January 12, 2012 Explore Minnesota Fishing ReportThe current cold front should add an inch or two of ice to most lakes over the next couple of days--the forecast for this weekend is expected to turn milder, resulting in a great bite once again. Please note that ice conditions continue to change, and thawing and refreezing can lead to very unstable ice conditions. Anyone considering a trip out onto the ice must first check with local bait shops and resorts for the most current ice conditions. Anglers heading out are asked to carry ice claws and a long rope, wear a floatation device, and check ice depth often. Anglers are also encouraged to wear ice cleats for increased stability due very slick ice. Please stay informed, and consult Minnesota DNR Ice Safety Tips before heading out on your next ice fishing adventure. The most current Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer Reports may also be useful.
The fishing season for walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass remains open through February 26, 2012. Smallmouth bass, however, are catch-and-release only from September 12 through February 26. The winter season for lake trout within the BWCA runs December 31, 2011 through March 31, 2012--outside of the BWCA, January 14-March 31. The winter season for stream trout in southern Minnesota is catch-and-release only, and runs from January 1 through March 31, 2012. The season for stream trout in lakes runs from January 14 through March 31, 2012.
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Ice anglers are taking walleye early and late in the day from Sand Bay and around American Narrows on Rainy Lake. Jigging with a minnow has been best. Some large northern pike are being pulled through the ice at Black Bay. Recent warmer temperatures may have affected the ice--please check ice thickness as you go. And snowmobilers will enjoy several staked lake trails within Voyageurs National Park. Ski and snowshoe trails are also open. 1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
The walleye bite had slowed earlier this week, but diligent anglers continued to catch fish. The best bite has been late in the day, between 4:00 and 7:00, with an additional bite between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. Some nice walleye were also taken at first light, however, few anglers have been venturing out at that time. The best way to connect has been to use one "dead stick" or tip-up with a minnow, while actively jigging an additional line with either a small jig and minnow or a buckshot spoon with a minnow head. Some nice northern pike have been falling for suckers fished along weed edges or on top of the many reefs. Spearing has also been productive. White and red or sucker pattern imitation decoys have been working as well as live suckers. The crappie bite was decent, with some nice slabs weighing a pound to a pound and a half falling for minnows or small tube and tail jigs in white or pink. Many anglers have been gearing up for the trout opener on January 14. It may be wise to stock up on ciscoes since last fall's low water conditions yielded a limited amount of these popular bait fish. 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
Anglers are anxiously awaiting the January 14 trout season opener outside of the Boundary Waters, and all of the fresh trout, brookies and splake that come with it. Until then, expect a good walleye bite on Deeryard, Devilfish, and Elbow lakes. For the most fish, hit depths of 20-25 feet. Lake trout fishing within the Boundary Waters had a respectable start, and anglers who traveled to Daniels and Duncan Lakes hooked lots of smaller fish, while those who trekked to South Lake caught quite a few keepers. Nice-sized northern pike are coming from 25-30 foot depths on sucker minnows. Try Devil Track, Crescent, and East Twin lakes for some of these feisty fish.
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Anglers continue to take excellent numbers of fish. According to the latest DNR reports, the walleye and sauger populations continue to rise on Lake of the Woods. Several slot and trophy fish, and lots of nice eating-size fish continue to be reported. Recent 29- and 30-inch walleye have been taken, along with a sturgeon so large it had to be pulled through the ice by its tail! While the morning bite seems to be best, midday and afternoon action have also been good. Gold, chartreuse and glow-in-the-dark jigs tipped with a minnow or minnow head have produced fish, especially in depths of 28-31 feet. Fish finders will definitely increase fishing success. Colder temperatures have arrived, and this may shake things up for a day or so but incredible fishing should return very quickly. On average, ice measures 16-18 inches. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
The cold snap is expected to add another inch or two of ice to area lakes, which should allow anglers better access to more of the lakes. Anglers have been driving vehicles on Upper Red Lake for a couple of weeks due to 16 inches of good ice in most areas. The fishing pressure from literally thousands of anglers on Upper Red Lake has resulted in a slower walleye bite. The larger groups of fish houses put a lot of pressure on these fish, so a lot of fish are caught and the rest start shy away from the noise. Many anglers have been spreading out along the shoreline break in 9 to 11 feet of water on Upper Red Lake, searching for less-pressured walleye. Most anglers have had success are using jigging spoons with part of a minnow or bobber rigs with a full minnow. Anglers have been fishing for crappies and sunnies on many of the smaller lakes, however some of the lakes still have less than a foot of ice so anglers have been using ATVs, snowmobiles, or just foot travel to access the lakes. Try to avoid the ice heaves and take the time to drill a few test holes to check ice depth, especially on lakes less traveled. 1-800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
Most areas of Lake Winnibigoshish have 13-15 inches of ice, and the smaller, lighter trucks are being allowed to travel in some spots. It is essential that anyone planning on driving out first check with a resort or bait shop at or near where you plan to access the lake. ATV travel should now be reasonable in all areas on the lake. Please note that the south heave is moving but can be crossed in the shallow water locations only. Little Stoney is considered to be a safe crossing. The west side heave still has some movement, and there are spots on the east side near shore that can be worked around. Aside from these areas, the lake ice is in good shape overall. Current cold temperatures should improve ice conditions. The perch bite on the north and east sides of the lake is taking place in 10-13 feet of water. The main lake bars are giving up some fish in depths of 22-30 feet. Shore drops are also producing fish, but fairly deep. The northern pike bite has been exceptional! Anglers using tip-ups are running flags in the 13-18 foot range nearly constantly. The walleye bite has been okay off the main lake bar drops and on the north end humps. For the most fish, hit depths of 21-26 feet early and late in the day. Panfish remain very active in the smaller area lakes at the green weeds and at the basin. Sunnies are active during afternoon hours into the evening; once evening hits, attach a minnow and catch some crappies!
