Minnesota Fishing Report, 4.13.07
Reports are very limited as anglers transition between ice fishing and open water angling. Anglers choosing to venture out MUST use extreme caution.
Please note that melting and refreezing makes ice less stable, especially in areas with springs or current. Anglers are asked to please call ahead for the most current conditions before venturing out. Please remember that ice is never considered totally safe. The Department of Natural Resources reports that 4 inches of 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.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing
http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html And, please consult Minnesota DNR rules and regulations for slot limits on specific lakes.
The opening dates for the 2007/2008 fishing season for most inland waters in Minnesota are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 12; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 26; and for muskie, June 2. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous.
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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
Duluth
On Lake Superior, the water near shore remains extremely cold, and ice reformed along the shoreline last weekend, bringing fishing to a halt. With a few, consecutive days of warm weather, the rivers should begin flowing once again, and fishing should improve. Local smelt anglers expect the smelt run to begin the 3rd week of April, with no runs reported as of Easter weekend.
International Falls
Fishing was successful on Rainy Lake earlier in the week, and there was an adequate amount of ice to allow access to the American Narrows and Rainy Lake City. Access, however, was difficult at that time. Rainy River fishing has been hampered by cold temperatures and low water. The best access points are at International Falls and Pelland Junction.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, a few anglers continue to access the lake using four-wheelers. Those that do venture out are doing well. The Rainy River is slowly opening. The landing at Birchdale is now open and many anglers are taking advantage of open water fishing opportunities. The river is once again producing some nice pre-spawn walleyes, with many 25- to 28-inch fish being taken.
Starbuck
On Lake Minnewaska, anglers are taking crappies from boat in the bay near the fish hatchery. The crappies are hitting small jigs tipped with a crappie minnow.
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TWIN CITIES VICINITY
St. Cloud
There are a few reports of crappies and sunfish being pulled from the open water on area lakes. For the most fish, hit the shallow bays with a dark bottom, especially on the north end of the lake. Some of the lakes to check out include Briggs, Julia, Clearwater, Cedar and Sugar. Panfish action should continue to improve as temperatures warm.
Anoka
There are reports of crappies being taken from shore on Pelican Lake, which is located near the city of Buffalo. Anglers are also reporting some nice sunnies and crappies coming from the docks on Crooked Lake.
Forest Lake
Area lakes are now open, and with some sunshine, the panfish action will heat up in the shallows. At present, the sunnies and crappies are holding in depths of 10-15 feet.
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, Black Lake, Maxwell Bay and Seton Lake are all producing some nice crappies from shore. Cast into waters roughly 7-8 feet deep, and suspend a jig and minnow about 4-5 feet down. Some nice 1/2- to 3/4-pound fish are being taken.
Chisago City
A few crappies are being pulled from South Lindstrom Lake. Anglers are having the most success fishing off the pier, and from shore along Highway 8. Anglers fishing from boat, are also doing well by Pancake Island.
Stillwater
There are reports of crappies biting in front of the Sunnyside Marina on the St. Croix River. A few silver bass are being reported near Bayport.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Red Wing
On the Mississippi River, the walleyes continue to bite. A few 10-pound fish, as well as an 11-pound walleye were taken last week. The sauger bite has been good in roughly 10-22 feet of water, with a lot of 18- to 25-inch sauger pulled from the mouth of Baypoint Park on to the dam. The mouth of the Vermillion River has also been good. Try shore fishing from the levee wall using brightly colored plastic baits for the most fish. Some anglers are doing well using bright hair jigs tipped with fathead minnows.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy The Outdoors Weekly, and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
http://www.wisconsinoutdoor.com/solunar.htm
