gold, pink and chartreuse being the most productive colors. Some anglers are also having success using crankbaits in front of Pine Island. The water on the Rainy River is in the low 40's, with depths of 5-17 feet of water in the river and in Four Mile Bay working best. At the Northwest Angle, use a jig and minnow slowly in 14-32 feet, with limits being caught in half a day or less. Large walleyes, and even some lake trout, are also being reported. 800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Area lakes are producing some very nice fish. Most of the walleyes reported have been close to areas with current, but they are beginning to spread out as they work their way back to their home lakes. Anglers have been fishing shoreline connected structure along the migration routes, with concentrations of anglers fishing the outlets and inlets where migrating walleyes travel between lakes. Surface water temperatures have risen into the mid to upper 40s, so the walleye spawn should just about complete. The hottest lakes for walleyes include Bemidji, Upper Red Lake, Winnibigoshish and the Cass Lake Chain. Walleyes in Upper Red Lake have been active along the shoreline break in 4-7 feet of water. Jigs and minnows or bobber rigs and minnows have been effective. Lake Winnibigoshish walleyes have been most active in Cutfoot Sioux, the Third River Flowage, near the mouth of the Mississippi and in Sugar Lake. Most of the walleyes have been hitting jigs and minnows worked in 5-8 feet of water. The best action on the Cass Lake Chain has been in Andrusia and Kitchi, with most of the walleyes coming from 11-14 feet of water. Anglers are having success using jigs and shiners, as well as live bait rigs and leeches. Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving are also producing walleyes, with fish coming from 7-12 feet of water on jig and minnow combinations. Some anglers are starting to catch walleyes on live bait rigs with leeches.800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comWalker - Leech Lake
A great walleye bite has been reported on Leech Lake since high winds and warm temperatures opened up the lake on May 14. The next day, eager anglers were greeted with a great walleye and jumbo perch bite in the shallow waters when using jig and minnow combinations. The hot spot in the main lake to start off the fishing season was Pine Point. Along with the strong perch and walleye bite, many big northern pike were also being picked up in the same shallow waters. With the lack of shiners available at bait shops, many anglers have been using large rainbows, golden shiners and fatheads for jigging, with great success. Last weekend, a group of three fishing just out from Hiawatha Beach Resort filled out their limit of walleyes in about two hours, also coming away with some nice-sized perch. The west shoreline from Oak Point to Star Point to the Hardwoods was producing some nice catches of walleye and perch as well. Both Duck Points have also had a strong walleye and perch bite. The late ice out should mean excellent fishing this week. 800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comHackensack
The rain has stopped, the sun is shining, waters are warming and the fish are biting. Water temperatures are in the upper 40s and fish are still in their early season patterns, with a good bite on most area lakes; anglers may find that this is one of the best Memorial Day weekends in years! The walleye have been holding in very shallow waters, with many fish found in waters as shallow as 4 feet. A jig tipped with a rainbow or fathead should work best, but you may also want to try pulling some rigs with redtails or creek chubs to cover more water. If you're jigging in the shallows, try casting to the shallow water and working the jigs back to the boat for the best results; when fish are shallow they tend to be skittish. Crappie anglers are starting to pick up more fish, especially in the smaller lakes and shallow bays. As temperatures warm, fish may move into the shallows in the deeper lakes, and strong numbers of fish may be holding in the shallows in the smaller lakes; if this is not the case and numbers are low, drop off the breaks with slips/floats and minnows to pick up some staging fish. The bass season opens this Memorial Day weekend and a pre-spawn pattern is expected; focus on the drop-offs related to the shallow structure since fish will be staging off the spawning grounds cruising the edges. Please throw the large pre-spawn females back so they can produce lots of bass for the future years! 800-279-6932;
www.hackensackchamber.comPark Rapids
