December 29, 2011 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report
Explore Minnesota
Explore Minnesota Fishing Report December 29, 2011
Recent warm temperatures have caused thawing and refreezing on most lakes, and this can lead to very unstable ice conditions. Anyone considering a trip out onto the ice must first check with local bait shops and resorts for the most current ice conditions. Anglers heading out onto the ice are asked to carry ice claws and a long rope, wear a floatation device, and check ice depth often. Anglers are also encouraged to wear ice cleats for increased stability and greater safety when drilling holes with an auger. Please brush up on Minnesota DNR Ice Safety Tips before heading out on your next ice fishing adventure.
Most lakes in the state are free of snow, and this often works in an angler's favor since extra light helps fish see your bait better. For the more light sensitive species, such as walleye and crappies, fish during morning and evening hours, as well as after dark on lakes with extremely clear ice. The ice has been so clear on some lakes that anglers and skaters can see a variety of items laying at the bottom, including anchors and fishing lures!
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.
This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
Walleye and perch continue to be pulled from area lakes, especially on buckshot spoons and forage minnows tipped with chubs. Large northern pike are being taken by spearers and anglers using suckers. Crappie action is picking up--small jigs and tubes with crappie minnows are working well. White and white/pink seem to be the most productive colors. Smaller area lakes are giving up some nice sunfish measuring up to ten inches. Moon-style and "freeze" minnow-style easy prey jigs are working well when tipped with waxworms. As always, use caution when venturing out onto area lakes. There are always areas on some lakes that are never safe--please check often for ice thickness. 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
Anglers had great success last weekend. On Poplar Lake, halfway up the Gunflint Trail, northern pike were pulled from 5-10 feet of water. Many anglers reported success using their new ice-buster bobbers with colorful pink hooks or glow-in-the dark dead sticks. The best time to reel in pike has been during morning and evening hours. On Elbow Lake, a shallow, rocky lake just outside of Grand Marais, anglers were taking decent numbers of walleye measuring 13-15 inches. Most came from 10-14 foot depths, with anglers reporting 6-10 inches of solid ice. Those lucky enough to see through the ice are viewing fish as they approach their bait. The most successful lure has been a jig or jigging spoon tipped with a minnow. Walleye and perch are being pulled from Crescent Lake by anglers walking out from the boat ramp area. Please note that as of Christmas Day there were still patches of open water on Gunflint Lake--please use extreme caution when venturing out!
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Anglers continue to take excellent numbers of fish from Lake of the Woods! While catches have consisted of a few more sauger than walleye, most are nice eating-size fish. Stop signs, buckshots, and pink-orange jigs are producing the most fish, especially in depths of 22-27 feet of water just outside of Pine Island. Fish finders are definitely proving helpful. A good 14-16 inches of ice is being reported in areas being traveled. Still, anglers need to stick to ATVs & light vehicles. At the Northwest Angle & Islands area, glow-in-the-dark red & gold jigs are working best, especially during early morning and evening hours. Anglers occasionally report a decent mid-day bite as well. There are approximately 12-15 inches of ice in the more traveled areas. Please note that Minnesota DNR Conservation Officers report unsafe ice on the western edge of Lake of the Woods where multiple cracks have reopened, limiting access. It is extremely important that you check with a local resort or bait shop before venturing out. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Area lakes are reported to have good ice conditions, but the amount of ice is the main issue, preventing anglers for accessing many areas. Ice thickness varies from lake to lake and also from spot to spot on the same lake. Generally speaking, the ice is thicker near shore, with less ice over deep water on most lakes. The ice varies from 8-14 inches between lakes, with Upper Red Lake having the most ice, and the deep lakes such as Bemidji and Cass having the least ice. Some of the smaller lakes with deep water also have less ice than the smaller shallow lakes. Anglers have started to drive vehicles on some lakes, but the ice is not ready for vehicle travel in most areas. ATV?s, snowmobiles and walking remain the best way to access most lakes. The ice is extremely smooth and slippery in most areas, so ice cleats that fit over most boots are strongly recommended to avoid nasty falls. The fish have been biting well in most areas with the stable weather. Fish in the shallow waters tend to be more skittish due to the lack of snow which allows them to see movement more easily. Morning and evening hours and cloudy days have been the best times to fish most of the clear water lakes. On clear sunny days, fish the stained water lakes. 1-800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
