May 20, 2010 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report Anglers enjoyed beautiful weather and great fishing throughout much of Minnesota during last weekend's fishing opener. Walleye were scattered, with fish being pulled from the shallows down to depths of 30 feet or more. Most anglers had success using minnows. Expect great action again this weekend, with continued warm and mostly stable conditions.
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. The stream trout season opens statewide on April 17.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls
Rainy Lake walleye have be fairly aggressive, with anglers catching lots of fish during last weekend's opener. Most walleye, however, measured within the 17- to 28-inch protected slot. The best approach when still fishing has been a jig tipped with minnow, and a spinner rig and minnow when trolling. Good reports came from the islands between Jackfish Bay and Island View. Large northern pike are being pulled from the mouths of the bays, including Black, Cranberry and Lost bays. Smallmouth bass have been active, but are slightly harder to find. On the Rainy River, anglers are also having success, with walleye responding best to spinner rigs and minnows around the confluence of the Littlefork or Big Fork rivers, as well as in the swifter stretches below the dam at International Falls. To learn more, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
The 2010 Governor's Fishing Opener on Lake Kabetogama last weekend was a very memorable and exciting time for everyone who participated. Hundreds of anglers ventured out, and reports were very positive, with lots of walleye, sauger, and northern pike netted. The best technique for catching walleye was a jig and minnow combination. Most of the keeper-sized fish were pulled from depths of 26-32 feet, and many large females came from the shallows. One angler took a 30-inch walleye and a 37-inch northern pike over the weekend. Just a few of the hot spots for walleye were Harris Island, Chase Island, Big Ritchie and the Martin Islands. On Lake Namakan, anglers reported success at Hoist Bay, Tarpoint and Cemetery Island. These areas offer excellent structure for deep jigging in depths of 25-35 feet. Rainbows were by far the favorite bait. The most productive jigs have been firetiger and gold during this stretch of sunny days. Warmer temperatures are in the forecast so anglers may want to consider switching to leeches and lindy rigs. For more information on Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out
www.kabetogama.comCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
Opening weekend graced anglers with great fishing and amazing weather. Walleye moved into shady depths, and could be found in 28-32 feet of water after the morning bite had ended. At dawn, the bite was best in depths of 8-16 feet. Both minnows and leeches produced good numbers of fish. Bobber fishing off the docks at night also worked well, especially when there was a slight chop. Reports indicate that a lot of anglers were fishing too shallow during the day, and many quit fishing when the sun went down. Those that stayed on the water and fished between 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. did very well. Crappies have moved back in the shallows and are preparing to spawn. A few good-sized northern pike were caught by anglers trolling crankbaits, including a couple of fish measuring more than 40-inches. To find out more, dial 1-800-648-5897, or visit
www.lakevermilionresorts.comEly
Last weekend's opener left anglers with many pleasant, outdoor memories. Not only was the weather absolutely perfect, the fish cooperated for many anglers. Fish were scattered throughout the water column, with walleye pulled from 7-30 feet of water. The majority of fish came in on jig and minnow combinations and slowly-trolled spinner rigs. The most productive colors were orange and yellow-lime for jigs, and gold for spinners tipped with minnows. Northern pike up to 12-pounds were hitting large suckers near the weed edges, as well as spinner baits and spoons. For more information, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit
www.ely.orgCook County/Lutsen/Grand Marais
Anglers report good lake trout action within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. While walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike have yet to bite on Sawbill, Brule and other area lakes, some good-size rock bass were recently pulled from Alton Lake. On Lake Superior, charter captains have been out on the big lake and report good catches of lake trout and salmon. And just northwest of Grand Marais, walleye have begun to school in the shallow bays in lakes along the Gunflint Trail. To learn more, dial1-888-616-6784, or check out
www.americasnorthcoast.orgGrand Rapids
To learn which presentations are working best on Grand Rapids area lakes, dial 1-800-355-9740, or check out
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette -Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Lake of the Woods was extremely busy on opening weekend, and anglers enjoyed sunny skies, temperatures of roughly 75-degress, and a slight wind. Fishing success was just as enjoyable. Anglers took good numbers of walleye on gold, bright yellow, pink, and orange 3/8 ounce jigs tipped with a minnow. Fish were pulled from 12-25 feet of water in the Pine Island and Lighthouse Gap areas. Many slot walleyewere caught and released. The best approach has been to anchor and jig. Oak Island has also offered great fishing, especially in depths of 12-15 feet along the shorelines, with gold jigs tipped with a minnow working best. The forecast calls for temperatures in the 70's this week and into this weekend, creating great conditions for a Lake of the Woods outing. