Minnesota Fishing Report 4.2.09

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Minnesota Fishing Report 4.2.09

Few reports are available due to the transition from hard water to open water angling. 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.

Anglers continue to access some lakes in northern Minnesota. Please note that ice conditions can change very rapidly, and anglers must call ahead for the most current conditions. For more information, and for a list of local bait shops and resorts, contact area visitors’ bureaus at the numbers listed below.

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.

Please remember that thawing and refreezing causes ice to become less stable. 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. Anyone choosing to venture out should first consult with a local bait shop, resort, or authority for the most current conditions.

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

There are varied reports on river fishing. Below the Littlefork River, debris is flushing out and water clarity is a problem. Those trying above the Littlefork are finding much clearer waters, but the fishing has been somewhat slow. A few anglers have reported some large sturgeon, but most are waiting for the usual spring walleye run. When it hits, fishing is fantastic. Fishing above the Littlefork may be the best bet for now, and the Ron Hall access off Shorewood Drive in International Falls is open and being used. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

For information, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com

Ely

Spring fishing has been excellent on some area waters. For information, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Duluth/Lake Superior & inland lakes

The wind blew a large amount of ice into the Duluth end of Lake Superior, and anglers have not been able to shore fish for kamloops. Recent melting has increased the river flow. The smelt run is expected to begin the second or third week in April. To learn more, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or check out www.visitduluth.com
Northwest Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

The Rainy River is now open shore to shore at Birchdale, and Frontier has some open water but the landing is not yet accessible. Anglers who have braved the cold temperatures are catching fish, however the numbers are not huge. The walleye season is open until April 14 on the Rainy River, so there is still plenty of time to launch your boat and enjoy spring fishing! 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 check out www.parkrapids.com
Central Minnesota

Miltona

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

Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs

For information, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out www.millelacs.com

Willmar Lakes Area

For information, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit www.seeyouinwillmar.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, visit www.ExploreWhiteBear.org, or dial 651/653-5122
Southern Minnesota

Lake City

Fishing on the Mississippi River has been difficult due to fast and rising water. It has been hard to find fishable water, and once it’s found the fish just haven’t been cooperating. The water should begin to drop by the end of this week and if the gates are closed on the dam there should be a great improvement in both the accessibility and the bite! This is a typical occurrence on the Mississippi this time of year, and fishing can change for the better in a hurry. For 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.”