January 14, 2011 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report

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   January 14, 2011 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report
   
While the forecast calls for cold temperatures, weather patterns will remain stable, making it an excellent time to venture out for some hard water fishing action!

Anglers are encouraged to bring along a friend and some long rope. If you do venture out alone, wear a life jacket and let someone know where you are going. No ice is every considered fully safe, particularly at this time of year - please check with local bait shops and resorts for the most current ice conditions before venturing out. 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 the 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 vistors' bureau for the most current ice conditions before traveling.

International Falls -Rainy Lake & the Rainy River

Rainy Lake ice anglers are able to access a greater number of areas on the east end of the lake, and they report doing very well. Walleye are being caught in 30-45 feet of water near the islands and submerged reefs. Some crappies are hitting near Birch Point. Large pike have been pulled through the ice, with fish found concentrated in the shallower areas and in Black Bay. For the most fish, use large minnows on spinner rigs. Some slush has reduced travel, however below zero temperatures should help immensely. Groomers continue to hit the snowmobile trails, which are reported to be in good shape. Lake trails are covered in some slush, but overall, they are also in good shape. 1-800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Ice conditions are still hindering travel on lakes Kabetogama and Namakan. Some success is being reported by those who have worked their way out to mid-lake locations. Depths of 28-32 feet seem to be best for the walleye and an occasional perch. Current cold temperatures are improving ice conditions each day. Northern pike anglers continue to take fish by spearing and by using tip-ups. Small jigs and live bait, especially glow jigs used in the darker waters, provide the most consistent bite. Reef structures in the mid-lake areas of Kabetogama have been best. Snowmobile trails on Kabetogama have been staked as safe from Kabetogama to Crane Lake. All land trails have been groomed and are in excellent condition. 1-800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely

The walleye bite has slowed somewhat. Anglers have been limited in their ability to travel due to patches of slush making it difficult to move around. The maintained ice roads are getting lots of traffic, while many areas off of these roads are impassable. Walleye continue to hit jigging spoons tipped with whole minnows or minnow heads, especially in 16-20 foot depths. Anglers have been turning their attention to the smaller area lakes such as Armstrong, One Pine and Low where a short trip on foot gets you to some productive fishing holes. Northern pike anglers report consistent action when using sucker minnows under a tip-up. 1-800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion

On Lake Vermilion, walleye are hitting minnows worked in 22-34 feet of water. Some shallow water action is taking place at dark; drill a hole early, and drop a jig just before you head home. One local angler pulled a 46-inch x 26-inch pike from a smaller area lake recently; that's a lot of fish coming through an 8-inch hole! 1-800-648-5897; www.lakevermilionresorts.com

Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage

Lake trout fishing has opened within the Boundary Waters. Duncan, Daniels, and Alder lakes typically hold the larger lake trout. Walleye reports have been good - for the most fish, hit the humps in 30-38 feet of water using a jig and minnow combination on Seagull or Saganaga lakes. Elbow Lake is producing both walleye and perch on jigs tipped with minnows worked in 6-10 feet of water near the weed beds. Crescent Lake is giving up fish in depths of 18-24 feet of water. Deeryard anglers are being kept busy, with lots of smaller fish being reported. www.VisitCookCounty.com

Grand Rapids

Heavy snow on area lakes has been a problem for some ice anglers. There is about 16 inches of heavy compacted snow on the lakes, creating slush in most areas without plowed ice roads. Anglers continue to report success, with lots of walleye and perch being pulled from Lake Winnibigoshish. For the most fish, hit the humps in 20-25 feet of water, especially early and late in the day. Lake roads are not plowed from public access points. Most resorts on Winnie have plowed roads, but charge for access. Please call ahead to learn more. www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota

Baudette -Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Ice depth on Lake of the Woods measures roughly 2 feet. The ice roads are in good shape and snowmobile trails are freshly groomed. Ice houses are out as far as 8 miles onto the lake over 33 feet of water. Saugers are hanging near the bottom, while walleye are suspended. Glow in the dark, red/pink and gold are popular colors for jigs. The largest catch of the week was a 10-pound, 29-inch walleye. At Oak Island, there are reports of 16-20 inches of ice. The largest walleye are showing up in 22-24 feet of water off the reefs and in areas with a mud bottom. 1-800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

