February 11, 2011 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report This weekend's warm temperatures and stable conditions should result in an increase in fishing action, which is expected to linger well into next week. There are only a couple of weeks remaining until the close of the northern, walleye and bass season, so now is the time to head out for an exciting ice fishing adventure!
Anglers are encouraged to bring along a friend and some long rope. If venturing 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.
Please check out the Minnesota DNR Ice Safety page for helpful, and potentially life-saving, ice safety tips.
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Northeast Minnesota
International Falls -Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
It's been tougher to travel to many areas on Rainy Lake since last weekend's warm temperatures, but this has improved with the current sub-zero temperatures. Anglers fishing the most accessible areas have been pulling lots of walleye from roughly 30 feet of water on jigs and minnow heads. Sand Bay continues to be the most accessible. Anglers fishing the mouth of Black Bay are pulling in some large northern pike. Snowmobile trails are in excellent shape, and lots of sledders have been out enjoying the trails. 1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
Trout action has dominated the fishing scene in the Ely area for the past week. Lake trout have been active on Burntside and Snowbank lakes. Jigging with white tubes and airplane jigs has produced good numbers of fish up to 12-pounds, although many have been taken on ciscoes fished right at the bottom. Most fish are coming from 40-50 feet of water. Access has been limited due to slushy conditions, but there is a good ice road on Snowbank Lake, and on a smaller area on Burntside Lake near the public access at Van Vac Road. Rainbow trout are being pulled through the holes on both Miners Pit and Tofte lakes. The best bet is fishing at daybreak, using jigs tipped with waxworms or small worms close to shore. There have been intermittent reports of nice walleye catches coming from Shagawa Lake near the ice roads on the south side of the lake. Many anglers are catching a few early and late in the day. The majority have been eating-size fish measuring 15-18 inches, with a few larger fish up to 22-inches mixed in. Dead sticking minnows seems to be the preferred method, but some anglers are doing well using the new lindy slick jigs and the old reliable buckshot spoons. Most fish are roaming depths of 16-21 feet of water. 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
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette -Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Fishing has been consistent on Lake of the Woods, with good numbers of fish being pulled through the ice. Equal numbers of walleye and sauger are being taken, along with an occasional tullibee and perch. On average, the ice measures 30-34 inches thick, and anglers are fishing areas from 11-20 miles out from the lodges. Brightly colored or glow-in-the-dark jigs dropped into roughly 35 feet of water are producing nice-size keepers. Walleye remain suspended below the ice, so electronics are a great tool to have on hand. And at Oak Island, anglers report an average of 30 inches of ice, with limits of walleye being caught at all times of the day. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
A February thaw is forecasted for this weekend, with warmer temperatures expected into next week. Fishing has been slowly picking up for all species, especially on the warmer days. Walleye have been most active during evening hours, with most fish sticking tight to structure in 16-24 feet of water. Crappies have been suspended 5-15 feet off the bottom in 25-40 feet of water in most lakes. Perch have been biting both on the edges of the mud in deeper waters, and on top of the weed flats. Heavy snow still covers most lakes, with patches of slush and wide variations in ice conditions. The smaller lakes and the lakes with irregular shorelines and bays have had worse ice conditions than the large round lakes. Walleye anglers have been concentrating on the larger lakes because they have the best accesses and the most resorts plowing roads on the ice. Anglers fishing smaller lakes for panfish have been using snowmobiles or track vehicles - anglers are encouraged to venture out in pairs. A slow melt this spring could improve the ice conditions and extend the ice fishing season well into March. A fast melt could flood the lakes and end the ice fishing season prematurely. Anglers with stationary fish houses should consider removing their house early this year, just in case the ice conditions deteriorate quickly. Anglers should take advantage of the nice weather while they have the chance and get out on the lakes. 1-877-250-5959;
www.visitbemidji.comWalker - Leech Lake
The ice conditions continue to improve on all area lakes, and very little slush remains. New roads have been plowed to four different areas of Walker Bay on Leech Lake. Recent ice checks indicate that most areas have 18-24 inches of ice, including Sand Point, Cedar Point, and Central Walker Bay. It is important to continue checking ice conditions, especially when you venture into unexplored fishing areas. Anglers report lots of walleye, sunfish and crappie catches, as well as many northern pike taken by spearing. There have been a greater number of perch reports than in previous years, along with many of the elusive eelpout, just in time for the upcoming, infamous 32nd Annual International Eelpout Festival held February 18-20 on Leech Lake's Walker Bay. 1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comCass Lake/ Deer River - Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes
