January 7, 2011 Explore Minnesota Fishing ReportWhile the forecast calls for cold temperatures, weather patterns will remain stable. This, combined with great fishing reports, makes it an excellent time to venture out for some hard water fishing action.
The Department of Natural Resources states 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 remember that the distance between vehicles should be at least 100 times the ice thickness - if the ice is one foot thick, vehicles should be more than 100 feet apart. Please remember that ice is never considered totally safe - contact a local bait shop, resort or visitor's bureau for the most current ice conditions before traveling.
Please check out the Minnesota DNR Ice Safety page for helpful, and potentially life-saving, ice safety tips.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls -Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
On Rainy Lake, walleye are hitting jigs tipped with minnows throughout Sand Bay, and anglers are starting to venture to areas further east. The walleye can be found in 20-35 feet of water, hitting more often during morning hours. Recent cold temperatures are helping ice to form. The biggest problem has been getting around, with heavy snowfall hindering travel. Voyageurs National Park continues to monitor ice depth and will plow the ice road around Dryweed Island and Cranberry Bay as soon as there is sufficient ice to support equipment. Snowmobile trails are in great shape, with the groomers heading out regularly. The Voyageurs National Park Trail from Rainy to Kabetogama and the Ash River community is open and staked. 1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
The large amounts of snow that have fallen so far this season have made lake travel difficult, hindering anglers from accessing their favorite fishing holes on lakes Kabetogama and Namakan. The deep snow and slush has restricted travel on the ice to 4 wheelers and snowmobiles. While saugers and walleye action has been inconsistent, northern pike anglers report lots of activity. 1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
The walleye fishing has been fairly consistent on Shagawa and White Iron lakes, with most fish coming from 18-22 feet of water. Buckshot spoons and lindy slick jigs have been best when tipped with either a small minnow or a minnow head. Some are also being taken on dead sticks. Perch and crappies are starting to show up in good numbers from Sandy Point to Shagawa, and from the Fall Lake shoreline drop-offs to depths of 20 feet on East Twin. Small jigs tipped with crappie minnows have been best here. Some nice northern pike are coming from Shagawa, Fall and One Pine lakes on sucker minnows on a tip up, with some of the larger fish taken by spearing. People are gearing up for the upcoming trout opener on January 15. Please note that new regulations prohibit the use of ciscoes and rainbow smelt that have not been treated and labeled - Ely bait shops will offer the new DNR approved ciscoes for the opener. 1-800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
With more than 2 feet of snow covering area lakes, anglers are having to contend with difficult travel conditions. Slush has become a problem, and the insulating effect has hindered the creation of ice. Still, anglers have been able to access some of their favorite fishing holes on the east end of Lake Vermilion, where success is being reported. 1-800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Lake trout fishing has opened within the Boundary Waters. Duncan, Daniels, and Alder lakes typically hold the larger lake trout. Walleye reports have been good - for the most fish, hit the humps in 30-38 feet of water using a jig and minnow combination on Seagull or Saganaga lakes. Elbow Lake is producing both walleye and perch on jigs tipped with minnows worked in 6-10 feet of water near the weed beds. Crescent Lake is giving up fish in depths of 18-24 feet of water. Deeryard anglers are being kept busy, with lots of smaller fish being reported.
