Explore Minnesota Fishing Report December 15, 2011 While anglers are beginning to venture out onto lakes throughout the state, recent warm temperatures may have created unstable ice conditions in some areas. It is extremely important that anyone venturing out first check with local bait shops and resorts for the most current conditions. Anglers walking out onto the ice are asked to carry ice claws and a long rope, wear a floatation device, and check ice depth often--one experienced local angler went through the ice last weekend when an ice heave on his route turned to open water in just a few hours. The angler was extremely thankful for the ice picks in his pocket, making it possible to pull himself out of the water!
The fishing season for walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass remains open through February 26, 2012. Smallmouth bass, however, are catch-and-release only from September 12 through February 26. The winter season for lake trout within the BWCA runs December 31, 2011 through March 31, 2012--outside of the BWCA, January 14-March 31. The winter season for stream trout in southern Minnesota is catch-and-release only, and runs from January 1 through March 31, 2012. The season for stream trout in lakes runs from January 14 through March 31, 2012.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
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Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
Earlier this week, the walleye bite was reported to be decent, with anglers beginning to venture out. For the most fish, try a northland buckshot spoon tipped with a minnow head, or a small spoon and minnow. Some large northern pike, measuring over forty-inches, were also taken. Most of these fish were taken on either ciscoes or large sucker minnows. 1-800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
Lake Vermilion produced good numbers of walleye just last week. Walleye were coming from depths of 10-32 feet all over the east end of the lake. The majority of fish were coming in on pike suckers on a rattle reel, and on jigs tipped with small chubs or rainbows--both working equally well. The best times to fish were early morning and late afternoon, but some midday hours had also been productive. Many slot fish were taken along with a lot of larger and keeper-size fish. Ice depth ranged from roughly 9-11 inches in areas being fished. Still, ice thickness varied greatly, and as usual it was very unpredictable with lots of dangerous pressure ridges popping up. Please note that one experienced local angler went through the ice last weekend when an ice heave turned into open water within just a few hours. This angler was extremely thankful for the ice picks in his pocket, making it possible to pull himself out of the water! The Arctic Armor which he was wearing also helped immensely since they acted like a life preserver. This angler reminds us to never trust ice fully! 1-800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Resort owners on Seagull and Hungry Jack lakes, located up the Gunflint Trail, report roughly 8 inches of ice. At Tait and Poplar lakes, snow was falling heavily throughout the day on December 14. Many Gunflint Trail hosts rent heated ice houses with predrilled holes, as well as great tips on what's working best. The outdoor enthusiast can also ski into the BWCAW for a very peaceful and memorable fishing experience.
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Ice fishing began in earnest on Monday, December 12, and the walleye and saugers were eager to bite! Anglers are seeing lots of nice-sized fish, referred to as "summer fish," since they are larger than what is normally caught in the winter. There were even reports of two 5-pound and one 8-pound catch-and-release walleye! Good action is being reported just outside of Pine Island. The best approach has been a gold jig or stop sign tipped with a shiner or chub minnow. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Ice thickness varies greatly from lake to lake so each angler should check their own ice conditions when heading out, especially in areas with little traffic. Resorts that are open during the winter will monitor ice conditions consistently, providing sound reports to their guests and other anglers. Anglers should call ahead for the most current ice conditions; also check with local bait shops when picking up bait. Anglers are just starting to walk out on some of the deep lakes, while some anglers are using ATV's or snowmobiles to access most of the shallow lakes. Upper Red Lake has the most ice in the area, averaging 9-11 inches of ice. Most of the lakes closer to Bemidji have 4-8 inches of ice, depending on how long the lake has been frozen. The walleye bite on Upper Red Lake has been good in 6-9 feet of water during morning and evening hours. Fish can also be found on days with overcast skies--a necessity due to the very clear ice. 1-800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comWalker - Leech Lake
1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comPark Rapids
1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
As of December 14, there were 7-11 inches on most area lakes, with a foot expected by this weekend. ATVs have been heading out, and portables can be seen on just about every body of water. The ice is solid and clear, and free of snow. Anglers report a very good ice bite for all species. Most fish, including walleye, are coming from less than 15 feet of water. The best times to fish are early morning and late evening. This will probably remain the pattern until snow covers the clear ice. 1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
As of today, December 15, locals report a range of 0-8 inches of ice. There is open water in the area near Grandpa Island and on over to Greenwood Resort. Anglers report another hazardous open water area northeast of Balmoral Hump. Fish have been pulled from 18-30 feet of water during lowlight conditions, with the smaller lakes producing lots of panfish! Four-wheeling and walking remain the current mode of travel.1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comPine River
Ice conditions vary greatly in the Pine River area, with the larger lakes still far from safe. The smaller lakes and bays have approximately 5-7 inches of ice, but these areas should not be trusted unless fully tested first. Anglers who have been out report very good panfish activity. Spearing for northern pike has also been good where ice thickness permits. A few walleye have been pulled from the larger lakes, however it remains unsafe to travel out to the walleye structure. Anglers are also advised to watch for slick ice conditions due to the lack of snowcover. Ice creepers are recommended to all. 1-800-728-6926;
http://www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comAitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
1-800-526-8342;
www.aitkin.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Lake Mille Lacs ice conditions vary greatly, and anyone considering venturing out should stop at a local resort or bait shop for the most current conditions. While most bays had from 6-9 inches of ice earlier in the week, recent warm temperatures led to open water in some areas of the main lake. Watch for healed cracks and breaks since the ice thickness may be less than you expect. Please check ice thickness often. Local anglers report a decent walleye bite in the Garrison area. Nice northern pike are being pulled from Isle and Wahkon bays, with walleye and perch caught just outside the bays. 1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
Earlier this week, ice covered all area lakes, and most were producing good numbers of fish. The prairie lakes, including Lakes Wakanda, Big Kandiyohi, Solomon, Long, Ringo, Willmar and Foot, were giving up lots of larger walleye. The shallow, prairie lakes had approximately 4-8 inches of ice, where some of the larger, deeper lakes had approximately 3-6 inches of ice. Ice conditions were varied, however, with reports of open water and thin spots. Recent warm and wet conditions may have affected the stability of existing ice--please use extreme caution when venturing out. 1-800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Recent warm temperatures and wet conditions may have led to unstable ice conditions on some lakes in this region of the state--no further information is available at this time.
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Area Lakes
651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Recent warm temperatures and wet conditions may have led to unstable ice conditions on some lakes in this region of the state--no further information is available at this time.
Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
1-877-525-3248;
www.lakecitymn.orgLanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
1-800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comRochester -Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
1-800-634-8277;
www.rochestercvb.orgFaribault 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</stron
