Explore Minnesota Ice Fishing Report: December 19, 2008

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Explore Minnesota Ice Fishing Report: December 19, 2008

Anglers continue to transition from open water angling to ice angling. Ice conditions on Minnesota waters remain unstable in some areas, especially in the southern one-half of the state. Anglers choosing to venture out are encouraged to call ahead for the most current ice conditions.

Please note that the Department of Natural Resources reports that 4 inches of new, clear 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 ice is never considered totally safe. For more on ice thickness guidelines and ice safety tips, check out Ice Thickness Guidelines by the Department of Natural Resources website.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales

Northeastern Minnesota

International Falls
Anglers are heading out onto Rainy Lake and fishing areas near Birch Point, Rainy Lake City, and the mouths of several of the smaller bays. Large northern pike are attacking large minnows near Rainy Lake City. Walleyes are also chasing minnows, with fish being pulled from depths of 18-20 feet on jigs worked roughly one foot off the bottom. Ice conditions vary, and there are reports of 11 inches of ice in some areas and slushy patches in others. Please remain aware of the conditions, and always put safety first when venturing out onto the ice. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, check out www.rainylake.org

Ely Area Lakes
Ice thickness increases each day due to below-zero nighttime temperatures. Most protected bays and smaller area lakes were covered with an average of 10 inches of good ice earlier this week, and by next weekend they should have at least a good 12 inches or more. Ice shacks are rapidly appearing, and anglers are jockeying for position over the best structure and the coveted “hot spots.” It’s not hard to locate the most productive areas–just look for the growing villages of ice shacks! While most walleye anglers are only reporting a fish or two each outing, those having success are using rattlin’ spoons tipped with a minnow head. Crappie and sunfish anglers, however, are reporting excellent numbers of fish when using jig and waxworm combinations in 12-20 feet of water. For the most fish, hit Bass, Low, One Pine, and Johnson lakes. Northern pike anglers and spearers are doing well in less than 10 feet of water in the weed beds, with large suckers attracting some real lunkers. Those fileting fish report that most of the pike are dining on smaller perch. While in Ely, stop in at one of the bait shops for the latest info on area lakes. For further information, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Duluth/Lake Superior & Inland Area Lakes
While too much ice has formed to allow boat access on most inland area lakes, there is still not enough ice for foot access. Anglers trolling for kamloops along the north shore of Lake Superior are having some success. Look for these fish to move closer to shore within the next couple of weeks, making shoreline fishing a great opportunity. To learn more, dial 1-800-438-5884, or check out www.visitduluth.com
Northcentral/West Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & Rainy River
Ice fishing on Lake of the Woods is off to a great start! The hot spot has been around Pine Island in 20-26 feet of water, with brightly-colored jigs tipped with a minnow producing the majority of fish. Plenty of smaller walleyes and sauger have recently been taken, with a few trophy fish also coming in. The ice road from Wheeler’s Point has not yet been plowed so four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Now that the blizzard has passed, the road should be plowed in the next couple of days. Fishing all along the Rainy River, from Wheeler’s Point to Clementson, has been good. Some resorts at the Northwest Angle and Islands are starting their winter season this week, with the rest following after Christmas. Early reports from local anglers indicate another great season at the Angle. For more information, dial 1-800-382-FISH (3474), or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Walker/Leech Lake
Leech Lake’s Walker Bay froze over on December 6, which is actually several days earlier than in some of the previous years. Aside from Walker Bay, and some deep lakes such as Kabekona, most lakes of interest are populated with large and small fish houses. More specifically, some of the smaller lakes have ice measuring 11-14 inches thick, with large sleeper houses on some of these lakes. Walker Bay ice conditions should be good by December 25, and vehicles may even be heading out onto the lake. At present, walking is the mode of travel used by most anglers, however anglers must use caution when venturing out onto new ice! Local anglers indicate that Walker Bay is producing lots of nice walleyes. Some of the smaller lakes are giving up lots of panfish–for the most fish, stay on the move. Northern pike are hitting small sucker chubs, and spearing has been excellent, with many anglers taking limits each day. As always, please call ahead for the most current conditions, especially since lakes with less than 8-10 inches of ice are expected to flood with the upcoming winter storm. To learn more, dial 218/547-1313, or check out www.leech-lake.com

Brainerd Area Lakes
There is 8-10 inches of ice on most area lakes, with roughly 10 inches of snow on top. Walleye action has been good. Anglers using a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow, or a lively shiner on a plain hook are doing well. The best lakes for walleyes at this time are Pelican and Gull. Crappie anglers report even more action, with lots of fish being pulled from the basin areas of most of the smaller lakes in the area. Some of the more productive waters include Upper Gull, Margaret, Sibley, Cullen, and Sylvan. For the most fish, hit the deeper holes during evening hours using a bobber and small glow jig tipped with a minnow, waxworm or larvae. This is especially fun with the kids! Northern pike action has also been good, especially for anglers using tip-ups and sucker minnows along the weedlines, with some large, ten-pound pike recently taken! For further information, dial 218/822-7118, or visit www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs
The bays on Lake Mille Lacs are covered in 11-14 inches of ice, and the main lake has 7-12 inches of ice. Small vehicles were allowed to drive out slowly onto the bays over the weekend, December 13th & 14th. Anglers reported a decent perch bite in 8-15 feet when using fatheads and crappie minnows. Walleyes were hitting fatheads and shiners in 6-12 feet of water on the reefs, and in depths of 18-24 feet on the rock structure. Northern pike have been biting in 10-18 feet of water in the bays, with sucker minnows working best. For more information, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out www.millelacs.com
Twin Cities vicinity

No reports are available at this time.
Southern Minnesota

No reports are available at this time.

 “The information in this report is provided courtesy of community organizations throughout Minnesota. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.