May 17, 2012 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report Anglers throughout the state enjoyed a spectacular Minnesota fishing opener last weekend; not only did the weather cooperate, the fish did to. This week's warm temperatures are expected to improve the bite even more!
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2012/2013 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 12; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 26; muskie, June 2. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. Please note that seasons and regulations vary for certain boundary waters and some individual lakes and rivers.
Please remember that safety is key to a great time out on the water; along with your sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water, bring along a well-charged cell phone, marine band radio, noise making device, fire extinguisher, and of course your floatation device. Check out the DNR's Boating Guide to ensure that you are all set up for a safe and enjoyable outing.
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Walleye fishing has been good in the bays of Rainy Lake--jigging or trolling lindy rigs with minnows works well. One of the better locations has been around the islands in Sand Bay. Smallmouth bass are also active. Sand Bay is also giving up lots and smallmouth bass and crappies. Large northern pike are being pulled from the Jackfish, Black, and Cranberry bays. Anglers have been excited to learn that Rainy Lake earned 11th place out of 100 for top bass lakes in the United States according to Bassmasters Magazine. 800-325-5766
Kabetogama
Opening weekend was very warm and windy, resulting in rocky conditions for boats without driftsocks. In contrast, anglers fishing shorelines and docks reported lots of fish, including northern pike, saugers and all sizes of walleye. Minnows were by far the bait of choice, however, leeches worked well for those rigging from boats. Large numbers of pike were reeled, and many were nice eating-size, 1 ?- to 3-feet in length. The sauger bite was best for those fishing the shallows. Water temperatures are moving into the mid-fifties. Baitfish, including shiners, are spawning in the shallows, attracting all species of gamefish. The jumbo perch bite has been excellent. Keeper-size walleye have been a bit tougher to catch. And crappie fishing should heat up once temperatures rise a bit. 800-524-9085
Crane Lake
The Canadian walleye fishing season will open this Saturday, May 19th. The Canadian side of the chain of lakes are easily accessed. Please note that all border crossing rules must be followed--the current regulations for Canada can be found at
www.visitcranelake.com/canada/index.html U.S. requirements for re-entry can be found at
www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/index.html 800-362-7405
Ely
Many anglers reaped the rewards of the abundant healthy area fisheries last weekend. While many of the fish were smaller males, there were some 20-plus inch fish mixed in with these eating-size beauties. Jig and minnow combinations were best, with some unusual color combinations of blue, purple and pink producing the majority of fish. A good number of walleye were also taken on lindy rigs tipped with crawlers or leeches. Anglers using large sucker minnows reported large northern pike measuring up to 44-inches in length. Crappies are just starting to transition to the shallows as water temperatures continue to rise--try a slurpy or gitzit micro to cover more water in the search for the slabs. Once located, switch over to a small minnow under a slip bobber for some great action. 800-777-7281
Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
The walleye were very cooperative during the season opener on Lake Vermilion. Anglers found fish in a variety of locations and depths, with some coming from 6-12 feet of water and others found in depths of 17-40 feet. One area guide has the most success at the mud flats in 31-42 feet of water. His recommended technique is a lindy-style rigs with a 3- to 4-foot 8-pound test fluorocarbon leader, along with a #4 red or green hook, glow red or glow green 6mm soft-bead, and a 3/4-ounce slip sinker. A slow presentation speed of .4- to .7-mph was best. Most walleye were of good size, with a lot of keepers also being taken. Anglers are very optimistic that the season is shaping up to be a great one! 800-648-5897
Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Nearly all area lakes have been productive. Cascade Lake, known for its walleye population, lived up to its reputation opening weekend. Elbow Lake, just out of Grand Marais at the beginning of the Gunflint Trail, gave up walleye and lots of active northern pike. Devils Track Lake, just out of Grand Marais, produced lots of perch, along with northern pike on spoons. On Gunflint Lake, jigs turned good numbers of fish at the weed bed edges and shallow humps; in the deeper, cloudier waters, live bait has been best for walleye and northern pike. Sawbill Lake anglers reported great walleye and bass action on opening weekend, and the Sawbill Outfitting crew brought home four good-sized walleye for a delicious Sunday shore lunch. The brook trout, however, were elusive.
