Explore Minnesota Fishing Report March 5, 2010

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March 5, 2010 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report
   
This weekend's warm temperatures should bring out the ice anglers. Please watch for deteriorating ice conditions, especially around the channels. Anglers can still fish for gamefish on some border waters. Consult the DNR Fishing Regulations guide for specific locations.

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 current 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 visitors' bureau for the most current ice conditions before traveling.

The fishing opener dates for the 2010/2011 fishing season for most inland waters in Minnesota are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 15; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 29; and for muskie, June 5. 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.


Northeast Minnesota

International Falls

On Rainy Lake, the gamefish season remains open through April 14. Walleye continue to provide an active daytime bite, with most fish being pulled from roughly 30 feet of water on a jig and minnow combination. The newly added ice road around Dryweed Island offers access to additional areas with structure. There are good reports coming from these newly opened areas, as well as the traditional hot spots such as Birch Point, around the American Narrows, and near the mouth of Black Bay. Large northern pike are being taken near Black Bay and Cranberry Bay. Snowmobile trail conditions remain great, with some of the best sledding of the year taking place right now! The trails all have a good base and have been groomed regularly. Cross country ski and snowshoe trails are also open and getting lots of use. To learn more, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

The inland season for northern pike and walleye wrapped up this past weekend on Lake Kabetogama. Crappie action has picked up, with some nice slabs taken on a small jig or plain hook tipped with a minnow or minnow head. The bite has not been consistent, and changing day by day. Anglers can continue to fish for gamefish through April 14 on area border lakes, such as Namakan and Sand Point. Walleye anglers are doing well when using a walleye jig rod and a tip-up. Many nice northern pike are also being taken. Please remember that the large females are preparing to spawn - please consider releasing these fish. And, many anglers are gearing up for the hot crappie bite that is right around the corner. Area snowmobile trails remain in great condition, adding to the fun. For more information, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com

Ely

Anglers are enjoying an exceptional lake trout bite, which is expected to continue through the end of March. Local bait shops are seeing more large and trophy-size lakers than have been seen in quite a while. Burntside Lake has been the big producer, with lots of fish coming through the ice. Quite a few first time trout anglers have recently connected and become avid lake trout ice anglers. The technique is as simple as dropping a ciscoe to the bottom of the deep water and waiting for one of these ten pound plus fish to grab hold. Some anglers are having even more success using an aggressive jigging approach. All colors seem to be working equally well. Those preferring numbers over size should downsize their bait. Small spoons such as buckshot spoons, Swedish pimples and little Cleo's are working well when tipped with minnow heads or waxworms. The crappie bite is just beginning to heat up, and it will be another few weeks until it is in full force. Still, crappie anglers continue to take fish. Panfish anglers should check out the smaller lakes, such as Johnson, One Pine, Grassy, and Low. Set the smallest minnow you can find right near the bottom, and lift your presentation up to six feet off the bottom. Anglers should also stay mobile since these fish have not yet schooled. To learn more, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Cook & Tower/Lake Vermilion

To find what species of fish are coming out of Lake Vermilion, dial 1-800-648-5897, or check out www.lakevermilionresorts.com
Northwest Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

The amazing ice fishing season on Lake of the Woods continues! Now is the time to call and book your last chance ice fishing trip! The ice houses will remain on the lake until the end of March, weather permitting, but the season does not end until April 14. Angling on the South Shore remains strong. Using a sonar fish finder strongly increases the chance of going home with a full limit. The walleye seem to love this mild weather and have become more active, with an increase in the overall size as well. One hot spot to check out is 8-10 miles out of Pine Island in 28-30 feet of water. Anglers are having success using a "dead stick" and a jigging technique. Since two poles are allowed, try one technique on pole and the other on the second pole. Another great location is 2 miles out from Oak Island in depths of 24-30 feet. Gold, pink, and orange jigs tipped with a chub minnow seem to be working best. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

To find out what's coming through the holes and where to fish, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com

Walker/Leech Lake

For information on Leech Lake and the best fishing techniques, dial 1-800-833-1118, or visit www.leech-lake.com

Detroit Lakes

To learn what species are biting and where to find them, dial 1-800- 542-3992, or check out www.VisitDetroitLakes.com for more information.
Central Region

Miltona

Many anglers continue to venture out in pursuit of sunnies and crappies. The best bite has been during low light periods. Most fish are being caught on wax worms, Euro larvae and crappie minnows. The best depths vary, but on average seem to be 9-15 feet of water in the weeds. Dark colors on cloudy days and bright colors on bright days are generally best. There have been a few reports of nice perch coming through the ice over depths of 6-8 feet. Roughly two feet of good solid ice remains. To find out more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Pine River Area Lakes

As temperatures warm, panfish and perch become increasingly active, and late season panfish action is beginning to really heat up! Many anglers feel this is the peak of panfish activity during the ice fishing season. For the most fish, use very light line and change colors of ice flies until you find the right combination. Panfish tend to be deeper during daylight hours, and move into the shallower waters during early morning and late afternoon hours. Perch anglers will find fish in depths of up to thirty feet of water on area lakes that reach that depth. Overall, it has been a very good ice fishing season in the Pine River area. Anglers may still use fish houses on the ice if they are removed daily. Please use caution and be aware of deteriorating ice conditions as spring approaches, especially around the channels. To learn more, dial 1-800-728-6926, or check out www.pinerivermn.com

Brainerd Lakes Area

For information on what's biting and where the hot spots are, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Willmar Area Lakes

Foot Lake is producing some nice crappies at the rocky point near Robbins Island. Anglers fishing Eagle Lake are taking lots of perch, along with a few walleye, from the shallows. Norway Lake is giving up sunfish, crappies and walleye. The panfish bite should consistently improve as the season progresses. To learn more, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit www.seeyouinwillmar.com

Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs

For information on Lake Mille Lacs, and where and when the fish are biting, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out www.millelacs.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

No reports are currently available.

Waconia

For information on Lake Waconia, dial 952/442-5812, or check out www.destinationwaconia.org
Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro

Area streams are in excellent condition. Fisheries officers report the emergence of blue-winged olives, black stone flies, and numerous midges which are hatching on many area streams. The best time to fish has been during afternoon hours when water temperatures are at their highest. Southeastern Minnesota offers more than 700 miles of clean and clear trout streams. As of February 22, streams that were reported to have clear and low conditions included East Beaver Creek within Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Camp Creek, Duschee Creek, the South Branch of the Root River at Lanesboro, and the South Fork of the Root River. To learn which rivers and creeks are producing the most fish, dial 1-800-944-2670, or visit www.lanesboro.com

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