January 21, 2011 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report While the forecast calls for very cold temperatures, temperatures will begin to increase on Saturday. Fish are expected to become more active with the current stable weather patterns, making it a great time to head out for an ice fishing adventure!
Anglers are encouraged to bring along a friend and some long rope. If you do venture out alone, wear a life jacket and let someone know where you are going. No ice is every considered fully safe, particularly at this time of year - please check with local bait shops and resorts for the most current ice conditions before venturing out. 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. And, please remember that ice is never considered totally safe - contact a local bait shop, resort or vistors' 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
Rainy Lake ice anglers are finding walleye in 30-35 feet of water. Popular fishing spots have been near Birch Point in Sand Bay, around the American Narrows and near the mouth of Black Bay. Some anglers are heading east with portable gear to Cranberry and Lost bays, and doing fairly well. Crappies have been suspended at about 30 feet in some areas of Sand Bay. Large northern pike are being pulled from Black Bay. Area snowmobile trails are in excellent condition all the way is clear to Baudette, Bemidji, Grand Rapids and the Range. Voyageurs National Park has staked and opened the Blue Trail connecting Namakan, Sand Point and Crane lakes. 1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
As of last week, ice conditions continued to hinder travel on lakes Kabetogama and Namakan. Some success was reported by those working their way out to mid-lake locations. Depths of 28-32 feet were best for walleye and an occasional perch. Spearers and anglers using tip-ups have been having success with the northern pike. Small jigs and live bait, especially glow jigs in the dark waters have provided the most consistent bite. Reef structures in the mid-lake areas of Kabetogama were best. Current sub-zero temperatures are improving ice thickness and quality by the day; look for travel conditions on the ice to continue to improve greatly. 1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
The big story this week has been the trout opener. Lots of anglers have been out on area lakes, taking good numbers of fish. Newly treated ciscoes, chubby darters and airplane jigs are all producing trout. While some of the fish reported were 10- to 12-pounds, most were in the 3- to 5-pound range. Burntside Lake, followed by Snowbank Lake, were the best producers. Tofte and Miners lakes have been giving up nice limits of rainbow trout, as well as a few splake on Tofte. Miners provided a mixed bag of large sunnies and trout right out front of the standing timber on the east end. Small jigs tipped with waxies or small salted minnows were the key to success. Shagawa Lake anglers continue to take a few fish each evening. The best locations have been at Sandy Point, the reef in front of the Grand Ely Lodge, Stinky Ditch and the Wind Sock. The majority of fish have been taken on a dead stick with a minnow. Buckshot spoons and rattling flyers tipped with minnow heads have also been good. Travel on most area lakes has been limited to snowmobiles, with the exception of Shagawa which has maintained good ice roads. Slush pockets are shrinking due to sub-zero temperatures so it won't be long until vehicle traffic resumes. 1-800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
1-800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
As of last week, anglers continued to report success, with lots of walleye and perch being pulled from Lake Winnibigoshish. The majority of fish were coming from the humps in 20-25 feet of water, especially early and late in the day. Please note that lake roads are not plowed from public access points. Most resorts on Winnie have plowed roads, but charge for access. Please call ahead to learn more.