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
The odd weather this season has resulted in some new challenges on Leech Lake, such as sleeper houses wrapped in 2-3 foot drifts due to strong winds, and some minor flooding around and under fish houses due to record-setting warm temperatures! As a result, houses have had to be moved to new locations, despite great fishing action in those areas! The good news is that the ice is growing thicker. With 11-13 inches on average on various lakes, including Walker Bay on Leech Lake, light vehicles have been heading out. Still, it is important to check ice thickness often. Kabekona Lake, just to the west of Leech Lake, still has areas of open water in the middle of the lake. The bulk of the snow reported last week has melted and most lakes again have "perfectly smooth" ice; a local guide recommends wearing ice cleats to avoid falling. Walleye and crappie anglers continue to take good numbers of fish, with limits being taken. Most of the fish have been suspended, and twilight hours have been best. Use your electronics or set some of your lines at various depths when searching for crappies. An area guide is finding the larger crappies higher up in the schools. 1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comPark Rapids
1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
The ice conditions on area lakes have not changed much since last week, with most bodies of water still averaging 11-14 inches. This cold front, however, should add an inch or two of ice over the next couple of days. The forecast for this weekend is for mild temperatures to return, and anglers may be able to use their buckets again, staying outside of the portables and permanent houses. Walleye remain fairly shallow so far this year, with most fish found in 19 feet of water or less, relating to the outside edges of green weeds. The walleye have moved shallower towards dusk, coming from 9-12 feet of water, especially on jigging spoons with minnow heads. Crappies have started to transition off the breaks to the basin areas, where they can be found suspended. Jigging or bobber fishing with small jigs tipped with waxworms or crappie minnows is working well. The sunfish and perch action has been best on the shallow weed flats, with the sunfish also found suspended. This weekend's warmer temperatures and more stable conditions should result in a good bite. 1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
While fishing has been very good on Otter Tail Lake, ice thickness ranges from 0- to 14-inches. Ice ridges have also been an issue. All anglers must use a reliable source for a current report on where to fish. Lots of perch and walleye are coming in on shiners and fatheads, with most coming from 10-30 feet of water. 1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comPine River
1-800-728-6926;
http://www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comAitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
1-800-526-8342;
www.aitkin.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Walleye action remains best in roughly 15 feet of water on Lake Mille Lacs. Perch can be found hanging around the softer muddy bottom areas in depths of 25-30 feet. Fatheads, shiners and waxworms are working best--use these on light weight spoons in bright colors such as yellow, orange, and silver for the most fish. Northern pike action remains strong in Isle, Wahkon and Cove bays. Suckers or large shiners have been the key to success in these locations, especially in 10-12 feet of water. Sunfish can be found in 9-11 feet of water at the weeds in the bays. The best approach has been a small jig tipped with a waxworm or euro larva. Ice conditions still vary around the lake so please be sure to get the most current ice conditions report from a resort located where you plan to access the lake. The south end bays are starting to allow vehicle travel, but only ATVs are allowed if you want to venture out to the main lake areas. 1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
1-800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
As of late last week, fishing was great on area lakes. The areas around Pancake Island and Whispering Bay on South Center Lake were good for panfish action. The area in front of the Lake Street Boat Access on Chisago Lake was good for crappie anglers. Sunnies were active during the day at the Chisago Lake channel and on the south end of the lake in 6 feet of water in front of the A-Frame. Walleye were being pulled from the area in front of the hospital on South Lindstrom Lake, with a few crappies also being taken. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Area Lakes
As of January 11, White Bear Lake was reported to have 8-9 inches of ice from BeLair to the VFW. Crappies were biting around BeLair in roughly 10-15 feet of water. Ice on Bald Eagle Lake still measured 10 inches off the access, and 8 inches around the island. Walleye were biting near the access and along the north side of the lake. 651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Ice conditions remain unstable on most lakes in this region of the state--no further information is available on hard water angling for southern Minnesota.
Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
1-877-525-3248;
www.lakecitymn.orgLanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
1-800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comRochester -Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
Although most Minnesota anglers are focusing on ice fishing, those looking for a different fishing experience should check out southeastern Minnesota's trout streams, where the stream trout season opened January 1! While the season is catch-and-release for brown trout and rainbow trout, the bite on area streams and rivers has been very good with lots of action! For a list and maps showing designated winter trout fishing streams, visit the Minnesota DNR Winter Trout Streams page. 1-800-634-8277;
www.rochestercvb.orgFaribault 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
