Explore Minnesota Fishing Report March 7, 2013 March is one of the best months for ice fishing, and this is a great time to catch jumbo perch, slab crappies and hefty bluegills. There is also an extended season for walleye, sauger and northern pike on most of the border lakes and rivers. A small portable fish shelter will give you a strong advantage this time of the year since it can be pulled around by hand, allowing you the mobility necessary to hit a variety of locations. Unfortunately, precipitation is in the forecast for Saturday, and it could arrive in the form of rain; please call ahead for the most current ice conditions and fishing advice.
Please remember that temperature, snow cover, currents, springs and rough fish all affect the stability of ice which could be two feet thick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away. It is important to check ice depth at least every 150 feet--please exercise caution and check ice depth often. According to the Minnesota DNR, 4 inches of new, clear ice is the minimum thickness recommended for travel by foot. A minimum of 5 inches of new, clear ice is recommended for snowmobiles and ATV's, and at least 8-12 inches of new, clear ice is advised for cars and small trucks. Items recommended for checking ice thickness include an ice chisel, ice auger, cordless drill and a tape measure. Anglers heading out onto the ice should also carry ice claws and a long rope, and wear a floatation device and ice cleats. Check out the Minnesota DNR's Ice Safety web page before heading out, and consult with a local bait shop and lakeside resort for the most current ice conditions.
Dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice no later than midnight, March 4, for bodies of water south of Hwy 10, Hwy 34, Hwy 200 and Hwy 2. Dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice no later than midnight, March 18, for bodies of water north of Hwy 10, Hwy 34, Hwy 200 and Hwy 2. Fish houses on Minnesota-Canada border waters are allowed through midnight, March 31.
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2013/2014 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 11; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 25; muskie, June 1. 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--consult the Minnesota DNR Fishing Seasons and Minnesota DNR Fishing Regulations websites for the most current information. And don't miss the 2013 Governor's Fishing Opener held May 10 & 11 in the city of Park Rapids--a community picnic and festival will be offered Friday afternoon and evening, May 10.
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
Walleye are hitting jigs and minnows early in the day, with action slowing off in the evening. Reports have been good at Sand Bay and areas near the Park Service Ice Road around Dryweed Island. Northern pike are more likely to be found around Rainy Lake City. Crappie reports have been hit and miss; for the most crappies, use lighter jigs with minnows. Area snowshoe, ski and snowmobile trails conditions are excellent! 800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Diehard gamefish anglers can still pursue walleye, sauger and northern pike on Rainy, Namakan and Sand Point lakes. Anglers fishing Namakan should remember that there is considerable slush off the snowmobile trails, and it won't be long until there is lots of water under the snow and slush. Ice thickness remains 28-32 inches in most areas, and snow depth averages 20-30 inches, with drifts a bit higher. Water clarity is good. Small fatheads and shiners sucker minnows on a plain hook remain best for good numbers of walleye, perch and sauger, with glow jigs and rattle spoon in 30-35 increasing the odds. Use a spinner and minnow for the most pike. On Lake Kabetogama, crappies and perch have been elusive, however action should really heat up in the next couple of weeks. Many anglers are also taking advantage of the great land and ice snowmobile trail conditions. 800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
Trout action continues to provide lots of excitement on area lakes. Lake trout fishing is picket up, with fish weighing 5- to 9-pounds fairly common, and even some 12-pounders being reported. White tubes, airplane jigs and spoons have been best on the active rods, while ciscoes fished on the bottom best for the stationary rods. For a really incredible adventure take a trip through one of area dog sled companies and fish a Boundary Waters Canoe Area lake, with fish weighing up to 15-pounds being taken. Rainbow trout action has been steady on some area lakes, especially for anglers using small dark jigs tipped with waxies and small spoons. Off the beaten path lakes continue to provide action as well. Within in the Boundary Waters, crappie action has been good for those anglers using small minnows fished on a dead stick; small tubes and minnow imitations are also producing fish. 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 have turned their attention to the trout. These fish are biting actively, with fish found suspended in 25-50 foot depths. The most consistent trout producing waters are Daniels and Duncan lakes off the Gunflint Trail. For lots of action in the mid trail area, try Clearwater Lake. For rainbow trout, hit Sawbill Lake north of Tofte or Esther and Seagull lakes off the Gunflint Trail. This Sunday, March 3, is the annual Trout Derby on Gunflint Lake, a popular celebration of the extended ice fishing season.