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette -Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
On Lake of the Woods, anglers are catching a good mix of walleye and sauger just outside of Pine Island in 26-31 feet of water, with glow in the dark jigs tipped with a minnow working best. Some walleye can be found suspended 3-9 feet off the bottom. The best bite is before noon through 20-22 inches of ice. Trophy fish measuring 28.5 and 31 inches were recently reported. Roads are good and snowmobile trails are continually groomed. And at Oak Island, ice depth is reported to measure 16-18 inches, with limits of fish being taken. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Anglers are catching fish, but mobility has been the key to success. Anglers outfitted with snowmobiles and portable fish houses have full access to the lakes, whereas other anglers are limited to the ice roads and established lake trails. Rental fish houses have been very popular on many lakes this winter since they offer anglers the easiest means of access. Walleye and crappie fishing has been best during morning and evening hours on most lakes. Walleye are hitting jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head, and dead sticks with bobber rigs and minnows. Crappie anglers are doing well using small minnows, and small jigging spoons tipped with waxworms or Euro Larvae. Sunfish, perch and northern pike have been more active during the day. Pike anglers are having the most success using tip-ups and larger minnows or dead bait. Perch action has been good in 25-35 feet of water in most lakes, with anglers taking fish on plain hooks with minnows, or smaller jigging spoons. Sunfish have been active on the deep edge of the weeds and mud flats. For the most fish, use a small ice jig tipped with a wax worm or several Euro Larvae. January is the coldest month of the winter on average; it can also be the slowest part of the winter ice fishing season. The lakes have a layer of 14-20 inches of snow covering 8-16 inches of ice, depending on the location. Resorts are doing their best to keep roads open on the lakes, and opening new roads has been a challenge, especially due to areas of thin ice and flooding. Flooding is occurring due to the weight of the snow, with water coming through existing cracks, ice heaves and holes drilled by anglers may serve as a pressure release. 1-877-250-5959;
www.visitbemidji.comWalker - Leech Lake
Heavy snowfall has made it a challenge to travel on most area lakes without a plowed road. There were two snow events totaling more than a foot this past week, resulting in pockets of slush and some flooding on many area lakes. Most lakes now have from 12-16 inches of ice. The walleye bite was generally slow this past weekend during the storm events, however, several houses did produce good walleye activity. On Leech Lake, the deeper humps have produced the best numbers, with lots of 12-14 inch walleye, and some 16-17 inch fish reported. Anglers in two fish houses set over 13-17 feet of water reported a good number of smaller walleye, as well as several 24-26.5 inch catch-and-release walleye. Some anglers are also catching some of the elusive eelpout. The panfish bite remains strong on many other area lakes, with the crappie bite being best during morning and evening hours. Anglers have reported taking plenty of fish for a fish fry, as well as some crappies weighing over 1 pound. This week's cold temperatures will likely freeze most of the slush pockets, allowing access to all of the hot spots in Walker Bay. Anglers heading out by 4x4 truck and creating new roads should travel in groups and bring along a jerk strap so you are ready to help out if necessary. 1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comCass Lake/ Deer River - Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes
1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comPark Rapids
1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
The Detroit Lakes area was hit hard with snow from December 30 through January 2. Roads are nearly plowed out, and anglers are once again heading out onto the ice. The bite has been a bit slow and inconsistent, but this should improve now that unstable weather conditions have passed. Lakes that are easiest to access at this time are Little Detroit, Cormorant and Pelican. Panfish are hitting small jigs with waxworms, and plastics fished above the weeds. Crappie action has been good on some of the smaller bodies of water, however you'll need a snowmobile to move around. Fish are suspended, and holding off the deeper breaks. Some large walleye have been taken the past two weeks, but catching numbers of fish has been a challenge - for the most fish, try jigging spoons close to the bottom in hard bottom areas. 1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
The Otter Tail Lake area received roughly 15 inches of snow this past weekend, making it difficult for anglers to get out. Plows are working on roads, and many areas are now accessible, however some flooding has been reported. All accesses are open - please watch where you park and be considerate to those clearing out space for anglers to park. There are two more months for hard water fishing action - start planning your next fishing adventure today! 1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comMiltona
1-877-833-2350;
www.VisitLakeMiltona.comPine River area lakes
The area has received over a foot of snow over the past few weeks, and this has led to water coming up through holes on top of the ice and producing slush conditions on many lakes. Anglers should watch for these areas as vehicles may become lodged in deep slush. The best advice is to follow ice roads already created. Fishing reports are good for most area lakes. Whitefish and Pine Mountain lakes are producing walleye in 12-25 feet of water - deeper on clear, sunny days, and shallower on cloudy days and during morning and evening hours. Panfish have been active on Norway, Pine Mountain, Hattie and many of the smaller area lakes, with fish coming from 10-15 feet of water on small ice flies baited with waxworms or wigglers. A light 2- to 4-pound test line is key when paired with a sensitive bobber for bluegill and crappies. Northern pike have been active on all area lakes, especially at the bottom of the weedlines. Walleye will continue to drop in depth as winter progresses, with some being caught in water as deep as fifty feet in late January and February. 1-800-728-6926;