Most anglers are concentrating are the larger lakes where resorts and anglers maintain a network of roads on the ice. Travel off the ice roads and on many of the smaller lakes is limited to anglers with snowmobiles or other track vehicles. Anglers are catching the majority of walleye during morning and evening hours, and when weather conditions are favorable. Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head, and dead sticks with a bobber rig and lively minnow have been best, especially in depths of 24-32 feet of water. Perch have been scattered between the shallow and deep waters. Some perch have been feeding on mayfly larvae and bloodworms in deep waters with a mud bottom. There have also been perch coming from the shallows on minnows, crayfish and smaller perch. The best areas are usually covered with chara, with some rock and cabbage weeds. When perch are finicky, experiment with presentations. Crappie anglers are finding fish in the deep waters on the edges of holes or off the sides of structure. Most fish have been suspended well off of the bottom, so anglers will need to use sonar to know how deep to place their bait. Crappies like to feed at or above their eye level, and may not see baits presented too far below them. Use plastics or small jigs tipped with wax worms or Euro larvae for the crappies. 1-877-250-5959; www.visitbemidji.com

Walker - Leech Lake

Ice conditions are slowly improving, however flooding has occurred in some new areas. And slush pockets are being reported when new ice roads are being plowed. Some fish houses are needing to be raised and set on blocks due to heavy snow sinking the ice mass and pushing more water up. The good news is that some areas that had experienced minor flooding are now okay for driving. Ice currently measures roughly 14-16 inches. The sunfish and crappie action remains strong. The sunnies are biting during the day, and the crappies are most active at twilight. Anglers report that schools of crappies are on the move. The walleye have been active at the deeper underwater humps, especially in 31-39 feet of water. Nighttime walleye anglers are reporting quite a few stray tullibees and eelpout as well. The demon fishing lure has been the lure of choice, especially in green and chartreuse. Glow lures are also recommended whenever fishing walleye, crappies, and sunfish. Current cold temperatures should create new ice and reduce the number of slush pockets. Fishing action remains good - pack up your gear and bring your friends and family for some excellent fishing action. 1-800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Cass Lake/ Deer River - Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes

1-800-356-8615; www.casslake.com

Park Rapids

1-800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes

1-800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Central Region

Otter Tail Lakes Area

On Otter Tail Lake, walleye are being taken from the weedlines, along with some good-sized perch. Recent snow storms have dropped lots of snow, however kind volunteers have plowed roads all over the lake. Ice houses have been brought back out, and fishing is improving. Walleye can be found in depths of 25-30 feet of water when using shiners and fatheads. Perch are being pulled from 10-12 feet of water on small jigs tipped with fatheads or crappie minnows. Now is the time to head out for some excellent ice fishing! 1-800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Miltona

1-877-833-2350; www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Pine River area lakes

Anglers should watch for areas of slush as vehicles may become lodged. The best advice is to follow ice roads already created. Fishing reports are good for most area lakes. Pine Mountain Lake is producing walleye in 12-25 feet of water - deeper on clear, sunny days, and shallower on cloudy days and during morning and evening hours. Panfish have been active on Norway, Pine Mountain, Hattie and many of the smaller area lakes, with fish coming from 10-15 feet of water on small ice flies baited with waxworms or wigglers. A light 2- to 4-pound test line is key when paired with a sensitive bobber for bluegill and crappies. Northern pike have been active on all area lakes, especially at the bottom of the weedlines. Walleye will continue to drop in depth as winter progresses, with some being caught in water as deep as fifty feet in late January and February. 1-800-728-6926; www.pinerivermn.com

Whitefish Chain of Lakes area

Walleye are hitting shiner minnows in 24-30 feet of water on Whitefish, Crosslake and Pelican lakes, along with many of the smaller area lakes. Action has been best during early morning hours and just after sunset. Anglers are reporting nice-size fish, as well as a few 30-inch catch-and-release walleye. Northern pike are hitting large pike minnows on tip-ups fished in depths of 10-14 feet. Spearers report lots of smaller northerns and a few large pike. Crappie anglers are doing well on Daggett, Little Pine, Upper Whitefish, and many smaller area lakes. It has been an evening bite, with glow jigs tipped with minnows or wax worms working best in 12-26 foot depths. www.whitefish.org

Brainerd Lakes Area

1-800-450-2838; www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Isle/Onamia -Lake Mille Lacs

Deeper water is probably the best bet for walleye on Lake Mille Lacs, however working the shallows will still produce some fish. When fishing the shallows, get away from the crowd and noise, especially during morning and evening hours. Lightweight spoons tipped with a minnow are working well. Nice perch action is being reported in 15-25 feet of water. For the most fish, try waxworms or maggots on a demon. 1-888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar