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette -Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
On Lake of the Woods, ice houses are out about 10 miles from Pine Island, and anglers are dropping their lines in 35-36 feet of water. Saugers continue to hit at the bottom, while walleye are suspended from 5-20 feet from the top. Good reports are coming from those using red jigs, glow red spools and plain hooks with a frozen shiner. The ice is over 2 feet thick and getting thicker each day due to below zero temperatures. Just some of the larger fish taken this week include 29 1/4-inch and a 26-inch walleye. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
January has the coldest average temperature of the winter, and this week may have been the coldest week of the winter season for the Bemidji area! The long-range forecast calls for a warming trend for the end of January, and this should improve the bite for all species. At present, the walleye bite has been slow during the day on clear water lakes such as Bemidji. Anglers are having brief flurries of walleye action during morning and evening hours, and more consistent action on days with stable weather conditions. There has been a slow but steady day walleye bite in the stained water lakes such as Upper Red Lake. For the most fish, hit 10-12 feet of water during the day, and 7-9 feet of water during low light hours; do your best to avoid the crowds. Perch fishing has been scattered between shallow and deep waters, with no clear pattern. There are some perch on the edge of the mud in 28-35 feet of water feeding on insect larvae. Perch can also be found on the shallow chara flats in 8-14 feet of water, feeding on minnows and crayfish. Crappie anglers are finding most of the crappies suspended 5-10 feet off the bottom in 25-40 feet of water. Sunfish anglers are catching fish on the deep edges of old weed beds, and on mid-depth range mud flats feeding on insect larvae. For the most fish, drill a series of holes and use electronics to help locate schools of panfish. 1-877-250-5959;
www.visitbemidji.comWalker - Leech Lake
Most of the slush pockets and flooded areas have frozen on Leech Lake, and the snow plow can now tackle some of these areas. Some areas out near Cedar Point at Walker Bay, however, still had 6-8 of water covering roughly 15 inches of ice just this past weekend. Many areas just north of Walker can now be driven on, with snow plowed out to new fishing areas. Please note that ice thickness varies considerably. There are some areas of Walker Bay with only 15 inches of ice, while others have 18-23 inches of ice now that the flooded areas have frozen over. On Garfield Lake, spearers have had to switch to a 36-inch chainsaw since the 24-inch bar no longer made it through the ice at the angle required for spearing holes. The walleye, sunfish and crappie bite has slowed a bit. Anglers continued to catch some nice fish last weekend, however, with some measuring 24-27 inches, and many 8-11 inch and 15-17 inch fish also being taken. The shallower underwater humps and deeper humps did equally well. The larger walleye seemed to come from houses over 15-25 feet of water, and from those on the humps over 33-37 feet of water. The best approach was a green demon lure or a buckshot rattle jig. 1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comCass Lake/ Deer River - Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes
On Cass Lake, anglers are reporting some success with the perch, a fair number of 3- to 5-pound northern pike, and a few walleye. The unstable weather has caused a slowdown in fishing action. Please note that there are still some areas with slush, but the ice is solid and in good condition where roads have been plowed. The slush should diminish this weekend with the extreme cold temperatures. And, don't miss the upcoming Cass Lake Fishing Contest on Cass Lake held Saturday, February 12, with lots of prizes to be given away! 1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comPark Rapids
1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
Fewer anglers have been out on area waters due to recent severe cold temperatures. Those that have headed out report that the bite has slowed somewhat, and the window of time have become shorter. The best bite has been between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. A warming trend is expected Saturday and this should cause an increase in action, with longer windows of time and more activity during the day. Anglers are having the most success with the crappies, sunnies and perch. Two patterns have emerged; one at the shallow green weeds in 6-15 feet of water, and the other being a basin bug bite over the top of deep mud in 24-38 feet of water. Small jigs or jigging spoons with waxworms, plastics or crappie minnows have been best. Roads are plowed out onto Little Detroit, Cotton, Sallie, Pelican and Otter Tail lakes. Trails have been created on some of the other area lakes. Anglers are advised to stay on the main travel routes in order to avoid areas with slush and drifts. Snowmobile travel with portables has been an excellent way to get around. Mark your calendars for the Pole and Holes Fishing Derby held Saturday, February 12. This derby will take place on the north side of Detroit Lake from noon until 3:00 p.m. For more information, check out
www.icefishingdl.org. 1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
On Otter Tail Lake, walleye were being taken from the weedlines, along with some good-sized perch late last week. Despite lots of snow storms, volunteers have plowed roads all over the lake, creating access to many hot spots. Ice houses were brought back out, and fishing had improved considerably. Walleye anglers were taking good numbers of fish from depths of 25-30 feet of water on shiners and fatheads. Perch were being pulled from 10-12 feet of water on small jigs tipped with fatheads or crappie minnows. 1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comMiltona
1-877-833-2350;
www.VisitLakeMiltona.comPine River area lakes
Ice anglers continue to report great action on Pine River area lakes. Watch for pockets of slush on some lakes, and use caution when venturing far off the plowed ice roads. Walleye are hitting Swedish pimples and ice jigs tipped with shiner minnows in 15-30 feet of water. Northern pike are very active, with good reports coming from Pine Mountain and Hattie lakes. Panfish anglers are taking good numbers of fish, especially during stable weather patterns. 1-800-728-6926;
www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes area
Walleye are exhibiting an early morning and evening bite on most area lakes. Shiner minnows either bobber fished or jigged in 24-30 feet of water have been best. Crosslake and Whitefish are giving up good numbers of fish. The best crappie bite has been just after dark, with Daggett, Mission and many of the smaller area lakes giving up fish in 16-28 feet of water. Anglers are having the most success using minnows or waxworms on small glow jigs. Panfish are coming from 10-16 foot depths on waxworms and Euro larvae. Northern pike action is good in depths of 10-16 feet when using sucker minnows and tip-ups off the old weedlines. Fish house rentals are available throughout the area - plan your ice fishing adventure today!
