Minnesota Fishing Report Thursday, March 26

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Minnesota Fishing Report Thursday, March 26

Open water angling is already taking place in some areas of the state, and most bodies of water should be free of ice in the next few weeks. Recent warm temperatures and rain have caused ice conditions to deterioriate rapidly. Anyone choosing to venture out is encouraged to consult with a local bait shop or resort for the most current conditions. Although the walleye and northern pike seasons have closed on inland waters, the gamefish season remains open on some border waters. The crappie, sunfish and perch seasons are continuous.

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. Please remember that thawing and refreezing causes ice to become less stable.

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

A greater number of anglers are hitting the Rainy River. The Ron Hall access on Shorewood Drive in International Falls is now open and anglers are fishing downstream all the way to Loman. DNR officials will open the Pat Roche access above the dam at International Falls once it is safe to use. Border regulations allow the walleye and sauger season to remain open until April 14. The possession limit and slot size differs for Rainy Lake and the Rainy River–please refer to your fishing regulations guide. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, or check out www.rainylake.org

Ely

For information, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Duluth/Lake Superior & inland lakes

Shifting ice continues to limit shoreline anglers in search of kamloops on Lake Superior. Weather and wind have packed large amounts of ice along the lower Lake Superior shoreline. To learn more, dial 1-800-4-DULUTH, or check out www.visitduluth.com
Northwest Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Anglers eager for the spring bite on the Rainy River will be happy to hear that there is open water at Birchdale, however the landings are still snow covered. For more information, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

For information, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com

Park Rapids

For information, dial 1-800-247-0054, or visit out www.parkrapids.com
Central Minnesota

Miltona

For information, dial 1-877-833-2350, or check out www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs

For information, dial 1-888-350-2692, or visit www.millelacs.com
Twin Cities vicinity

White Bear Lake

The Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held on White Bear Lake this year, and volunteers, fishing hosts and sponsors are needed May 7-10. For more information, check out www.ExploreWhiteBear.org, or dial 651/653-5122
Southern Minnesota

Lake City

The walleye and sauger bite has been very slow for this time of year. Most days you can pick up a fish or two but you have to work for them, something rare for this area in late March. Lake Pepin became ice free this week, and with rising water levels the spawning migration should begin any day now. For more information, dial 1-877-525-3248, or check out www.lakecitymn.org

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