Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update Jan. 24, 2014 Fish are transitioning to their mid-winter patterns now that heavy snow cover is limiting the amount of light below the ice. Low light hours have been best for most species. Saturday should be the best day of the weekend to fish since snow may turn heavy Saturday night through early Sunday as another front moves through the area.
Refresh your knowledge of ice safety guidelines on the Minnesota DNR's website, and remember to check ice conditions often. 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. 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 is recommended for snowmobiles and ATV's, and at least 8-12 inches 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. Consult with a local bait shop or lakeside resort for the most current ice conditions.
The fishing season for walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass remains open through Feb. 23, 2014. Smallmouth bass, however, are catch-and-release only through Feb. 23. The winter season for lake trout within the BWCA runs Jan. 4 through March 31, 2014; outside of the BWCA, Jan. 18-March 31, 2014.
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
Walleyes are biting during morning hours in Sand Bay on Rainy Lake, with jigging a minnow in 20-25 feet of water working best. Walleye action has been good around the American Narrows as well. The Voyageurs National Park ice road is open around Dryweed Island and on to Dove Bay. This area generally offers good walleye and northern pike fishing due to lots of structure. The snowmobile trails within the park are open and staked, and trails outside of the park are all nicely groomed. The lake surface trails are a bit rough in areas where slush has been packed down and refroze, but generally, you will find good riding conditions. All area ski and snowshoe trails are also open. 800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
The ice road is now open for travel, with great access to hot spots between the Kabetogama Visitor Center and the Ash River Visitor Center. Anglers were very active last weekend, reporting lots of walleyes, as well as quite a few northern pike and other fish species. Spearing has slowed despite there being lots of action in 10-15 feet of water. The best depth for walleyes, sauger and perch has been 26-34 feet. Glow jigs and minnows are working well. The land snowmobile trails are in great shape. The lake trails are open and staked, and should be groomed this week. 800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
The trout season started off with a bang! Most anglers eported at least a couple of fish, and others had lots of success! A good number of rainbows and splake were taken on either salted minnows, or small jig and wax worm combinations. Most of the fish were pulled from 6-9 feet of water, especially early in the day. Some area lakes have even been turning out rainbows and brook trout up to 23 inches in length. Lake trout anglers were catching multiple lakers when fishing in depths of 45-55 feet of water. One area lake led the pack with fish weighing up to ten pounds, including a couple of fish weighing twelve pounds. The most productive method was using rainbow minnows or ciscoes on or near the bottom, but quite a few successful anglers were actively jigging spoons or white tube combos. Large northern pike were also on the move with anglers taking quite a few in the 8-10 pound range when using suckers or shiners. A good number of pike are also being taken by spearing, including monster pike weighing nearly 20 pounds. Northern pike are also slamming ciscoes fished right on the bottom either on a dead stick or tip-up. Walleye fishing has slowed. Most walleyes have been on the small side, generally responding to live minnows. Some of the larger fish, however, have measured up to twenty inches. These fish are responding best to forage minnows and buckshot spoons. And this Saturday, Jan. 25, check out the Fun Run Snowmobile Ride, with check points in Ely, Babbitt and Tower. Prizes will be awarded at Fortune Bay Resort & Casino. 800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgGrand Rapids
Anglers are finding walleyes, perch and northern pike in and around the underwater shoreline points and sunken islands. Some fish are also coming from the humps, bumps and bars. Check lake maps for these locations, and once you find quality structure use shiners or chub heads on jigging spoons, or try a full minnow with a jigging and/or set rod technique. On Pokegama Lake, as well as many other Grand Rapids area lakes, travel has been very easy. The most efficient mode of travel remains by snowmobile, or by ATV or UTV equipped with a track system. For the safest vehicle travel on the larger lakes, such as Lake Winnibigoshish or Bowstring Lake, use the plowed roads out of the resorts. On Pokegama Lake, walleye fishing has been a hit and miss proposition, with low light hours producing the most fish. The last hour of the sunlight, as the sun sinks behind the tree line, is best with lots of keepers and an occasional trophy-size walleye or northern pike being taken. Look for panfish on most mid-sized lakes, with fish found in and out of the weedlines that have patches of soft bottom around them. Be sure to check the rims off the shoreline structure leading into deeper water. On the smaller lakes, look for fish to be sliding into the deeper water basins to feed on bugs and other forage. Use the "deep hole" strategy as a good starting point to drill a line of holes to look for suspended fish. For the most action, trailer snow machines and hitch on portables versus using a wheelhouse. It pays to be mobile. A solid ice-pack now allows access to many lakes that are hard to access during the open water season. Stay at a local resort, hotel or motel and check out a variety of spots until you find a school of fish!