Two groups of anglers took their limits of nice-size perch last weekend on Pike Bay Lake. The weather should be exceptional for the Winter Fishing Challenge on Cass Lake this Saturday, February 12. Everyone should meet prior to noon at Break on the Lake Resort. A rules meeting and walleye dinner will be held Friday evening, February 11 at the American Legion in Cass Lake. 1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comPark Rapids
Just last week, flooding and slush had begun to subside on many area lakes, making travel much easier. Walleye action was consistent, with lots of eating-size fish being taken. Live forage spoons with minnow heads have been working best, especially in 18-28 feet of water. Panfish were coming from 7-15 foot depths on the smallest jigs tipped with a maggot. While northern pike have been very active, most fish have been small. A larger jigging spoon and tip-up with a large shiner or sucker minnow has been best when worked at the same depths as for panfish. 1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
This weekend's warmer temperatures and stable conditions should result in an increase in action, and this is expected to linger well into next week. There are open ice roads on Little Detroit, Sallie, Cotton and Pelican lakes, along with good trails on Cormorant and Pine lakes. More roads should be open on Otter Tail by this weekend. Anglers using snowmobiles are gaining access to additional areas. Unfortunately, finding parking can be a problem since many accesses have not yet been plowed due to recent heavy snow, cold temperatures and wind. Most anglers have been chasing sunfish and crappies, with good numbers found suspended using small jigs tipped with waxworms or crappie minnows. Electronics have been very helpful in locating fish. Major fishing derbies are scheduled for Saturday, February 12, with Poles 'n Holes" to be held on Little Detroit Lake, and a Youth Fishing Derby held on Lake Ida, with lots of donated rods, reels and bait for kids. Much of the slush has frozen, and ice conditions are good in all areas without current. This is a great time to head out! 1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comMiltona
On Lake Miltona, walleye are being taken during low light hours on fatheads and jigging spoons worked in 10-16 foot depths. Still, the majority of anglers are chasing jumbo perch and panfish. For the most panfish, hit 4-10 feet of water using waxworms and small flutter jigs. Remember to remain mobile, and moving from hole to hole in one area can greatly increase the number of fish being caught. 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 towards the end of winter. 1-800-728-6926;
www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
The Whitefish Chain of Lakes, Cross Lake and many of the surrounding area lakes continue to give up good numbers of walleye. Anglers recommend jigging a northland or lindy spoon tipped with a minnow head during low light periods, with shiners under bobbers also producing fish. The best depths vary from lake to lake. Northern pike are active in 10-14 feet of water, with tip-ups and large pike minnows working best. Pelican, Big Pine and Mitchell lakes are all good choices. Crappies and panfish are active, with most fish found suspended, and hitting small glow jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms. The main bite has been around sunrise and sunset. Lake conditions are good, but last weekend's warmer temperatures did cause some melting, and will likely occur again this weekend.
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
The 2010-2011 walleye season will close February 27, and re-open up May 14, so there isn't much time left to get your fill of walleye action. While the walleye fishing hasn't been exceptional, fish are being taken and are expected to get hungrier as the winter progresses. Try to locate fishing spots that have not received a lot of fishing pressure, and there are plenty around. Snowmobilers have the best access right now. The key is stay mobile until you locate a school of fish, then drop a 1/8-ounce jig head with a small shiner or rainbow chub. Try hooking the minnow through the mouth and up through the back of the head, then work it slowly once you register fish. Late in the year, the sand is often a good area to fish, but make as little sound as possible. Fish are in the deeper waters during the day, and pulling them through the ice can be deadly for these fish - if you choose to fish deep, please plan on keeping everything you catch. 1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia -Lake Mille Lacs
On Lake Mille Lacs, the walleye bite has slowed somewhat, typical for this time of year. Your best bet is to stay mobile, working the shallows during morning and evening hours, and the deeper waters during the day. For the most fish, use a small jig tipped with a shiner or rainbow minnow. Perch and tullibee action has started to increase in many areas of the lake. Look for both species to be near one another in 30-plus feet of water adjacent to the mud flats, and around Hennepin and Spirit Islands. The best approach is a small dark-colored #2 or #3 jigging spoon tipped with a minnow, minnow head, waxworm, or maggot. For northern pike, hit Cove and Wahkon bays. 1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
Despite cold temperatures, the crappie action is hot! Soloman and Green lakes continue to produce some very large crappies, making time out in the bitter cold worthwhile. Foot and Andrew lakes are giving up nice-size crappies and sunnies. As always, please use caution when venturing out onto 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 measured 18-24 inches thick just last week, 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 are catching 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
1-877-525-3248;
www.lakecitymn.orgLanesboro
Fishing should be excellent again 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
1-800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
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."
