March 21, 2011 Explore Minnesota Fishing ReportFew reports are available as anglers put away their ice fishing gear and turn their attention to the upcoming open water fishing season. Highs in the 40s & 50s have been common over the last few days, and ice conditions are changing rapidly. The Explore Minnesota Fishing Report will be temporarily discontinued until anglers are able to access lakes and rivers by boat. Anglers wanting to venture out one last time this season must use extreme caution, test ice thickness often, and check with area bait shops and resorts for the most current conditions.
Anglers are encouraged to bring along a friend and some long rope. If venturing out alone, wear a life jacket and let someone know where you are going. No ice is every considered fully safe - 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. And please remember that ice is never considered totally safe - contact a local bait shop, resort or visitor's bureau for the most current ice conditions before traveling.
Please check out the Minnesota DNR Ice Safety page for helpful, and potentially life-saving, ice safety tips.
Fishing opener dates for the 2011/2012 fishing season for most inland waters in Minnesota are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 14; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 28; and for muskie, June 4. 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.
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Northeast Minnesota
International Falls -Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
1-800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
1-800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
The lake ice near the Minnesota/Canadian border remains thick and in great condition. Kemo Lake on the Gunflint Trail is producing trout in 25-30 foot depths, with fish hitting jigs and spoons tipped with a minnow. On Birch Lake, a spoon tipped with a minnow may result in a few lakers. On Moss Lake, anglers were recently testing their luck using jigging rapalas and nils masters. Esther Lake has given up fish to anglers using jigs and waxworms in depths of 20 feet. Mink Lake, just north of Grand Marais, can be counted on for some rainbows and splake - check 12-20 foot depths using small spoons and waxworms. Large bucktail jigs and minnows are turning fish up the Sawbill Trail, north of Tofte. And anglers are looking forward to the upcomiong smelt run!
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette -Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
On Lake of the Woods, the entire lake seems to be giving up amazing numbers of fish. Most of the action is taking place during morning to mid-afternoon hours, with stop signs, red and gold jigs working best. Walleye anglers are doing very well at the Northwest Angle & Islands Area this past week. Reports indicate that the number of walleye taken is now higher than the number of sauger. For the most action, use glow-in-the-dark and pink jigs in 20-29 feet of water. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
1-877-250-5959;
www.visitbemidji.comWalker - Leech Lake
1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comCass Lake/ Deer River - Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes
Fishing action has heated up on Cass Lake, with perch anglers doing well. Limits of crappies and sunfish are also being taken. 1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comPark Rapids
1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comMiltona
While recent warm temperatures have made outings very pleasant, the ice is changing rapidly, especially in areas with standing water. Move around with caution, and look for areas with green weeds or timber for the most fish. 1-877-833-2350;
www.VisitLakeMiltona.comPine River Area Lakes
1-800-728-6926;
www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia -Lake Mille Lacs
1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
1-800-845-8747;
www.seeyouinwillmar.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Lake Area Lakes
651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lake City -Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
1-877-525-3248;
www.lakecitymn.orgLanesboro
1-800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comFaribault Area Lakes
1-800-658-2354;
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
1-800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
1-800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
1-800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
