Explore Minnesota Fishing Report March 12, 2010

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March 12, 2010 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report
   
With the rapidly changing ice conditions, few reports are available as anglers transition from hard water to open water angling. Recent rain and above-freezing temperatures have deteriorated ice conditions throughout much of the state. While ice remains thick on many lakes, it is no longer as stable as new, clear ice. Due to changing conditions, this will be the final fishing report until open water angling has begun in earnest. Please note that a recent Department of Natural Resources (DNR) press release states that anglers wanting to venture out onto the ice should "multiply the recommended thickness (see below) by two any time the temperature rises above freezing for six of the past 24 hours. If it has been above freezing for 24 consecutive hours, stay off the ice; it?s not safe." For a complete list of ice safety tips, check out the Minnesota DNR's Ten Tech Tips for Winter Angler Safety.

The Minnesota DNR 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 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

The walleye bite has been best early and late in the day, and areas with structure north of Dryweed Island have been extremely popular spots. The best depth has been roughly 38 feet, with anglers doing well using jigs tipped with minnows. Some crappies are being taken, however the bite is just beginning to heat up and should continuously improve. Anglers seem to be concentrating their efforts on large northern pike which have become fairly aggressive. Look for these fish near the mouths of the shallower bays, such as Black Bay and Cranberry Bay. The best approach has been a large minnow. The recent warm temperatures and rain showers have left a significant amount of standing water and slush on the Voyageurs National Park ice roads. For safety reasons, the park has closed these roads. The park will continue to monitor the condition of the ice roads, and if weather conditions allow, the park may reopen these roads. Snowmobile trails are still open throughout the park, however, caution must be used due to standing water and slush. To learn more, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Temperatures were approaching 50 degrees last weekend, and the crappies turned more active. Kabetogama and Namakan have been giving up crappies, with small schools showing up for anglers with consistency. Waxworms and minnows seem to be the best bet, with some anglers doing well with freeze dried and artificial nibbles. Lake Namakan, a border lake, is giving up lots of large pike, with some walleyes also being taken. The best time of day and depth has varied with changing temperatures and cloud cover. The best starting depth is 25-32 feet for walleye, and 8-15 feet for pike. Please remember that the large female crappies and pike are preparing to spawn - please consider releasing these fish. For more information, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com

Ely

The crappie fishing is dominating the angling scene now that the walleye and northern pike season has closed. Crappies weighing up to a pound and a half are coming through the ice, with many in the one pound class. Birch Lake was the place to be this past weekend, and anglers were rewarded with the large number of fish in the ten- to twelve-inch size, perfect for a winter dinner. For the most fish, use the smallest minnow in the bucket - larger chubs seem to catch their attention and draw them in for a look, then a tiny minnow leads to a strike. Stay mobile and hole hop for the best results. The most active fish have been in 16-22 feet of water. Low, Garden and Twin lakes have also been giving up good numbers of crappies weighing up to a pound. The lake trout continue to trickle in from Burntside and Snowbank lakes. Ciscoes dropped to the bottom, jigging tubes and airplane jigs have been best. Small jigging spoons tipped with minnows have also been a good combination for the three- to six-pound lakers. To learn more, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Cook & Tower/Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion is giving up lots of jumbo perch and crappies, with anglers enjoying the increased activity. Most crappie anglers are having the most success using waxworms or small crappie minnows. To find our more, dial 1-800-648-5897, or check out www.lakevermilionresorts.com
Northwest Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Lake of the Woods has been hopping as anglers visit for an end of season ice fishing adventure. Ice houses are permitted on the lake until the end of March, weather permitting. The walleye season does not end until April 14 on Lake of the Woods. The Northwest Angle and Islands has ice measuring 32 inches, with many active walleyes coming from 23-28 feet of water. On the South Shore, walleye and sauger action has been good in depths of 32-35 feet. Lots of nice eating-size walleye measuring roughly 18 inches are coming through the ice, with numerous slot walleyes, between 19.5 to 28 inches, showing up as well. Northern pike action has also picked up - this season does not close on Lake of the Woods. There were reports of 40- and 41-inch fish taken last week. While many houses are still 20 plus miles out on the lake, there is a movement back into shallower water depths. 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

Cass Lake

On Cass Lake, warmer temperatures seem to have increased the crappie and sunfish bite. Look for crappies off to the sides of their deep winter holding areas in the more shallow waters. Sunfish are starting to show up in weedbed areas. Waxworms have been good for both species. Anglers report finding crappies and sunnies together in some areas. For more information, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit www.casslake.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

On Lake Miltona, fishing slowed somewhat this past weekend. While anglers could see the sunfish and crappies, the fish just wouldn't bite. Some anglers did have success, however, with fish coming in on chartreuse and green jigs worked in 8-15 feet of water over the weeds. Perch anglers are taking some fish from depths 6-8 feet on minnows and forage minnows. To find out more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Pine River Area Lakes

To learn which lakes are producing fish, 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

Green Lake has been a good producer of nice-sized crappies, with some also coming from Florida and Norway lakes. 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 for this region of the state.

Waconia

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

Lanesboro

As of March 5, area streams were in excellent condition. High temperatures in the mid-30's and low 40's have been the norm causing snow to melt slowly. At the time of this report, it is uncertain whether this has affected water clarity. With overcast days there should be some nice hatches of insects, with blue-winged olives reported during the month of February. Southeastern Minnesota offers more than 700 miles of clean and clear trout streams. As of March 5, 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 currently producing the most fish, dial 1-800-944-2670, or visit www.lanesboro.com

No other reports are currently available for this region of the state.

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