Fishing in the Park Rapids area has been good for several species. Crappie anglers are experiencing a great bite, with fish positioned in water less than 6 feet deep. The shallow backwater bays have been best for numbers, especially where the lake bottom is dark and fertile. A jig and crappie minnow or a small jig and plastic tail is a perfect way to get both crappies and bluegills to bite. Don't be surprised if you encounter a big largemouth bass while you're fishing the shallow water for panfish. Since the bass opener is this weekend, expect some great action. This year should be excellent for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, but please keep in mind that the fish have not spawned yet; please release any fish that appear ready to spawn in order to ensure high quality reproduction for future year classes. Northern pike have recently finished spawning and have been in the recovery state, but fishing should be great this weekend as these fish begin actively feeding once again. The shallow water should hold the most northern pike, with anglers having the most success in depths of less than 10 feet. Walleye activity has been better than expected with the late spring. The fish have finished spawning and have been active during morning and evening hours. Minnows such as shiners and fatheads on fireball jigs are the best bet, especially when worked in 6-8 feet of water against the pencil. 800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
Water temperatures remain 50- to 55-degrees, but warmer and clearer weather is forecasted for the weekend and water should warm quickly. Walleyes are coming from 6-15 feet of water on most lakes, and minnows have been the preferred bait. The leech bite is also getting started. It may be another week or two before the nightcrawler bite takes over. Northern pike have been extremely active in 8-12 foot depths near the weed patches. Crappies are being pulled from depths of 4-10 feet of water, with fish found suspended about halfway down. Areas with the warmest water will hold the most active crappies. For most fish, use a slip bobber with a small jig and minnow. 800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Pine River
Anglers are finding good walleye action in the shallow waters during low light hours, with fish also being taken from 10-15 foot depths during the day. The current cold water temperatures make slow presentations and smaller baits key to success. Don't be afraid to use something as small as a crappie jig tipped with a minnow for the walleyes. Northern pike have been more active and are cruising the 12-15 foot weedlines. Bass will likely be schooled in the shallow bays and inlets during this weekend's bass opener. For the most fish, use a small spinnerbait and plastic presentation. Again, cold water dictates slower retrieves and smaller baits. The crappie action has picked up and this should be a great weekend to find schooled crappies in waters as shallow as 1-3 feet! Look for dark, silted bottom structure that warms up first. All in all, this should be a great weekend to fish for multiple species! 800-728-6926;
www.pinerivermn.comBrainerd
Walleye fishing in the Brainerd Lakes Area has been spotty, but the sunfish and crappie bite is amazing. Walleye anglers are finding the majority of fish in the shallows. A jig tipped with a shiner minnow is currently the best combination; cast the jigs and retrieve them slowly. Green or blue 1/8th ounce jigs have worked well. Keeping the boat away from the fish will make them less skittish. Night trolling the shallow sand flats can also be a good way to put some walleyes in the boat. Trolling through 2-10 feet of water should be productive. If you have an electric trolling motor, use it so you don't spook the shallow walleyes. A minnow-style bait is a good choice, and make sure it has a small lip so it runs shallow. Crappies and sunnies are practically jumping into the boat for anglers fishing 1-5 feet of water. The Gull Channels and North Long Lake have been hot spots. Any dark bottom bay should have active fish this time of year. If fish turn more finicky, try a bare hook tipped with a crappie minnow. 800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Walleye fishing remains good on Lake Mille Lacs, despite the rainy weather. Water temperatures remain in the low-mid 40s, with some of the bays possibly reaching 50-degrees on sunny days; these temperatures are still cool enough to keep fish in the shallows. With the low water temperatures, slow presentations are the key to success; try rigging and jigging or slip bobber fishing with a rainbow or shiner minnow on the shallow rock reefs, points and shallower bays. Anglers have been amazed by the amount of 18- to 20-inch keeper-sized fish they are finding. Northern pike seem to be on a feeding frenzy, with anglers finding lots of keeper pike and some nice trophy-sized fish right in the bay areas. Smallmouth bass fishing opens up this weekend and hopefully the current sunny days will warm up the water and entice them to bite. They will be in a pre-spawn mode and probably won't be on their beds just yet. Please note that no one may fish for any species or possess fishing gear on the lake from 10:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m. through 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 10. 888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar Lakes Area