1-800-845-8747; www.seeyouinwillmar.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area

As of late last week, bass were active in 10 feet water on Green Lake. Northern pike were hitting medium-size suckers. Sunnies and crappies were biting on most area lakes, with crappie minnows, waxies, and spikes all turning good numbers. Good-size walleye were coming out of Chisago Lake during evening hours. Most fish were being pulled from depths of 12-16 feet of water on shiners or small sucker minnows. A road had been plowed out onto Chisago Lake. 651/257-1177; www.chisagolakeschamber.com

White Bear Lake Area Lakes

651/653-5122; www.ExploreWhiteBear.org

Waconia

Fishing is improving, especially with anglers able move around and work most areas of the lake. Look for healthy weeds when searching for a good fishing hole. While there are plenty of weeds in the lake, finding the healthiest weeds will increase the chance of getting on a spot that will hold fish for a while. For sunnies and crappies, hit depths of 11-14 feet. Walleye can be found at these depths as well, however it is best to find areas that drop off to 20-plus feet of water. Permanent fish houses were pulled out onto Lake Waconia last weekend, and lots of anglers are reporting success throughout the day. Please remember to give each other space when deciding where to place your house; common courtesy is to stay 20-25 feet away from another fish house. This also makes it easier to plow roads to groups of houses. 952/442-5812; www.destinationwaconia.org
Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro

While most Minnesota anglers focus on ice fishing, anyone craving some open water fishing action will want to consider a trip to southeastern Minnesota where the stream trout season opened January 1. The southeast?s catch-and-release winter trout fishing season, which runs through March 31, is the result of the increasing popularity of trout fishing and requests from anglers to expand the number of streams open to winter fishing. Currently, about 135 miles on 38 streams are open to winter trout angling. Remember that as water temperatures drop, so does fish activity. Afternoon fishing is often the most productive, with fish most active at temperatures of 38 degrees and above. Look for springs flowing into streams since this is where water is often warmer. As of January 13th, streams were in great condition and trout were being caught. Small #18-#24 bead-head nymphs, especially those imitating midge larva or pupa, have been very productive. Streams open to winter fishing in the Lanesboro vicinity include Diamond Creek, Etna Creek, Gribben Creek, North Branch Creek, South Fork Root River, Torkelson Creek and Wisel Creek in Fillmore County. Those in Houston County include West Beaver Creek, Bee Creek, Crooked Creek, Daley Creek, Swede Bottom Creek and South Fork Crooked Creek. Consult the 2010 Fishing Regulations booklet, or check with the DNR for the entire list of winter trout fishing streams. 1-800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Lake City -Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River

1-877-525-3248; www.lakecitymn.org

Faribault Area Lakes

Based on the number of ice fishing shacks showing up on area lakes, last weekend was the unofficial start of the ice fishing season! Ice conditions are finally good enough to allow vehicles to venture out, with hundreds of permanent fish houses added last Saturday and Sunday. On Lake Mazaska, good numbers of crappies are being taken, especially from the southwest and west sides of the lake. Shields Lake is producing crappies, sunnies, northern pike, and some walleye - hit the small sunken islands on the south side of the lake for the most action. Roberds Lake is giving up some nice sunfish, with wax worms working best. The deep holes on the east and west sides of French Lake have been good for crappies. And anglers report good sunnie and northern pike action on Hunts Lake. For the most walleyes, use fatheads and shiners. Northerns are responding best to medium sucker minnows. Finicky crappies seem to be attracted to the smaller profile baits - if you see them on your flasher and they won't take your bait, try a smaller presentation. A wax worm or sometimes a jig tipped with just a minnow head can be the best presentation. 1-800-658-2354; www.visitfaribault.com

Albert Lea

Anglers have been enjoying some great crappie action on Fountain Lake near the Hatch Bridge! 1-800-345-8414; www.albertleatourism.org

Fairmont Area Lakes

Fishing has improved throughout the area, and the ice is reported to be in good condition. On Big Twin Lake, anglers have been taking crappies and walleye. Fox Lake is giving up crappies and perch. Crappies, perch, and few walleye have been coming out of Hall Lake. Sisseton Lake anglers are taking crappies and bluegills. And for lots of perch, hit North Silver Lake. 1-800-657-3280; www.fairmontcvb.com

Ortonville -Big Stone Lake

1-800-568-5722; 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."