Duluth - Lake Superior
800-438-5884
Grand Rapids
The waters continue to warm, and fishing continues to improve for Grand Rapids area lakes. The best approach has been a 1/16-ounce jig tipped with a shiner to get the fish to bite. Fish can be found as deep as 11 feet and as shallow as 4 feet. Remain mobile to locate fish; Anglers will benefit from using their electronics to follow schools of baitfish. 800-355-9740
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
The walleye season has begun! Anglers enjoyed warm and windy weather during opening weekend on Lake of the Woods. Despite windy conditions, anglers and area guides took their limits within hours. The Sunday bite was best, with fish pulled from 16-24 feet of water outside of Pine Island and Morris Point. Gold or orange jigs and hammered gold spinners tipped with a minnow were the best bet. At the Northwest Angler, lots of large smallmouth bass were also taken. The remainder of the week calls for unseasonably warm temperatures, with a chance of storms on Saturday. Water temperatures early in the week were in the mid 50's, and water clarity was very good. 800-382-FISH
Bemidji
Surface water temperatures in most area lakes are now in the mid to upper 50s, so the walleye bite should be very good this week--the peak spring bite typically occurs once lakes can hold 60-degrees overnight. Anglers are beginning to see some midges hatching on the lakes, which are usually the first of the fish fly hatches in the spring. The early ice-out and the warmer water temperatures will likely cause the insect hatches to occur earlier this year, with a good chance the "mayfly" hatches will actually start in May this year. Spot tail shiners are moving into the shallows to spawn in most of the larger lakes, and walleye often stay on the shoreline structure as long as the shiners are in the shallows spawning. Walleye usually begin to move to mid-lake structure about the same time the shiners are finishing their spawn and the mayfly hatches are beginning in deeper water. Crappies, sunnies and bass are all members of the sunfish family, and they will begin to spawn when water temperatures reach the upper 60s to low 70s. At this time, crappies and sunnies can be found feeding in the shallows of many area lakes. Anglers are asked to please practice selective harvest on these fish now that the spawn is just a couple of weeks away. 800-458-2223
Cass Lake
Walleye fishing has been excellent on the Cass Lake Chain! Andrusia Lake has schools of fish in 6-12 feet of water. On the south end, Pike Bay is giving up good numbers on leeches. Cass Lake is producing fish in Allen's Bay, Turtle River, Deadman's Bar, Bucks Bar, and at the North End gravel. Jumbo perch are active in shallows of Cass Lake. Northern pike have been very aggressive in Dick's Bay. And panfish are beginning to move to spawning areas in the shallows. 800-356-8615
Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish
Last weekend's opener on Lake Winnibigoshish was one of the best ever. Not only was fishing incredible, so was the weather. Many early risers were back at the dock at 9:00 a.m. with their limit of fish. Most walleye were taken using shiners and jigs. Depths varied, and were dependent on the fished. Shallow walleye were pulled from 6-9 foot depths when the wind was blowing, with fish pulled from 10-14 foot depths during calm conditions. Action seemed to slow a bit during afternoon hours, increasing in the evening and staying strong into the night. Perch anglers are also reporting some good action, with fish found in depths of 10-14 feet. Crappies are active in the developing near spawning sites. Northern pike action is best out in the deeper waters, with some of the larger pike taken by walleye anglers trolling crankbaits. Water temperatures are in the mid- to upper-50s this week. 218/665-2368
Walker - Leech Lake
Last Saturday's weather was beautiful and the sun warmed the cooler air quickly resulting in a good drift bite. Anglers caught lots of nice eating-size and larger walleye, but a took a little longer than usual to take limits. Many large northern pike and some jumbo perch were also being taken. Anglers had success at the Grand Vu sand grass flats when working a 1/8-ounce dark green metallic jig tipped with a spot tail shiner in 7 to 10 feet of water. The best reports came from the big lake in such areas as Pine Point, Star Point, the Goose Island area, First and Second Duck Points, and Traders Bay. On the east end, Otter Tail Point, Stony Point, and the Portage Bay sand grass flats produced some walleye limits. Other areas producing fish included Walker Bay, Cedar Point, Templar Point, South Walker Bay, and Mounds Point in Steamboat Bay. The water will continue to warm this week, and the walleye and northern pike catch should improve in many of these spots. 800-833-1118