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
Late into the ice fishing season is always exciting--the days get longer, temperatures are warmer, and the fishing typically picks up. It's nice to just be outside standing on a sheet of ice sheet with the warm sun beating down. Winnibigoshish, Bowstring, Pokegama and other Grand Rapids area lakes are producing lots of nice fish. Perch are beginning their spring transition when they migrate into the shallower water structure and flats in search of minnows and moving forage. On Lake Winnie, the ideal depths are usually 8-12 feet, and sliding down into 17 foot depths. For the best locations, look for shallow water structure on west side of the lake, Ravens Point, Stony Point and Sugar Bar. On the deeper lakes such as Ball Club and Pokegama, perch have been holding in the soft spots off steep structure, with some nice perch coming from areas closer to the break line in 20 feet of water and on top or near the slope of the drop. When searching for structure, look for inside turns on break lines and start fishing on top of the flat. Later, drill a line of holes leading into deeper waters and fish a variety of depths using a spoon-type lure tipped with a minnow head. Crappies are holding around the steep drops and deep holes, as well as closer to 20 feet of water on the break lines. Bluegills have also been on these slopes and a bit shallower, roaming the deeper weedlines in 10-14 feet of water. Try using a small "bug type" lure tipped with a waxworm. Ice conditions are starting to change--snowmobiles remain the best mode a travel. As always, check in with area bait shops, resorts and sporting good stores for the most current ice conditions and fishing advice.www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
The bite on Lake of the Woods is heating up, and it has been consistently good these first few days of March. The angle of the sun and the warmer temperatures alerts fish that spawning is around the corner, and action increases. Fish houses are being moved back to the mud on the south end reefs where fish are beginning to stage. Anglers report plenty of action throughout the day, with large numbers or sauger being taken! Walleye action is steady, but remains best during morning and late afternoon hours. Depths of 26-31 feet of water have been best. Gold remains the best color, but most glow colors are doing well, especially with one on a dead stick and the other jigged. Anglers report that the smaller jigs are out-producing the larger ones. Ice is averaging 30-36 inches, and snow cover is at least 18 inches which should allow permanent houses to remain on the ice until March 31st. Don't forget, the Lake of the Woods walleye season runs through April 14, and the northern pike season is continuous. 800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
March is one of the best months for ice fishing. Unfortunately, March is also one of the snowiest months and this has been a problem for lakes in the area. The plentiful snow is great for those who have been using the snowmobile trails, but the abundant snow is creating slush problems on most area lakes. Anglers are using every inch of their augers to get through the ice and snow, drilling through more than one layer of ice as they drill their holes. There is also a large amount of water mixed in with the snow and ice on the lakes. Anglers with snowmobiles rigged for ice fishing are at a great advantage when accessing the lakes. Those trying to fish out of their vehicles are limited to roadside holes, with the structure close to the roads getting most of the fishing pressure. Fish operate on their own biological clocks, so they are preparing for spring even though the lakes are still covered with heavy snow and ice. Fish key on several factors, including the increasing amount of daylight. The general progression of the fish is towards shallow water as spring approaches. Until the snow begins to melt and recede on the lakes, many of the fish will stay suspended over deeper water or begin to stage up along the breaks leading to the spawning areas. 800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
The perch bite has been very good on sunny days. The 20 foot depth line in to 8 feet deep has been good as long as the sun is shining. On cloudy days, look to the deeper areas for the most perch, roughly 20-40 feet deep. Look to the west side from River Bar north through to Raven's Rocks, using smaller jigs and minnow heads fished next to a plain hook with a live minnow. Depths of 18-22 feet at the east side Stumps up through Moxey have also been giving up fish. At the Highbanks shore-drop, the same depths, 18-22 feet, are producing fish. Travel is possible on plowed roads only at this time. Leaving the plowed roads is a recipe for disaster. Check into the resort you are accessing the lake from for a map of the roads and recommended areas to fish for perch. Sunfish and crappie action is picking up on several area lakes, but you will need a snowmobile or ATV to access most of these lakes. Look to Big Cutfoot off Mcavity Island, Little Ball Club and Portage lakes for the best panfish activity.