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Fishing remains consistent on Lake of the Woods. A variety of year class walleyes are being caught, including great classes of smaller fish mixed in with eaters and some trophy-size fish. Saugers are filling the buckets, with most measuring 12-14 inches, along with an occasional 16 inch fish. Lots of tulibees are also being taken. A jigging spoon with a minnow head in one hole, and a dead stick with a plain hook or drop shot and live minnow in the other hole have been best. The most action is taking place in depths of 15-20 feet during low light hours, with gold, glow-red, pink, and orange tackle producing the most fish. Northern pike anglers are doing well in the shallower depths when using tip ups. Anglers fishing the Rainy River are also doing well. Walleyes are being caught near the airport, in Baudette Bay, at Hattie's Hole, and in Clementson Bay. Depths of 19-21 feet during morning and evening hours have offered the most consistent bite. Northern pike are active in bays, with a 40-plus inch pike pulled from Baudette Bay near Willie Walleye this week. And up at the Northwest Angle, fishing has been great. Anglers are taking a combination of walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch from 23-28 feet of water. Please work through area resorts if venturing out amongst the islands as ice conditions can fluctuate. 800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Bemidji area lakes are known to offer great fishing options when the bite has slowed in other areas. Anglers are still asked to watch for patches of slush, especially on the larger lakes such as Winnibigoshish and Cass. Walleye anglers continue to pull walleyes from most of the larger area lakes. The best bite has been on jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head, or on dead sticks with a lively minnow. The number of plowed roads and trails on the lakes increases each week, but snowmobiles and other types of track vehicles are still the best way to access the lakes. Some anglers are also using ATV's with 4-wheel drive and good tires to access areas off the roads; please note that it is always a good idea to travel in pairs and bring a shovel and a tow strap in case these are needed. The persistent cold temperatures this winter have made quality outdoor clothing and a good shelter necessary for a great fishing outing, and it is clear by the number of anglers out on the lakes that many prepared well for the elements. Since it's tough to move on frigid cold days, setting up in the right location is very important. Fish are in their mid-winter patterns now that heavy snow cover on the lakes is limiting the amount of light under the ice. Many walleyes, perch and northern pike have been moving into shallower waters, while species such as crappies and sunnies are suspending further off the bottom and moving out of the basin areas into more moderate depth flats. Anglers are finding most species of fish more willing to bite in the mornings and evenings, with the bite slowing down during the day. Anglers should downsize their presentations and use a lighter line when fish turn more finicky. 800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
Earlier this week, anglers were having lots of success on Pike Bay Lake. Perch and walleyes were being pulled from depths of l8-20 feet. Over the weekend, fishing was also good on Cass Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish. 800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
Lake ice on Lake Winnibigoshish is getting better for travel, with roughly 40 percent of the lake now frozen to the top. While more roads are going out, there is still a slight delay due to days with high winds. Fishing has been spotty. While lots of perch are being taken, they require plenty of sorting. Northern pike remain extremely active. The walleye bite is consistent, but the best window of time is short in the evening. With the changing weather patterns, fish seem to have preferred smaller lures, especially in gold. For the most action, look to the shore drops from the stumps along the south and east shores, at the west side River Bar on up to Sugar Bar, and northeast out to the first set of humps off High Banks. Most areas have 15-20 inches of ice. Some areas are covered in little or no snow and other areas have 2 foot drifts. There is some slush, but conditions are improving. Before traveling, check with local resorts for the most current road conditions.