www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes area
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
Earlier this week, there was approximately 10-14 inches of ice at Hole in the Day Bay, which was covered by snow and some slush. The ice formed early and conditions appear to be good for travel during the 21st Annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza held January 22 on Gull Lake. Please note that thick snow and slush have made travel difficult on some areas of Gull and other area lakes. 1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia -Lake Mille Lacs
On Lake Mille Lacs, the walleye bite has been best in the deeper waters, especially during morning and evening hours at more than 25 feet of water. Good reports are coming from the gravel, mud and deeper basin areas. For the most fish, use jigging spoons and rapalas with minnows. The perch bite has been better in the 12-20 foot range, with fish also coming from the deeper waters. Anglers are having the most success using small hooks tipped with minnow heads or euro larvae. 1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
Crappie action has been great in the Willmar Lakes vicinity! Anglers report taking large crappies from Norway, Foot, Green and Solomon lakes. Eagle Lake continues to produce nice perch and walleye. Please note that there are still a few spots of slush on the ice due to last week?s rain storm. 1-800-845-8747;
www.seeyouinwillmar.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Bass are active in 10 feet water on Green Lake. Northern pike are hitting medium-size suckers. Sunnies and crappies are biting on most area lakes, with crappie minnows, waxies, and spikes all turning good numbers. Good-size walleye are coming out of Chisago Lake during evening hours. For the most fish, hit depths of 12-16 feet of water using shiners or small sucker minnows. A road has been plowed out onto Chisago Lake. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Lake Area Lakes
651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
Ice conditions have improved significantly on Lake Waconia. On Sunday, January 2, the ice measured 10-22 inches at most of the major reefs, with 12-14 inches of ice being most common. Still, there are areas near each reef with varying layers consisting of a 6-8 inches of ice on the bottom, 1-3 inches of water in the middle, and 2-3 inches of crusty frozen slush on top. These locations are recognizable by a distinct textured white surface color. Anyone traveling across the lake with a 4-wheeler and fish house should be sure to travel around these areas in order to avoid getting stuck. As always, drill as you go to be certain the ice is thick enough for safe travel. 952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lanesboro
While most Minnesota anglers focus on ice fishing, anyone craving some open water fishing action will want to consider a trip to southeastern Minnesota where the stream trout season opened January 1. The southeast?s catch-and-release winter trout fishing season, which runs through March 31, is the result of the increasing popularity of trout fishing and requests from anglers to expand the number of streams open to winter fishing. Currently, about 135 miles on 38 streams are open to winter trout angling. Remember that as water temperatures drop, so does fish activity. Afternoon fishing is often the most productive, with fish most active at temperatures of 38 degrees and above. Look for springs flowing into streams since this is where water is often warmer. And, fish slow and deep - trout generally avoid the main current flow. Streams open to winter fishing in the Lanesboro vicinity include Diamond Creek, Etna Creek, Gribben Creek, North Branch Creek, South Fork Root River, Torkelson Creek and Wisel Creek in Fillmore County. Those in Houston County include West Beaver Creek, Bee Creek, Crooked Creek, Daley Creek, Swede Bottom Creek and South Fork Crooked Creek. Consult the 2010 Fishing Regulations booklet, or check with the DNR for the entire list of winter trout fishing streams. 1-800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comLake City -Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
1-877-525-3248;
www.lakecitymn.orgFaribault Area Lakes
Last week's warm temperatures and rain resulted in improved ice conditions on area lakes. The rain melted nearly all of the insulating snow cover, allowing the ice to build. Please note that the ice is now very slippery - please use caution and be sure to wear a good set of ice cleats on your boots when walking out. Lake Mazaska is giving up a few crappies off the public access. The thicker ice is allowing anglers to venture out to their favorite fishing holes, with additional reports expected in the near future. On Shields Lake, anglers are finding some nice sunfish in 12-14 feet of water using waxworms. Kelly and Dudley lakes are producing some nice northern pike, as well as an occasional largemouth bass. For the most fish, use tip-ups and medium sucker minnows or shiners. 1-800-658-2354;
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
Anglers are enjoying all of the great crappie action on Fountain Lake near the Hatch Bridge! 1-800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
Fishing has improved throughout the area, and the ice is reported to be in good condition. On Big Twin Lake, anglers are taking crappies and walleye. Fox Lake is giving up crappies and perch. Crappies, perch, and few walleye are coming out of Hall Lake. Sisseton Lake anglers are taking crappies and bluegills. And for lots of perch, hit North Silver Lake. 1-800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
1-800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com "The information in this report is provided courtesy of community organizations throughout Minnesota. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism."
