February 4, 2011 Explore Minnesota Fishing ReportAnglers will enjoy warm and pleasant conditions most of this weekend. Combined with increased fishing action, this is 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 - 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 visitor's bureau for the most current ice conditions before traveling.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls -Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
While ice anglers report that the walleye are a little less eager to bite, some nice fish continue to be taken from Rainy Lake. The majority of fish are coming in on jigs and minnows worked in roughly 30 feet of water. Some of the most popular spots have been around Birch Point, the American Narrows and Black Bay, partially due to the ease of accessing these locations. Some crappies continue to hit in Sand Bay. Some huge northern pike are being pulled from the mouths of Black and Cranberry bays. 1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Ice conditions should have improved on Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan with the recent frigid temperatures, but large amounts of snow have resulted in further deterioration of ice conditions. There are only a few areas where traffic has kept the snow and slush packed down, allowing travel to fishing holes. Remote areas from shore such as Lost Bay and the Martin Islands remain un-fished due to very poor ice. Some anglers are getting out to the Ash River mouth on Kabetogama from the Ash River Visitor's Center, but that's about it. On the bright side, snowmobile riders are enjoying the best land trail conditions in very long time! Please note that the snowmobile lake trails are staked, not groomed. Since these trails are traveled consistently, slush is minimal, but the ride remains rough. 1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
Walleye fishing has been decent for most anglers on Shagawa Lake. Many anglers recommend heading to fishing shacks or favorite fishing holes along the south shore just before sundown, when nice, eating-size walleye are most active - expect to take a few walleye by 7:00 p.m. Other anglers have had the best luck at dawn. Minnows seem to work best, but some anglers report success using just a minnow head on a jigging spoon. Slushy conditions are restricting travel by trout anglers, with sleds being the main mode of travel. Those that do venture out and put in the effort are taking limits of trout and splake. Lots of northern pike, some weighing more than ten-pounds, are keeping tip-up anglers scrambling. Suckers measuring six-inches or larger are producing the most fish. 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
Late last week, lots of heavy snow continued to hinder travel in some areas. A few of the larger lakes, such as Winnibigoshish, have plowed ice roads. Most are maintained by resorts which usually charge an access fee - please call ahead for availability. Snowmobiles remain the best mode of travel. For walleye, check depths of 16-24 feet of water using a rattle spoon tipped with a minnow. Stay mobile to increase your odds of finding fish, even if that means drilling several holes and working the same structure. Perch action has improved in 20-25 feet of water, but anglers should still keep on the move to find areas with a good source of food and active fish. Evening hours and just after dark have been the best times to fish, with a shorter flurry of activity reported during morning hours.
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette -Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
On Lake of the Woods, walleye, perch, and tons of saugers are being taken! Most fish houses are out 11-15 miles, and some bombardiers are traveling even further to the Knight and Bridges areas. Anglers are dropping their lines in 33-35 feet of water, with great action just off the reefs. The ice is now 26-30 inches thick, and glow-in-the-dark colored jigging spoons are working best. Limits of fish are being reported, and fishing should only get better as walleye become hungrier, which is typical in February. At Oak Island, the walleye numbers and the size of the fish have been large, with six fish recently taken that measured 20-26 inches. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