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia -Lake Mille Lacs
Most of the walleye action remains in the deeper waters on Lake Mille Lacs. Some of the better locations this week include the 5-mile gravel and Seguchie Flat. Anglers having the most success are using a lightweight spoon tipped with a minnow or a piece of a minnow. Green, blue and black have been some of the more productive colors. Remain mobile and try to avoid the crowds for the most fish. The perch bite has been good on the 8 Mile Flat. Check the same areas on the flats that you would when fishing for walleye. A jigging spoon on one rod and a live minnow on the other has been best - Hali Sukkula spoons tipped with a minnow head have been good, with lots of Tullibee also being taken out on the mud. Another place to check for tullibee has been in the deep waters off the edges of the flats. Please drive slowly on the ice, and check with resorts and bait shops for the most current ice conditions before heading out. 1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
Solomon Lake continues to produce good numbers of walleye, sunnies and nice-sized crappies. Nest Lake action has improved, and anglers are catching large sunfish. Norway and Andrew lakes are giving up nice-sized crappies and sunnies, along with a few northern pike. 1-800-845-8747;
www.seeyouinwillmar.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Lake Area Lakes
651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
Last Monday, during the All Day Blizzard Blitz Ice Fishing Contest, anglers of all ages, including many celebrities had a blast with some great fishing action. The top three fishing prizes for the adults were all won with perch. The kids did a bit better with the top fish being a 6.9-ounce crappie. The 2nd and 3rd place prizes were awarded to kids who also caught perch. Fishing is improving, especially with anglers able move around and work most areas of the lake. Look for healthy weeds when searching for a good fishing hole. While there are plenty of weeds in the lake, finding the healthiest weeds will increase the chance of getting on a spot that will hold fish for a while. For sunnies and crappies, hit depths of 11-14 feet. Walleye can be found at these depths as well, however it is best to find areas that drop off to 20-plus feet of water. Permanent fish houses are out onto Lake Waconia, and lots of anglers are reporting success throughout the day. Please remember to give each other space when deciding where to place your house. Common courtesy is to stay 20-25 feet away from another fish house, also making it easier to plow roads to groups of houses. 952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lanesboro
As of last week, streams were in great condition and trout were being caught. Small #18 to #24 bead-head nymphs, especially those imitating midge larva or pupa, have been very productive. 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
Small villages are starting to pop up on most of area lakes. With little snow covering the ice, travel has been easy compared to last year. And, the fishing has been great! On French Lake, anglers are taking limits of crappies when using crappie minnows over 25-35 feet of water. Mazaska Lake anglers are pulling good numbers of crappies and sunnies from 20-30 foot depths near Bulrush Bay on the southeast side of the lake. Crappies, sunnies and walleye are coming from 20-30 ft of water in the northeast side of the lake. Cedar Lake is giving up crappies and walleye to nighttime anglers. For lots of crappies, try a deep hole on the northeast side of the lake; for both crappies and walleye, hit the point on the northeast side of the large island. Anglers fishing at night will want to use jigs with a glow finish, hitting them often with a bright light or camera flash to ensure good illumination. 1-800-658-2354;
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
Fountain Lake is producing crappies and perch at the Shoreline Beach area. Lots of sunfish are hitting waxworms near the Lakewood Cemetery. On Albert Lea Lake, anglers are pulling perch and walleye from areas near the channel early in the morning. For good numbers of perch, use gold jigs. 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. Anglers have been taking crappies and walleye from Big Twin Lake. Fox Lake can be counted on for some crappies and perch. Crappies, perch, and few walleye have been 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."