www.lakewinnie.netWalker -Leech Lake
Most ice on Leech Lake and other area lakes now measures more than 20 inches. On Garfield Lake, most spearers are taking limits of nice northern pike, in addition to a variety of nice bluegills, largemouth bass, and some stray crappies! This has been a ton of fun for kids, especially when there is such a variety of different species coming through the ice. Hook selection and bait presentation can be critical, especially if the fish are not terribly aggressive. Anglers fishing Walker Bay on Leech Lake report that the lighter colored, multi-colored, and glow-in-the-dark jigs have been working best. Multi-colored jigs, such as pink/white and lime green/yellow, have worked very well this past week. Single glow hooks seemed to work best on rattle wheels, and smaller glow hooks with a small treble hook tipped with the front half of a small minnow worked well when jigging for walleyes. One trick that some anglers have had success using is to take a small hook tipped with either a very small minnow or the front half of a minnow and lay it on the bottom, with some curious taking the bait! Consider attending Back to Hack in nearby Hackensack, Jan. 24-26, and enjoy lots of fun events including the Frostbite Fanny Fun Run, a treasure hunt, Chili Feed, Paul Bunyan Family Fishing Contest, a Penguin Plunge, fabulous fireworks, medallion hunt, snow sculptures, live music, raffle drawing and snowmobile parade! 218-675-6135
800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comPark Rapids
Walleye anglers are taking fish from 19 feet of water. Crappies are starting to bite in 30 feet of water. Lakes giving up the most fish include Fish Hook, Potato, and the Crow Wing Chain. 800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
More snow, more wind, and more cold over the last few days has limited the number of anglers heading out. Those that have ventured out reported a slower walleye bite and a shorter bite window. The majority of fish were being taken early in the morning and during the last hour of light until dark. The panfish bite on area lakes remains good and steady. Big Detroit, Leaf, Tamarac, Floyd, and Lida lakes have all been getting lots of attention. The weather and the bite are expected to improve by the weekend. If traveling off trail, snowmobiles and track vehicles are still recommended due to the additional snow and drifts. 800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Country
Anglers report that the walleyes are biting in 18-22 feet of water, as well as 28-32 foot depths depending on the lake. Most of the fish are being taken on jigs tipped with fathead minnows. Northern pike can be found at 15 feet of water when using sucker minnows, with multiple area lakes producing lots of fish. Both crappies and sunnies can be found at 10-15 feet near the weeds in numerous area lakes. The evening bite tends to be best. When out on the lakes during extreme cold temperatures, start your vehicle often to assure that the battery does not go dead. And as always, use caution when driving any vehicle on the lakes. 800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comGlenwood
Walleye activity on all area lakes has slowed a bit. Anglers are having to work a bit harder for them since there seems to be no pattern, nor a best time of day or perfect depth. This is pretty typical for the end of January. Crappies have been active on the Glenwood side of Lake Minnewaska. Other area lakes giving up lots of panfish include Reno, Maple, and Mary. 320-634-3636
Whitefish - Whitefish Chain of Lakes Region
Ice conditions really improved on area lakes following the recent cold temperatures which caused the slush and snow pack to firm up nicely. In some areas, the heavy snow pack sunk, allowing good ice to form. Still, a few areas remain iffy so use caution. Ice thickness ranges from 8-24 inches. Walleye anglers are taking fish from 24-36 feet of water on sucker minnows, especially early and late in the day. Evening fishing has really improved as the fish are schooling. More crappie action is being reported, and sunnies have been active in 8-12 foot depths. Remember to use caution venturing out on the ice.