The days are slowly getting longer, and temperatures should slowly get warmer as well. Most lakes are still covered with heavy snow, along with patches of slush, so most anglers are sticking to the plowed roads on the larger area lakes. While anglers with snowmobiles are able to check out a greater number of sites, the snow is so deep that snowmobiles can also get stuck - anglers should travel in pairs, and bring a shovel and tow rope just in case. Fishing has been best on the warmer days, when the snow begins to melt. Walleye are hitting jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head, as well as dead stick rods with a bobber and lively minnow. The best depths have been 16-24 feet of water during morning and evening hours. Perch anglers are catching fish on the edges of structure in 20-30 feet of water. For the most fish, use a small jig tipped with a waxworm or several Euro Larvae fished on light rods with light line. Dropper rigs are another good way to catch finicky perch, while small plastics work great when the perch are actively feeding. Crappies are biting in depths of 25-40 feet, with fish found suspended 5-15 feet off of the bottom. Plastics, small minnows, and a variety of smaller jigging lures are working well for the crappies. Whitefish and tulibees have been active in 30-45 feet of water in many of the larger lakes. Whitefish tend to stay close to the bottom, while tulibees are often suspended much higher in the water column. Small jigs tipped with waxworms or Euro Larvae are effective for both. Eelpout should be getting more active as they prepare to spawn under the ice in March. 1-877-250-5959;
www.visitbemidji.comWalker - Leech Lake
1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comCass Lake/ Deer River - Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes
Fishing is expected to pick up nicely with the warmer temperatures this weekend. Please note that the 2011 Cass Lake Area Chamber of Commerce/Palace Casino & Hotel Winter Fishing Challenge has been moved to Allen's Bay due to the abundant slush and snow on Cass Lake. Anglers will head out from Break on the Lake Resort, and the fishing and parking areas have been plowed. The fishing contest will still take place on Saturday, February 12, with lots of great prizes and entertainment for all. 1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comPark Rapids
Flooding and slush have begun to subside on many area lakes, making travel much easier. Walleye action has been consistent, with lots of eating-size fish being taken. Live forage spoons with minnow heads have been best, especially in 18-28 feet of water. Panfish are active in the shallower waters, with 7-15 foot depths giving up lots of bluegill and crappies. The smallest jigs, when tipped with a maggot, have greatly outperformed larger presentations. Northern pike have also been active, but most fish have been small. Larger jigging spoons and tip-ups with large shiners or sucker minnows worked at the same depths as for panfish has been key. And, don't miss the Park Rapids American Legion Community Ice Fishing Contest on Saturday, February 5, with over $110,000 in prizes to be awarded! 1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
Additional snowfall and high winds have left drifts in some of the ice roads and trails. Heavy snow pack has prompted locals to get their houses off when they can, and moving these houses into desired areas has been difficult. Plowed roads remain open on Little Detroit Lake, and anglers are trying their luck here and in Deadshot Bay on Detroit Lake. By this weekend, more roads and trails should open up on lakes such as Sallie, Melissa, Pelican, Lida, Cotton and Otter Tail. The forecast calls for mild temperatures this weekend, and anglers are expected to hit the ice, with more specific fishing reports available by early next week. 1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comMiltona
1-877-833-2350;
www.VisitLakeMiltona.comPine River area lakes
Anglers continue to have success with the walleye and northern pike. Look for walleye in depths of up to 50 feet of water. The northern pike have been most active in 10-25 foot depths. Panfish action has been inconsistent, but the bite should continuously improve, with the hottest panfish action occurring at towards the end of winter. 1-800-728-6926;
www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes area
The Whitefish Chain and many other area lakes continue to produce walleye. Fish are being pulled from the shallow and deep waters. Anglers report fish in the weeds, 12-16 feet down, hitting shiner minnows either jigged or fished under bobbers. At dusk, depths of 28-36 feet have been best, especially when using spoons tipped with minnow heads. Northern pike are hitting pike minnows in 12-16 feet of water - try placing tip-ups along the old weedlines and drops for the most fish. Trout Lake continues to give up a few fish to anglers jigging minnows with spoons in 90-plus feet of water. Other depths are also producing. Sunset Lake is giving up the most crappies, with small glow jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms working best. For panfish, hit shallower depths during the day.