Most anglers are catching or spearing limits of fish each day. Anglers fishing Walker Bay are catching lots of nice walleye just under the slot, some in the slot, and an occasional fish measuring over the slot. The smaller area lakes, and the bays of the larger lakes are reported to have 10-12 inches of ice. Leech Lake's Walker Bay is averaging 8-10 inches of ice. There are, however, some large ice heaves and ridges scattered throughout Walker Bay, and anglers must use extreme caution when crossing or traveling adjacent to these areas. The heaves continue to flex and the water can open without warning. Contrary to what most people think, it is during colder temperatures when the ice expands, and cracks and openings can then appear. Please use common sense, remain alert, and watch for changing ice conditions. 1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comPark Rapids
1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Ottertail Lake ice measures 0-11 inches. While four-wheelers are accessing the lake, there is very thin ice in some areas of the lake. Be sure to check with local resorts and bait shops to learn which areas to avoid. In areas where ice thickness is good, depths of 15-25 feet of water are giving up quite a few walleye and perch. Panfish action is starting to heat up on the smaller lakes. 1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comPine River
1-800-728-6926;
http://www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
Four-wheelers have been heading out onto lakes with 8-11 inches of ice. Set-lines with shiners, and jigging spoons continue to produce walleye in 20-32 feet of water on Gull and Pelican lakes, as well as on the Merrifield end of North Long Lake. Sucker minnows are triggering northern pike when worked in 8-14 feet on Lake Edwards and the south end of Gull Lake. The sunfish bite is consistent on most of the smaller lakes in depths of 12-14 feet--look slightly deeper for crappies. Toward the city of Crosby, evening walleye action has been good on Rabbit Lake in 18-24 feet of water. Walleye are also being pulled from 16-20 feet of water on Serpent, Nokay, and Farm Island lakes. For the most fish, use set-lines with shiners or rainbows, or jigging spoons. Look for crappies over 28-32 foot depths on most lakes, with Nokay and Cedar providing the most consistent action. Northern pike are a safe bet when using tip-ups and sucker minnows at the weedlines of Serpent, Adney, and Lower Mission lakes. And anglers are enjoying an all-day sunfish bite in depths 15-22 feet on Milford Lake. 1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comAitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
On a recent outing, a local angler found a 35-foot hole filled with perch Hanson Lake. One day this spot produced 16 of the 20 fish allowed, and the next day it gave up 20 of the 20 allowed--use a minnow for the most fish. A few northern pike swam by, halting the action for a while . 1-800-526-8342;
www.aitkin.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
On Lake Mille Lacs, walleye and perch are being pulled from the breakline areas in 14-19 feet of water on the west side of the lake and in 11-19 feet of water on the south end of the lake. Anglers are having the most success using a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head on one line--on the other line, use a bobber with a small jig and shiner or rainbow minnow. Northern pike reports have been good for anglers working the bays with tip-ups and sucker minnows. Ice conditions on the west side are less favorable, but improving. Be extremely cautious on Lake Mille Lacs and other area lakes since ice conditions vary greatly from place to place and from lake to lake. Please read up on ice safety tips before heading out, and please call ahead or stop in at a resort or bait shop for the most current conditions. 1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
Record-setting warm temperatures have caused the ice on area lakes to deteriorate, with an average of 4-8 inches on most lakes. On the shallow, prairie lakes, including Solomon, Ringo, Long, Wakanda, Big Kandiyohi and Elizabeth, there are areas of open water. On the lakes with walkable ice, anglers continue to catch plenty of walleye and sunfish. Anglers must use extreme caution and be absolutely certain they have the most current ice conditions before heading out. 1-800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Area Lakes
White Bear Lake is averaging 8 inches of ice. Bald Eagle Lake has approximately 10 inches of ice overall, with 8 inches measured around the island. Walleye are biting in depths of 15 feet. For crappies, check depths of 12-15 feet by Belair Beach. It is extremely important that you check with a local bait shop for the most current conditions before venturing out. And please check ice thickness often when changing locations.651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Ice conditions remain unstable on most lakes in this region of the state--no further information is available on hard water angling.
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
The open water winter trout fishing season begins January 1! While it is catch-and-release for brown trout and rainbow trout, the high quality fishing on area streams and rivers amost always makes for an exciting outing. Information on what is biting and where should be available for next week's report--please check back then! 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
