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.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/agents.html 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
During the trout opener, a few brook trout were taken from the Cloquet River. The looper and steelhead action has picked up in front of the French, Lester and Knife rivers, with a few fish also taken within each of these rivers.
Kabetogama
The shorelines on lakes Kabetogama and Namakan are breaking up. The main lakes still had between 20-25 inches of ice as of last Saturday, however access has become difficult. The Ash River/Sullivan Bay area should provide some good early crappie action since ice out typically occurs 5-7 days before the big lakes. Water levels are improving, but expect lower water levels than normal for the opener.
International Falls
On Rainy Lake, while the border waters walleye season has closed, anglers can still fish for northern pike, smallmouth bass and crappies. Unfortunately, finding a spot to fish has been tricky. The ice is rapidly deteriorating on most of Rainy Lake, and while most of the Rainy River is free of ice, the water level is low.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, the walleye season has come to a close, and anglers are anxiously awaiting the May 12 fishing opener. The walleye spawn is over, and the fish are now heading back to the big lake. The Rainy River is open from shore to shore at Vidas Landing, located just east of Clementson. The Bay at Clementson is very dark, and should be fully open by this weekend. Anglers can still fish northern pike and smallmouth bass in the river, and May is an excellent time to fish for these species. The sturgeon season will open on April 24 for two weeks, with a limit of one fish. On May 4 & 5, there will be a North Star Sturgeon Classic. And on April 28 & 29, check out the annual Ice Out Tournament on Zippel Bay, with huge northern pike typically taken.
Blackduck
The shorelines have broken up, however the ice remains thick on the main lakes in the area. Complete ice out is expected to occur in roughly 1 week.
Bemidji
Ice angling has ended for the season since the ice has become very unsafe for travel.
Hackensack
Although most of the main bodies of water remain covered in ice, the shoreline ice is now breaking up.
Park Rapids
The ice is rapidly deteriorating on area lakes, with open water along the shorelines. A few trout were taken during the trout stream opener from the Straight River.
Battle Lake
Local anglers expect to be fishing from boat by this weekend.
Brainerd/Nisswa
With the recent warm temperatures, the crappies and sunnies should become more active in the near future.
Crosslake
On Cross Lake, there is some open water around the shoreline, as well as near the dam. Anglers are out fishing for crappies from shore, but few fish have been reported.
Starbuck
On Lake Minnewaska, crappies are biting near the city of Glenwood in the fish hatchery bay. The best approach has been a jig tipped with a crappie minnow. Another hot spot is the area where the creek flows into Lake Minnewaska, especially at dusk and just after nightfall. Crappies have just started to move into the Starbuck Marina, with fish hitting small jigs tipped with a minnow. There are also some reports of crappies being pulled from shore on Pocket Lake, just off County Road 4.
Isle
On Lake Mille Lacs, large crappies have been biting in Isle Bay, but the ice is rapidly turning treacherous. Anglers expect the crappie bite to remain good after ice out.
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TWIN CITIES VICINITY
St. Cloud
A few panfish are being pulled from the shallows of area lakes. The panfish bite is expected to become more aggressive and consistent each day. Some lakes to check out include Cedar, Cedar Island and Briggs, however all lakes with panfish should be giving up fish.
Annandale
On Clearwater Lake, crappies are coming from 2-3 feet of water in the shallow, muddy bays. The best time to fish has been between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Crappies are hitting flu-flus tipped with crappie minnows--the sunnies are coming in on waxworms.
Anoka
Some crappie action has been reported on Peltier and Rush lakes, as well as at the Coon Rapids Dam on the Mississippi River. For crappies and sunnies, hit the dam near Peltier. As the water heats up, so will the panfish bite.
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, crappies are being pulled from roughly 6 feet water on a jig and minnow combination. Anglers are having to stay on the move to locate these active fish. One hot spot has been Maxwell Bay, with St. Louis Bay and Carson’s Bay also giving up fish.
Oakdale
Panfish action has been best in the shallow bays on the north side of area lakes. There have also been reports of walleye action near the Ford Dam on the Mississippi River.
Chisago City
Crappies and sunnies are biting in the dark, muddy bays of area lakes, as well as on the south end of Chisago Lake between the A-frame and the Eagle’s Nest. Also check out Pancake Island on South Center Lake. Some anglers are doing well fishing from shore on South Lindstrom Lake near the Dinner Bell.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Red Wing
On the Mississippi River, walleyes are being taken at the dam on hair jigs and plastics. Electric blue, white, yellow and orange have been the colors of choice, with the brightist colors working best. The panfish bite is starting to improve in the backwaters. Walleyes were in the middle of their spawn early in the week.
Waterville
On the Minnesota River, the Morristown Dam has been good for crappies and sunnies. For the most fish, use a minnow or waxworm. The beach area on Lake Tetonka is also producing fish. For the most fish, concentrate on the area near the sand bar. The annual white bass run is expected to begin shortly.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy The Outdoors Weekly, and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
http://www.wisconsinoutdoor.com/solunar.htm