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia -Lake Mille Lacs
On Lake Mille Lacs, some good perch reports are coming from the mud and gravel areas. Hit the deeper waters, as well as 16-plus feet at the transition from rock to soft bottom for the most fish. Jigging with waxworms or Euro Larvae at the bottom seems to be best. The walleye bite remains strong out on the mud flats. The best approach is to move around, working the edges while using small jigs with rainbows or shiners. Tullibees are also making their appearance on the mud flats, as well as at Tullibee Hole near the south end of the lake. While the walleye season closes February 27th, the perch season remains open with great action as long as the ice holds up! 1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
The crappie action has been talk of the town in the Willmar Lakes Area! Soloman and Andrew lakes are both giving up lots of large crappies. Green Lake anglers have been catching 12- to 14-inch crappies, along with some huge sunfish. While the ice is thicker this time of year, continue to use caution when driving on the lakes! 1-800-845-8747;
www.seeyouinwillmar.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
A good crappie bite is being reported from the middle of Chisago Lake in 24-28 feet of water. The best bite has occurred from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m., as well as throughout the night. Sunfish have been biting on the south end of Chisago Lake, from the A-frame down to the Eagles Nest. Northern pike have been active on Sunrise Lake. Walleye can be found at the beach area on South Lindstrom Lake, with shiners and small sucker minnows working best. Anglers are reporting perfect ice conditions. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Lake Area Lakes
On White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes, the ice measures 18-24 inches thick, allowing access to area lakes by all vehicles. On White Bear Lake, nice crappies are being pulled from the south side of the lake, with walleye coming from the Mahtomedi side. On Bald Eagle Lake, both crappies and walleye are being taken around the island. For the most fish, use Euro Larvae and waxworms for the crappies, and shiner minnows for the walleye. Anglers report that the best action is between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. when the waters have had a chance to warm, and then again at 9:00 p.m. 651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
On Lake Waconia, anglers continue to catch sunfish during the day, although the size of these fish has been on the small side. Some nice size fish are being taken, but patience is needed to sort out the smaller ones. The best action is at Pillsbury and Center reefs in 10-15 feet of water. Crappies remain active during evening hours, between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m., with lots of quality fish in the 9 1/2 to 10 inch range coming through the ice. Again, Pillsbury and Center reefs have been best, however some anglers are also doing well in slightly deeper waters south of Pillsbury. Walleye fishing has been more difficult, and anglers report varying success. Try depths of 14-20 feet at Anderson's Reef and Kegs Reef since these areas have good patches of weeds, and these reefs have not had a lot of pressure so far this year. 952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lake City -Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
Fishing on Lake Pepin continues to heat up with substantial yields in sauger and walleye, especially along the drop-offs such as Methodist Point. Jigging with leeches appears to be the best technique at present. The backwaters are producing some excellent numbers of bluegills, crappies and perch, especially for anglers jigging with waxworms. And don't miss the Frontenac & Lake City Sportsmen's Clubs' annual ice fishing tournaments held on back to back weekends; February 12th on Frontenac Pond, and February 19th near Wild Wings and the Lake City Sportsmen's Club in Lake City. 1-877-525-3248;
www.lakecitymn.orgLanesboro
Fishing should be excellent this weekend with highs in the 30s - look for midges and possible stoneflies in the afternoon. Anglers have had success with midge larva, midge pupa, olive and orange scud, and very small caddis larva patterns. One report included success with dead-drifted #6 wooly buggers. Another angler reported great success on #3 smallmouth bass size tube jigs in the Whitewater. On Monday, January 31, lots of nice trout were caught below the dam in Lanesboro, and on the Middle Branch of the Whitewater at County 9 downstream past the park. There were reports of midges hatching in the afternoon on the warmest days, and the male blue bird flock was seen feeding on the midge swarms on the Middle Branch - pretty amazing! 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. Clear and normal conditions are reported for Camp Creek, Canfield Creek, Duschee Creek, Forestville Creek, Gribben Creek, the South Branch Root River (Lanesboro), Coolridge/Hemmingway Creek, and the East Beaver Creek (Beaver Creek Valley S.P.). 1-800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comFaribault Area Lakes
1-800-658-2354;
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
A few walleye are being pulled from The Channel on Albert Lea Lake, especially during evening hours. Anglers are also taking walleye near the Shell Rock River. Perch are being taken during the day near the Shoreline Beach area on Fountain Lake. 1-800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
Hall Lake has been good for perch and crappies in depths of 15-20 feet of water. Sisseton Lake is producing perch, crappies and bluegills in 15-17 feet of water. On Fox Lake, look for crappies in 12-16 foot depths, with perch also being taken. And Big Twin Lake anglers report quite a few walleye and crappies. All species seem to be most active during low light hours. 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."