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
Now that the walleye, northern pike and bass season is officially closed, it's time to concentrate on all of the jumbo perch, slab crappies and hefty bluegills! A small portable fish shelter is great this time of the year since you can pull it around by hand, allowing you the mobility to try various locations. Walker Bay of Leech Lake, and other smaller area lakes have ice measuring 20-30 inches. If you are checking out a new lake, please be sure that you know the locations of streams and rivers, and any unique areas such as underwater springs that you should avoid. 800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comHackensack
800-279-6932
Park Rapids
800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
Fish houses have all been removed south of Hwys 10 & 34 in the Detroit Lakes area. Many of the roads and accesses that were plowed to remove houses have drifted shut due to recent deep snow and high winds. Snowmobiles have been best for travel. Some anglers are doing well with the sunnies, crappies and even some perch when fishing the shallow weed areas. Pockets in the weeds in 9-13 feet of water seem to be best, especially when using light jigs, waxworms, plastics and small minnows. Once you locate green weeds, drill multiple holes and stay on the move until you locate fish. 800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comGlenwood
Crappies are being pulled from the area in front of fish hatchery on Lake Minnewaska. For the most fish, use minnows and glow jigs at dark. Sunfish have not been consistant on Minnewaska; for sunnies, hit Lake Mary. Perch anglers continue to report a good bite on the west side of Lake Reno, however, expect to do some sorting.
www.glenwoodlakesarea.orgPine River
Pine River area lakes continue to give up good numbers of bluegills and crappies. Sunfish are hitting in 8-20 feet of water during daylight hours, with small glow ice flies tipped with wax worms, mousies or wigglers working well when used on ultra-light line. Crappies have been active at daylight and dusk, moving from roughly 20-30 foot depths during the day up onto the shore bars at low light periods and on cloudy days. The panfish and perch bite will continue to improve as spring approaches with late winter anglers finding fish as shallow as the bottom of the ice sheet! A good depth finder really makes angling more fun this time of year as anglers watch fish move up and down in depth during the day. Please be aware that until more snow melts, anglers are advised to stay on the plowed roadways and carry a shovel. 800-728-6926;
http://www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
All the permanent fish houses are off the ice, and the lakes look bare! Sunny days and warm temperatures will allow anglers using portables to easily travel around in the near future. Most of the crappies continue to hold in the deeper waters. One recommendation is to switch between minnows, wax worms and plastics often since this seems to turn some lookers into biters. Round, Mission, Cullen and Blackhoof lakes continue to produce nice numbers of panfish. 800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comAitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
800-526-8342;
www.aitkin.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Anglers have switched gears, and are now pursuing the perch, tullibee, sunfish and crappies on Lake Mille Lacs. Although the perch bite has been tough this season, it should greatly improve as the season progresses and melting begins. At this time, the best action is in 32-plus feet of water off the deep edges of the mud flats. Anglers are starting to see some nice perch, but the fish remain finicky. For crappies and sunnies, work the bay areas using waxies or Euro larvae with light line and a small jig in 10 feet of water or less. 888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar Lakes Area
Fishing remains strong on area lakes. Anglers are heading out with their portables in search of quality panfish. Diamond Lake is giving up lots of nice crappies in the shallows. Willmar and Foot lakes are producing nice sunnies and crappies. Anglers are asked to call ahead before venturing out, especially late in the season. 800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Area Lakes
651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Winona- Mississippi River
800-657-4972;
www.visitwinona.com Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of March 1, little black stoneflies were running around on the snowy stream banks! Midge fishing has been good when the wind allows it. Streams have been in great condition, and should remain so through the weekend. More reports are arriving of success stripping streamers. 800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comRochester -Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
800-634-8277;
www.rochestercvb.org Faribault Area Lakes
800-658-2354;
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
Anglers are having fun with the sunnies and catfish. Good numbers of fish are coming in on wax worms worked near the city beach on Fountain Lake. Six feet of the bottom in eight feet of water has been best. 800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville - Big Stone Lake
800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