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Summer arrived suddenly last week, just in time for the 2010 walleye opener. Spottail shiners are now spawning in the shallows of many of the larger lakes such as Bemidji, Cass, Winnibigoshish and Upper Red. Walleye often remain shallow until the shiners have finished spawning. Once the shiner spawn is done, the forage base moves to deep water. The larger predatory fish follow the baitfish, moving towards the edge of the structure to feed on minnows and insects. When fishing the shallows, use a jig and minnow combination at the emerging cabbage weeds or in the areas with rocky bottoms in 7-10 feet of water. The best shallow walleye bite has been in Winnibigoshish and Upper Red lakes. In some of the deeper lakes, such as Bemidji, Blackduck, Cass and Pike's Bay, the walleye can be found feeding at the edges of structure in depths of 14-22 feet. They may move to more than 30 feet of water when the skies are clear and the winds are light. When fishing deep for walleye, switch to live bait rigs tipped with leeches, night crawlers or larger minnows. Walleye have been the most active during morning and evening hours, and on days with cloudy skies and/or wind. Fishing has been considerably slower on days with calm winds and clear skies. Most of the bass, crappies and sunnies had backed out of the shallows during the earlier, extended cold front, but recent warm temperatures have moved them back into the shallows, where they are preparing to spawn. Warmer waters have also lead to early insect hatches, with midges, gnats and mosquitoes now emerging. The larger insects, such as mayflies and dragonflies, should begin hatching very soon if the warming trend continues. To find more, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out
www.visitbemidji.comWalker - Leech Lake
Last weekend's fishing opener was spectacular in terms of both weather and numbers of fish. One local guide stated that he has never seen as many boats out on Leech Lake as were out last weekend. This guide also said that his group of three caught 17 walleye, nine that were eating-size and eight slot fish, as well as a ring-bill gull that was caught and released. Most anglers reported a slow start, which improved throughout the weekend, with lots of walleye and jumbo perch being netted. Fish were very scattered, and therefore boats were as well. Groups of anglers were abundant from the Grand Vu Flats to Big Hardwood to Ottertail Point and Stony Point. Shiner minnows were the bait of choice, but fathead minnows were also producing fish, especially jumbo perch. One angler took his limit using a green odd ball jig tipped with a shiner. A jig and minnow combination worked in 8-13 feet of water seemed to be the best approach. This week's warmer and windier weather should cause the fish to school up on many of the points. For more information, dial 1-800-833-1118, or visit
www.leech-lake.comCass Lake/ Deer River - Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes
To find out where and when to fish, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit
www.casslake.comPark Rapids
Anglers that had the most success last weekend fished waters that were slightly deeper than normal, and took some good numbers from depths of 10-16 feet. The most productive bait was a leech on a northland roach rig or a 1/8th-ounce fireball jig. Northern pike action was very good, with many anglers reportedly taking nice-sized fish from areas with new cabbage weed growth and from the shallows holding reeds, lilypads and plenty of forage. In the weedy areas, jawbreaker spoons and reed runner spinnerbaits were best in the weedy areas. Crappie and sunfish anglers had lots of success last weekend. The crappies are starting to establish nests, which is slightly earlier than usual. Small jigs beneath a float are best for suspending bait just above their spawning nests. Anglers are asked to please return the large females to the water so the lake remains a healthy and abundant fishery. To learn more, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
It was a great fishing opener for the Detroit Lakes area - the weather was ideal and the fish were biting. Walleye were pulled from 22-26 feet of water on Otter Tail Lake. On most area lakes, the walleye could be found either in the cabbage weeds or off the outside edge in deeper water adjacent to large flats. They will move into the shallow waters in the next week or so, following the shiner minnows as they prepare to spawn. Rigs and jigs tipped with shiners have been the most productive technique. Pelican, Otter Tail, Big Detroit, and Big Pine lakes have all produced nice numbers this week. Crappies have been active on Mellissa, Cotton and Cormorant lakes. The crappies have moved back into the shallow waters now that the water temperatures have climbed back into the low 60's. These fish are just about to spawn. Small jigs or hooks tipped with a crappie minnow or fathead and fished under a bobber have been best. Both crappies and sunnies can be found close to edge of the emerging weed growth in the warmer, shallow waters. To learn more, dial 1-800-542-3992, or go to
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Country/Battle Lake/Pelican Rapids
There were lots of smiling faces in the Otter Tail Lake area last weekend due to so many great catches along with beautiful weather. Many said there were more boats out on the water than ever seen before, and most were catching fish. The majority of walleye were 15- to 18-inches, and most were caught in 10-20 feet of water on lindy rigs and shiners. Anglers using a jig and minnow combination were also successful. Crawlers and leeches should also begin to produce fish once water temperatures reach roughly 66-degrees. Crappies and sunnies are becoming increasingly active with the warmer weather. For more information, dial 1-800-423-4571, or check out
www.ottertailcountry.comMiltona