Park Rapids
Last weekend's fishing opener was good for some anglers and not so good for others. Good numbers of walleye were caught, but depth and bait of choice varied widely from lake to lake. Anglers reported catching walleye in 3-30 feet, although the greatest concentrations were in 10-16 feet of water. Nightcrawlers and leeches fished on roach rigs were the most productive. Some anglers also did well using fireball jigs tipped with a minnow, and shallow-diving crankbaits. The northern pike were voracious and some very nice northerns were landed. Shallow- to mid-depth weeds in 4-12 feet are currently holding good numbers of pike. For the most fish, use flashy in-line spinners or minnow presentations. The most consistent action this weekend was for anglers targeting panfish. Large crappies and bluegills have been easy targets in the old growth, brown weeds. A small jig tipped with a crappie minnow suspended beneath a bobber, or a 1/16th- or 1/32nd-ounce mimic minnow jig worked extremely well for the crappies; the bluegills opted for jigs tipped with a plastic body, or a worm or maggot under a bobber. This bite should remain amazing for the next couple of weeks, until these fish begin moving toward deeper locales. 800-247-0054
Detroit Lakes
800-542-3992
Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Area guides and local anglers were thrilled with the amazing fishing action on Otter Tail Lake last weekend, and many felt that this was the best opener they've ever seen! Lots of nice-sized walleye were taken on jigs tipped with shiners. Lindy Rigs and shiners also worked well. Most fish were pulled from 5-15 feet of water. 800-423-4571
Whitefish
Some anglers did extremely well with the walleye and northern pike during last weekend's fishing opener. Night anglers seeking walleye had lots of success casting rapalas in the channels. Northern pike seemed to be hitting just about everything. Panfish were active in depths of 3-10 feet, with anglers taking good numbers when using slip bobbers tipped with minnows. Look for continued improvement over the next weeks as water temperatures to rise even further.
Pine River
Walleye and northern pike were biting in most Pine River area lakes last weekend; anglers reported lots of success on some lakes and average success on others. A jig and minnow combination worked best in 12-18 feet of water. Slip sinker rigs also produced fish. Night anglers did well using shallow-running plugs and spinners, with leeches under slip bobbers also working for some. A westerly wind produced an ideal walleye "chop" and those fishing the windward sides of the bars seemed to do best. Look for the excellent angling to continue throughout May and into June. To keep our waters healthy, please remember to remove your drain plug when leaving the lake and replacing it before launching. Also remove all weeds from your trailers and boats to help contain the spread of invasive species in our lakes. 800-728-6926
Brainerd Lakes Area
800-450-2838
Aitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
800-526-8342
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Lake Mille Lacs walleye are coming from depths of 6-30 feet of water. The day bite has been best for anglers using live bait rigs with a chartreuse or orange floater and a leech. The evening bite has been successful at the shallow rocks; for the most fish, try trolling small crankbaits through 6-12 feet of water, or try a slip float presentation. Good reports are coming in from all over the lake the past few days and it appears the fish are very hungry. Lots of slot fish are being reported, along with numerous 26-plus inch fish. Please remember that the night ban is on, and no one may fish for any species or possess fishing gear on the lake from 10:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m. through 12:01 a.m. on June 11. 888-350-2692
Willmar
Last weekend's fishing opener was excellent for most anglers, and the fish continue to bite in lakes throughout the area. The shallow, prairie lakes such as Big Kandiyohi, Elizabeth, Solomon, Long, and Ringo lakes are giving up many nice walleye. The deeper lakes are also producing lots of nice fish, including Eagle, Diamond, Andrew, Florida, and Green lakes. The deeper lakes are beginning to warm at a faster pace, keeping the walleye active and biting. 800-845-8747