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
As of late last week, anglers reported good driving conditions, with the slush finally starting to solidify and most area lakes covered in 14-22 inches of ice. Walleye action on most area lakes had slowed, which is somewhat typical for this time in the season. The best advice for fishing walleyes this time of year is to move a bit deeper, jigging or using setlines with shiners or fatheads. Another tactic is to switch gears and fish for crappies and sunnies instead. Most panfish have been holding in 16-40 feet of water, so anglers have had the most success when using a minnow/bobber combination and a small jig tipped with waxworms, as well as sonar equipment. And don't miss the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza held this Saturday, Jan. 25, when more than 10,000 anglers and spectators from around the world gather for this fun and exciting ice fishing extravaganza! 800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comAitkin
Roads are now plowed to the following areas out on the mud on the northern shore of Lake Mille Lacs: Weimer, Bombeck, and the north and south ends of Resort Flats. Please note that there are still some areas of water under the deep, heavy snow. While fishing has slowed a bit, some large perch, measuring 13-14 inches, were recently taken. Anglers also report lots of smaller perch. 800-526-8342;
www.aitkin.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
On Lake Mille Lacs, the unstable weather and abundance of forage has made the bite a bit tougher. While groups of anglers tell of great fishing outings, these anglers are fishing away from the crowds, most are fishing over deep water on the gravel or various mud flats, and most are traveling by snowmobile. Otherwise, the bite has been primarily 1st and 2nd year perch, with an occasional large perch mixed in. Scattered walleyes, northern pike, tullibee and even eelpout are also being taken. Fishing should greatly improve as the weather turns more stable and the prey fish eat more of the abundant forage. Road conditions are good, and if anglers stay on the established roads and in the designated areas all should be fine. 888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
Last weekend was excellent for anglers fishing Willmar Area lakes. Lake travel had improved immensely, with most lakes having 24 inches or more of ice. Anglers are asked to make note of where aeration holes are located, and avoid these areas. Successful anglers have been using a variety of bait including fathead minnows, shiners, and sucker minnows on basic jigs and lures. Good action has been reported around Robbins Island Point on Willmar Lake, and on Foot Lake, with anglers taking some nice crappies, sunfish and walleyes. The crappies seem to be moving to the deeper water holes on most lakes, and the sunfish are moving to shallower waters on lakes such as Andrew and Florida. 1-800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Panfish action has been excellent throughout the area. Little Green Lake is on fire, with lots of sunnies being taken during the day. Nice-size crappies are being pulled from depths of 20-30 feet at night on Chisago Lake. Walleye anglers are taking fish from South Center Lake near Needle Point. Join in the fun during the Celebration of the Lakes this Sat., Jan. 25, with the Lion’s Fishing Contest on South Lindstrom Lake at 1 p.m., as well as events and activities throughout Lindstrom such as a free Kids' Ice Fishing Camp, a kiddie parade, sled dog rides, Kids' Olympics, a medallion hunt, ice skating, lutefisk dinner, hayrides and live music! Then on Sun. Jan. 26, check out the National Ice Fishing Contest on Chisago Lake. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWaconia/Lake Waconia
As of last week, fishing was very good on Lake Waconia and hundreds of anglers were venturing out. Northern pike anglers were taking lots of fish, with most weighing between 4- and 10-pounds. Most of the activity was in Waconia Bay, and at Center Reef and Pillsbury Reef. Small to medium sucker minnows were working best. Walleye action had slowed somewhat, but a few fish continued to be pulled from 12-16 foot depths by anglers fishing away from the crowds. Plenty of sunfish and crappies came from 10-14 feet of water in Waconia Bay and Center Reef. Anglers took lots of fish from just south of Pillsbury Reef was giving up lots of fish south of Pillsbury. Anglers have been finding crappies suspended 4 to 8 feet off the bottom in 20 to 24 feet of water. Sunnies were active, hitting waxworms and larva; crappies were also biting, but preferring crappie minnows. 952-442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lanesboro -Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of last Friday, Jan. 17, most streams that normally have a good spring flow are now open. There is some ice cover on areas with slower water, including at some of the better pools. Sporadic midge hatches have been noted, and some fish have been seen rising. The weekend was expected to be a good one. Most streams were clear and low. Please note that Trout Run is currently closed. As updates on stream conditions become available, they are posted on the Southeast Minnesota Stream Conditions web page. 800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.com