There were very mixed reports over the opener this past weekend. Overall, the fish were hesitant to bite for many anglers. The water tempartures ranged from 52- to 64-degrees, varying from one side of the lake to the other. This variation in temperature seemed to confuse the fish, but the warm and more stable weather patterns should get the fish biting again. The fish that were caught were mostly in shallow, 9-14 foot depths, and responding best to jigs and lindy rigs tipped with minnows. The areas holding the most fish have been the cabbage and on the inside corners. While the opener was somewhat tough for the walleye anglers, there were some good reports coming from crappie anglers. These fish were biting in 7-8 feet of water in the cabbage, with twister tails working best! Expect action to greatly improve by this weekend. To find out more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit
www.VisitLakeMiltona.comPine River Area Lakes
To learn which types of fish are being taken, dial 1-800-728-6926, or check out
www.pinerivermn.comBrainerd Lakes Area
Most anglers that ventured out last weekend had some success, even though the fish were scattered. Lots of walleye came in on one-quarter ounce northland fireball jigs tipped with a shiner, with live bait rigs tipped with a shiner also working well. Anglers took the most fish from 13-20 feet of water. Fish were a bit more aggressive at the weedlines, but they were on the smaller side. Recent warmer temperatures should cause the fish to turn more active. For information on where the hot spots are, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comWillmar Area Lakes
Anglers fishing the Willmar lakes area last weekend found that as the temperatures rose so did the number of fish being netted. Water temperatures rose from 52-degrees last week to 60-degrees this week. Lakes that produced the most fish were Ringo, East Soloman, Willmar, and Foot. Willmar Lake gave up some very nice fish in the shallows near the golf course. Some additional lakes to consider this week include Green, Andrew, Florida, Norway, and Diamond. Expect great action this weekend. To learn more, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit
www.seeyouinwillmar.comIsle/Onamia -Lake Mille Lacs
Lake Mille Lacs had an extremely successful fishing opener. Anglers reported a good bite on Saturday until the wind died down. All areas of the lake produced fish, and those that spent time on the water did well. The forecast is for another beautiful weekend, and anglers should expect an equally pleasant and successful time out this weekend. To find out more, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out
www.millelacs.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Last weekend's fishing opener was the best in recent memory according to many anglers. Walleye were biting on the weed lines early and late in the day, and slightly deeper during midday, in depths of 12-18 feet. Fish the transition between the hard and soft bottom. The best producers were fatheads, jumbo leeches, and a river mix of smaller suckers, shiners and redheads. Most of the walleye were pulled from Chisago and Green lakes. For the easiest access, use the Little Green Lake boat landing in Chisago City. Anglers reported quite of few limits of 17- to 20-inch fish, as well as good numbers of 24- to 26-inch catch-and-release fish on Green Lake. Nice sunfish were taken from all area lakes - for numbers of larger fish, use panfish leeches. To find out more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Lake
To learn where the fish are biting, dial 651/653-5122, or check out
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
For information on Lake Waconia, dial 952/442-5812, or check out
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lake City
To find out where anglers are taking the most fish, dial 1-877-525-3248, or check out
www.lakecitymn.orgLanesboro
As of Thursday, May 20, all area streams were considered clear, with normal water flow levels. Streams monitored include East Beaver Creek running through Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Camp Creek, Duschee Creek, Forestville Creek, Gribben Creek, Bee Creek, the South Branch Root River at Lanesboro, the South Branch Root River running through Forestville State Park, the South Fork Root River, Trout Run, Wisel Creek, and the Whitewater River system. Light Hendrickson nymphs are becoming active and have been found in trout stomachs this week. Light Hendricksons are currently hatching on Rush Creek, with light Hendrickson hatches on the South Branch Root to begin soon, if they haven't already. To learn more, dial 1-800-944-2670, or visit
www.lanesboro.comAlbert Lea
Fountain Lake is producing lots of catfish. For the most fish, use large fathead minnows. Crappies have been extremely active, with small minnows taking the most fish. For an occasional walleye, use leeches. And on Albert Lea Lake, anglers are catching northern pike near the Shell Rock River Dam. For more information, dial 1-800-345-8414, or check out
www.albertleatourism.orgOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
The beautiful weather last weekend was well received after such dreary, wet and windy weather the previous few weekends. The fishing started out slow on Friday, possibly due to the dramatic change in conditions. The lake turned crystal clear and visibility is now down 6 feet or more. By Sunday afternoon, the water had warmed and anglers discovered that they needed to fish at night, work the weed beds, or look for dirty water stirred up by carp. The foot of the lake has been a very popular spot the last few evenings, with shoreline and boat anglers doing well. Anglers report great catches in the shallows near the boat ramp and just off the concrete pier. A variety of techniques are working to catch these fish, including slip bobber fishing off rock piles with a leech or minnow; trolling a spinner/crawler harness or a crankbait, and crappie rigs worked off the shoreline. Anglers fishing from boat report a mixed bag of fish, with a few white bass, an occasional northern pike, and a few largemouth bass mixed in with the walleye. Many of the walleye measure in the 12- to 13-inch range, however quite a few are averaging 19-inches in length, and some have been much larger. To find out more, dial 1-800-568-5722, or visit
www.bigstonelake.com "The information in this report is provided courtesy of community organizations throughout Minnesota. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism."
