Minnesota Fishing Report: April 24, 2009

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Minnesota Fishing Report: April 24, 2009

The opening dates for the 2009/2010 fishing season for most inland waters in Minnesota are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 9; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 23; and muskie, June 6. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.

Open water angling is already taking place in many areas of the state. Most bodies of water should be free of ice in the next week or so, just in time for Minnesota’s fishing opener on most inland waters. Many anglers are currently enjoying last week’s Minnesota stream trout opener. DNR officials report that the streams are in good shape, especially in the southeast. Anglers can find trout stream locations and information online at DNR Trout Streams. Please remember that anglers fishing for stream trout must possess a trout stamp validation in addition to a regular fishing or combination license.

Northeastern Minnesota

International Falls

Rainy Lake and Rainy River launches are opening up, and anglers are taking advantage of the crappie and northern pike seasons that remain open. Please not that there are limits and size restrictions. Sturgeon are being pulled from the Rainy River below the dam at International Falls, as well as at several of the deeper holes downstream, particularly near the mouth of the Big Fork River near Loman. For sturgeon, try a heavy leader, good size hook and several worms. Use enough weight to get the hook and worms to the bottom, and fish in the relatively deep holes. Keep in mind that the river level is high right now, and patterns may change as river levels fluctuate. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Early open water anglers are gearing up to catch large northern pike on the Canadian Border Lakes, including Lake Namakan, where the pike season is continuous. Water levels are expected to be high for the May 9 opener, but not excessively high where they will affect fishing success. For further information, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com

Ely

Spring fishing has been excellent on some area waters. Please call ahead to learn which lakes are ice-covered and which offer open water angling at this time. For more information, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Duluth/Lake Superior & inland lakes

Coho fishing has been excellent from the Lake Superior shoreline near the 21st downtown exit and from the shipping canal piers. Most anglers are using nightcrawlers or artificial looper bugs, with the most success occurring early and late in the day. Stream water temperatures remain in the mid-thirties between the Lester, French and Knife rivers. To learn more, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or check out www.visitduluth.com
Northwest Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Anglers are looking forward to the upcoming sturgeon fishing season which starts April 24 and runs until May 7. As of April 24, those possessing a sturgeon tag are allowed to keep one sturgeon each year measuring between 45- and 50-inches long, or over 75-inches. Prior to April 24, sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release only. Don’t miss the opportunity to battle one of these prehistoric monsters! Several area resorts are open and ready to help you with your sturgeon adventure. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

Open water is advancing each day on lakes in the Bemidji vicinity. Licensed anglers are allowed to fish for crappies, sunfish and perch year-round in Minnesota. Anglers should look for feeding crappies and sunfish in the shallow waters early in the season, especially in portions of the lake that warm more quickly than the rest of the lake. Use a temperature gauge to help locate these areas which are most likely to hold feeding crappies and sunfish after ice-out. For more information, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com

Cass Lake

Panfishing should soon heat up in the bays holding the warmest water. For information, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit www.casslake.com

Park Rapids

Fishing has been somewhat slow during this transition from ice fishing to open water angling. A few anglers have been venturing out, and taking a few early season panfish around the open water flowages. Many lakes should open up this week and next. Large numbers of anglers are expected to hit the water, making sure their boats are up and running properly for the 2009 Minnesota Fishing Opener. Anglers had varied success during last weekend’s stream trout opener. The Straight River had some activity, and anglers using live bait had the most success with the trout. It won’t be long until the walleyes will begin to spawn–first in areas with current, then in natural lakes. Please avoid these fish so they can successfully reproduce. In addition, they are not in season, and could lead to a stiff fine from a conservation officer. Northern pike have been spawning in the back bays and grassy backwaters–it’s interesting to find such large fish traveling into some of the shallowest, weedy areas to reproduce. Again, please be sure to let those fish reproduce in peace in order to ensure a healthy population in the future. For more information, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes

While some ice remains on the larger area lakes, it is melting very fast. Some of the smaller lakes, the bays, and channel areas are open, and are the best bet for panfish at this time. To learn more, dial 1-800-542-3992, or visit www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Central Minnesota

Miltona

While many area lakes are open and ready to be fished, Lake Miltona remains in the transition phase between hard and open water. The lake should be fully open at some point this weekend, especially with the current high winds and warm temperatures. Anglers are hitting the smaller bodies of water looking for crappies and sunnies in the shallows along the shorelines. For the most fish, look for pencil reeds, river inlets and black bottom bays in depths of roughly 4-6 feet where the water is warmest. Crappie minnows or moptops with small jigs and a bobber are working best, especially during afternoon and evening hours. To learn more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs

The ice on Lake Mille Lacs started to pull away from shore this week. Any amount of rain and wind will speed up the process even further. Ice-out will probably occur around May 1, a bit later than usual. At present, the warmer waters of the bays and marinas should be best for crappies and perch. The last week of April up until the fishing opener is generally when the crappie action really heats up. For the most fish, use crappie minnows and small beaded hooks in the shallows. If you want to cover some ground, try a small beatle-spin with a light colored rubber body. A few of the best crappie spots at this time include Father Hennepin State Park, the Thaines River near McQuoids, Izatys Marina, Malones Island Marina, and other warm shallow water inlets. Perch will probably be found in the same waters as the crappies, so don’t be surprised if stumble onto a school of jumbo perch! For more information, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out www.millelacs.com

Willmar Lakes Area

Fishing has been fantastic this week! The ice is off all area lakes, and the spring panfishing has really heated up. Some of the current hot spots include Florida and Nest lakes. Anglers are starting to access Andrew and Green lakes as well for some excellent panfish action. For further information, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit www.seeyouinwillmar.com
Twin Cities vicinity

White Bear Lake

The water level is low on White Bear Lake, so anglers are advised to use caution in shallower waters. The crappie bite has been fairly good now that the ice is officially off the lake. “Ice-out” occurred April 11. Most fish have been biting in 3-10 feet of water, especially after the sun has warmed the water for a couple of hours. The best hours for fishing have been 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Try a minnow or waxworm on a white shrimpo jig for the most success. A pink jig is also working well. The Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held on White Bear Lake this year, and volunteers, fishing hosts and sponsors are needed May 7-10. For more information, visit www.ExploreWhiteBear.org, or dial 651/653-5122
Southern Minnesota

Lake City

The walleye and sauger bite at Pool #4 on the Mississippi River has been great. Lots of nice fish are being taken from many of the shoreline current seams where these fish are beginning to stage for spawning. Warm temperatures and favorable river flows should create some great fishing conditions this week and weekend. To learn more, dial 1-877-525-3248, or check out www.lakecitymn.org

Fairmont Area Chain Of Lakes

The weather is finally cooperating, and the warmer days have lead to a good crappie bite throughout the chain of lakes. Anglers are pulling fish from Budd, Sisseston, and Hall lakes. These fish are moving into the shallows, and some local anglers are taking fish right off their docks, with some nice-sized fish being reported. Some anglers indicate that the best bite is right at dusk. For the most fish, use a crappie minnow and flu-flu style jig. Bring your catch to Hall Lake Cabins Bait & Tackle shop to have your picture taken and possibly posted on the “Wall Of Fame!” For more information, visit www.visitfairmontmn.com, or dial 1-800-657-3280

 “The information in this report is provided courtesy of community organizations throughout Minnesota. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.”