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls
Water levels are now normal on the St. Croix River. Beach areas are growing and ready for BBQ's and picnics. Anglers are reporting lots of success using a jig and minnow combination during the day. During low light hours, work crankbaits through the shallow rock points for good numbers of fish. 715/483-3580
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
The Chisago Lakes Area experienced one of the best openers in years. Walleye anglers had success in nearly all area lakes, and especially off Needle Point on South Center Lake, in front of Ojiketa Park on Green Lake, throughout Chisago Lake. Depths of 14 feet of water were best. Large northern pike continue to be pulled from Sunrise and Green lakes by anglers bobber fishing with sucker minnows. Crappies remain on their beds in 4-8 feet of water in all area lakes; for the largest fish, hit South Lindstrom, Chisago and Sunrise lakes using crappie Minnows, wax worms, flu flu jigs and small leeches. Sunnies have moved in around the docks, and are active on all area lakes. 651/257-1177
White Bear Area Lakes
651/653-5122
Waconia
The Governor's Fishing Opener, held on Lake Waconia this past weekend, was spectacular. The amazing weather, fun festivities, and of course the fine fishing action all added to the success of this event. While the Friday night cold front clearly affected the walleye, other species remained hungry and active. Numerous anglers had success with the sunnies and crappies in the shallows; expect to see them in less than 6 feet of water near the reeds along the northwest side of the lake, as well as in Reinke's Bay. The northern pike action has picked up where it left off this past winter, and several anglers caught pike ranging from 4- to 8-pounds, with a few even topping 10-pounds. It's been a long time since Lake Waconia has had such a strong population of northern pike. The best approach has been casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits or spoons, especially at Pillsbury, North, and Center reefs. Walleye anglers are having success at night, fishing the shallows out from the Carp Trap, Rock Dock, Harm's Point, and the Clay Banks. Try throwing shallow-running crankbaits, bobber fishing with leeches, or jigging a fathead. There were also some nice reports from anglers fishing North and Keg's reefs during evening and early morning hours. 952/442-5812
Southern Minnesota
Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
877-525-3248
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of Friday, May 11, Wisel Creek was fishable, but a bit off in color. Most other streams and rivers were in excellent condition. Caddis were hatching on Winnebago, Bee, and Duschee creeks. Conditions reported were off to clear and normal for Bee Creek, Winnebago Creek, Trout Run, Canfield Creek, Forestville Creek, Duschee Creek, Gribben Creek, the South Branch Root River at Forestville State Park, and the South Fork Root River at the Million Dollar Bridge. Wisel Creek, the South Branch Root River at Lanesboro, and much of the Whitewater River system were reported to be off in color, with normal water flows. For detailed fishing maps showing defined property lines and easements, check out Trout Angling: Southern Minnesota. 800-944-2670
Rochester - Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
800-634-8277
Faribault Area Lakes
800-658-2354
Albert Lea
Fountain Lake has been excellent for northern pike action. Anglers are also taking suckers, walleye, crappies, and sunnies. For walleye and pike, use leeches, fatheads and minnows. And on Albert Lea Lake, walleye action has been strong at dusk in The Channel. 800-345-8414
Fairmont Area Lakes
800-657-3280
Ortonville - Big Stone Lake
Anglers are doing well in the dirty waters on the north and south ends of Big Stone Lake. One boat recently took their limit in just two hours; the bite was best from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Another boat got their limit pulling spinners around Goose Isle. Some anglers took just a walleye or two, along with some white bass, largemouth bass, and perch mixed in; most of the walleye are running 17- to 18-inches. A variety of bait seemed to work, however, the key seemed to be a slow presentation in the dirty or stirred-up waters. Shoreline anglers are also reporting some nice catches, but the clarity of the water makes it necessary to fish after sunset or just before sunrise. This week's warmer temperatures should result in improved numbers of fish. 800-568-5722
