Minnesota Fishing Report April 30,09

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Minnesota Fishing Report April 30,09

The opening dates for the 2009/2010 fishing season for Minnesota’s inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 9; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 23; and muskie, June 6. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous.

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

The warm, shallow waters are giving up lots panfish. And, anglers continue to enjoy all of the sturgeon action on the Rainy River.


Northeastern Minnesota

International Falls

The ice is melting rapidly on Rainy Lake and there is open water in Black Bay, Jackfish Bay, and quite a bit of Sand Bay. Those getting out are pursuing large northern pike. For the most fish, troll a heavy leader, good-size hook and minnow along the weedy edges. Rapalas and other popular pike lures are also working well. Rainy Lake should be free of ice prior to the walleye opener. On the Rainy River, anglers are having a blast sturgeon fishing! Reports of 50- and 60-inch fish are coming in on a regular basis. Lots of smaller sturgeon, as well as some really large fish are also being reported. The best approach has been several worms and a minnow on a bare hook - use enough weight to keep the bait at the bottom. The area below the dam at International Falls is usually a good location, and the mouth of the Littlefork River is also productive. Fluctuating river levels and a change in current can lead to a rapid change in the best locations. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Water levels are expected to be somewhat high for the May 9th opener, however this is not expected to affect fishing success. For further information, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com

Ely

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

Duluth/Lake Superior & inland lakes

The kamloops are starting to stage at the mouths of the French and Lester rivers. The Lake Superior Pier is giving up an occasional lake trout - crawlers under slip bobbers are still the best bet. Lots of area lakes opened up this week, and most lakes should be free of ice in a week’s time. The smelt are starting to run at Park Point, with some anglers doing very well. Smelt action is really picking up on the Lester River. Warmer temperatures and a little rain should cause the action to really heat up. 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 sturgeon season is open, and anglers are having success landing these monsters all along the Rainy River. While the river remains somewhat muddy, the fish continue to bite! Anglers possessing a sturgeon tag are allowed to keep one sturgeon each year measuring between 45- and 50-inches long, or over 75-inches. Don’t miss this opportunity to battle one of these prehistoric monsters! Several area resorts are open and ready to help you with your sturgeon adventure. And, anglers are also taking lots of northern pike and smallmouth bass. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

When the walleye season opens May 9th the ice will have been off Bemidji area lakes for as much as two weeks. Many lakes have several walleye spawning runs up rivers and streams connected to the lake. Walleyes also spawn in the lakes on windswept gravel shoals. Early season anglers should concentrate their efforts near spawning sites or in high traffic areas where river spawning walleyes are migrating back to their home lakes. Adult shiner minnows and juvenile perch are two of the main food sources for walleyes early in the season. Post-spawn walleyes hunt for food in the emergent vegetation as soon as they recover from the spawn. For the most fish, try a jig and minnow combination along the windward shorelines in 5-8 feet of water early in the season. The best areas have some green vegetation or rocks to provide cover for baitfish, and are typically located close to spawning sites and along migration routes. Water temperatures are key to fish activity levels - start the season in the warmer, shallow lakes. Consider bringing several types of bait and a couple of rods rigged for walleyes and panfish in case you stumble onto a school of active crappies, sunfish or jumbo perch when searching for walleyes. For more information, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com

Park Rapids

Anglers testing out their boats prior to the May 9th fishing opener are finding some good panfish action. Early in the season these fish tend to gravitate toward tiny backwater areas just a few feet deep, traveling back and forth between the sticks and thick vegetation. These areas hold the warmest water, which attracts fish because of the abundance of food. Bluegill and crappie anglers should tie on a very small hook, similar to those carried by ice anglers, and attach a small minnow, waxworm or angle worm this time of year. Then, on May 9th, walleye and northern pike anglers should switch to a minnow, leech or nightcrawler, and hit the smaller, shallower lakes which tend to warm more quickly. Shallow-diving crankbaits, especially those with a long, slender body design, are also a great approach. Hit depths of 6-12 feet, especially at the large sand flats and at the drop-offs along the outer perimeter of these flats. Other key spots include points and current areas. Northern pike should also be found in fairly shallow water, near the newly sprouting vegetation which shelters much of their food. For the most fish, try a flashy lure at the green, submerged weeds just outside of the panfish spawning bays. For more information, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out www.parkrapids.com
Central Minnesota

Miltona

All area lakes are now open and the crappies and sunnies have moved into the shallows. Check 4-6 feet of water located near cattails or pencil reeds at the black-bottom bays for the most fish. Other key locations could be at the feeder creeks and river systems flowing in or out of the lakes. At present, the bite has been best during late afternoon and evening hours when sunny days have warmed the water. For the most fish, use a minnow and a small crappie jig under a bobber. Colors such as pink and chartreuse have been best. Anyone with little ones will especially enjoy this early season and all of the excitement it brings! To learn more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Brainerd/Nisswa Area Lakes

Open water fishing has finally arrived, and anglers are having a blast with all of the crappie and sunfish action! Anglers are catching lots of sunfish and few accidental bass in the channel areas, with an occasional crappie also showing up. As the water temperatures warm, the crappie action will really heat up! Early in the season the best approach is to locate the warmest water, such as small boat canals, small bays, and channel areas between lakes. All species are holding in the warm water areas waiting to spawn. For the most fish, use a small jig and crappie minnow under a small bobber. And for an especially memorable outing, bring the kids. To find out more, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Willmar Lakes Area

Cooler temperatures this week put a damper on fish activity and fishing success. When the sun comes out the fish begin to bite once again. At present, some of the better locations on sunny days include Green, Andrew, Games and Diamond lakes. For further information, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit www.seeyouinwillmar.com
Twin Cities vicinity

White Bear Lake

The water level is low on White Bear Lake so anglers are advised to use caution in the shallower waters and to watch for rocks. The crappie bite has been good during afternoon and evening hours. Most fish are being pulled from depths of 10 feet on a white or pink jig tipped with a minnow or waxworm. The best hours for fishing have been 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. 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

The bite at Pool #4 has changed dramatically now that the spawning run is in its final days. A few late spawners can still be picked up in the dam area, however the best fishing is now downstream. Look for post-spawn fish in the Bay City flats area, and at the head of the lake. To learn more, 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.”