Despite uncooperative weather, walleyes continue to be pulled from the smaller, and therefore warmer, area lakes including Norway, Ringo, Long Lake, Solomon, Big Kandiyohi and Elizabeth. Panfishing has been great on lakes throughout the areas, and the northern pike bite has been incredible. Water temperatures may rise enough that the larger area lakes will also begin to give up good numbers of nice-sized fish; lakes to check out include Green, Eagle, Diamond, Andrew and Florida. 800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan area
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Walleye anglers continue to pull fish from area lakes. Most of the walleye are coming in on flatheads, shiners and leeches worked in 6-16 feet of water, especially on South Lindstrom, North Center, South Center and Chisago lakes. Crappies are biting on all area lakes with the larger crappies being pulled from South Lindstrom and Chisago lakes. Anglers are taking the majority of fish on crappie minnows, and jigs tipped with waxworms. Anyone looking for some good northern pike action should check out Chisago, North Center and Sun Rise lakes. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comSouthern Minnesota
Red Wing -Mississippi River
Fishing on Pool 4 of the Mississippi River has been fair to good this past week. Walleye anglers are taking fish when trolling at the head of Lake Pepin, as well as at the Bay City Flats. The panfish bite is going well; anglers reports that the crappies are beginning to spawn in the backwaters. Most fish that have been caught have been taken on tube jigs or minnows worked in less than 5 feet of water. Catfishing seems to be improving each week. Channel cats are being caught with regularity on both prepared baits and cut sucker. Flathead catfish are starting to bite and most fish are coming in on live suckers or bullheads. The water level is expected to rise a bit with the recent rainfall; be sure to use caution when running the main channel as there is a small amount of debris in the water. 800-498-3444;
www.redwing.orgLanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
Despite lots of rain over the last few days, the river levels are subsiding. Duschee Creek is now fishable at the headwaters, and others may also be in decent conditions. Waters in Forestville State Park will probably be fishable this weekend. Some caddis were seen just this morning on Lost Creek. As of May 22, some streams in Houston County were in fine condition. As updates on stream conditions become available they are posted on the Southeast Minnesota Stream Conditions web page. 800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comAlbert Lea
Northern pike have been biting on Pickerel Lake, with limits of fish being common. The best approach is to use an original floating rapala, especially in the clearest water in the lake. Fountain Lake is giving up northern pike, walleyes and bluegill by the city beach. Tube jigs are turning good numbers of fish. Anglers should check in with a local bait shop before launching their boats since the recent heavy rainfall could change how the fish are currently behaving. 800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
Last weekend's annual fishing tournament turned out to be one of the most successful ever, with good numbers of multiple species taken. Walleye were pulled from 5-12 feet of water on Hall and Budd lakes, mostly on live bait rigs and crankbaits. Panfish were hitting fast and furious. The crappies were hitting in 3-8 foot depths on all lakes fished, including Hall, Budd, Sisseton and George lakes. The best approach was a small jig tipped with a minnow. Bluegill anglers found the majority of fish on Budd and George lakes; the best approach was a tiny jig tipped with a waxworm or leech worked in 3-8 feet of water. Perch have been most active on Iowa and North Silver lakes, with minnows on a float working best. 800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville - Big Stone Lake
More and more anglers seem to be hitting Big Stone Lake each day! Jig and minnow combinations remain the most popular method for catching active spring walleye; for the most fish, working the shallow waters along shorelines, especially between Hartford Beach and SoDak Supper Club. Anglers are also having success fishing off the docks using a crappie rig or a slip bobber. Those opting this more relaxed mode of angling are being rewarded by a great late afternoon and evening bite. While many anglers are reporting an abundance of fish averaging 14-inches, plenty of nice keeper-sized fish measuring 17-19 inches are also being taken. There have been reports that pulling plugs is starting to produce fish on the south end of the lake where water temperatures jumped to 67-degrees last Saturday afternoon. 800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
