Minnesota Fishing Report 11.13.08
In general, few fishing reports are available due to recent cold temperatures. Most anglers are waiting for fishable ice.
Please note that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in the process of removing some docks at public water accesses. Anyone planning to use a public water access this fall should contact the DNR Trails and Waterways office nearest the access–check out the “Office Locater” on the DNR web site at
www.mndnr.gov to find the office closest to you.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales
Northeastern Minnesota
International Falls
On Rainy Lake, minnows and jigs continue to produce walleyes in the Rainy River. No reports are available for Lake of the Woods.
Tower
Wind-driven snow flurries have kept most anglers off Lake Vermilion.
Grand Marais
Open-water fishing opportunities have ended now that the bays and shorelines have a skim of ice.
Duluth
A jig and minnow combination is producing walleyes on Island Lake in 8-10 feet of water. Kamloop reports have been minimal.
Northcentral/West Minnesota
Baudette
The walleye bite remains strong in the Rainy River and on Lake of the Woods. Limits of fish are being taken from Morris Point to Four Mile Bay, and all along the river from Clementson to Frontier. For the most fish, use pink, orange, blue, or gold jigs tipped with a shiner minnow.
Blackduck
The cold and wind kept anglers off the lake last weekend.
Bemidji
Cold temperatures have caused fishing to come to a halt until ice forms.
Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, most boats have been put away and anglers are hoping for ice to begin to form.
Walker
On Leech Lake, walleye action has slowed and fewer anglers are venturing out. There have been, however, some decent crappie reports coming from Shingobee and Miller’s bays.
Hackensack
Some of the bays, small ponds, and access areas are developing a skim of ice overnight, which has brought an end to the open-water fishing season.
Park Rapids
Anglers willing to brave the cold report that walleyes remain active on the Fish Hook Chain in 14-18 feet of water. The key has been a slow presentation, with a jig and minnow working best.
Detroit Lakes
Anglers that continue to fish are catching walleyes on Melissa, Crystal, Lida, and Island lakes. For the most fish, use a minnow in 5-20 feet of water, depending on the lake. Muskies also remain active, with fish being pulled from the shorelines of Big Detroit Lake.
Battle Lake
Otter Tail Lake is producing walleyes in 10-15 feet of water, as well as in depths of 50-80 feet. The weedlines of West Battle Lake also continue to produce walleyes. For the most fish, use a jig and minnow combination.
Alexandria
Dress warm and head out onto Lakes Ida and Miltona for a walleye or two. Anglers report the most action in depths of 30-40 feet. A skim of ice is forming on the shorelines and bays overnight so most open-water angling has ended.
Starbuck
A few “diehards” continue to work Lake Minnewaska, however few walleyes are being reported.
Cross Lake
Walleye action remains good despite the cool temperatures. Anglers are having the most success using jigs or live bait rigs tipped with minnows in 18-30 feet of water. Crappies can be found over depths of 18-24 feet.
Isle/Onamia
On the east end of Lake Mille Lacs, fishing reports are limited, with an occasional angler taking a walleye or two by jigging off the shallow rocks. On the west end of the lake, a handful of walleye anglers continue to take fish by trolling rapalas at night in 6-10 feet of water. For the most fish, hit the shorelines in St. Alban’s and Garrison bays.
St. Cloud/Eden Valley
Fishing reports have been limited, however a few walleyes continue to be pulled from the deeper waters on Lake Koronis.
Twin Cities vicinity
Elk River/Zimmerman
Fishing reports have been nonexistent due to cold temperatures.
Annandale
A few anglers continue to pull walleyes from 12-18 feet of water on Clearwater Lake. Most other open water angling has come to an end.
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, anglers are still taking a few walleyes on rapalas worked in the channels at night. Northern pike can be found using sucker minnows in the channels and on top of the weed flats.
Chisago City
Walleye anglers using a jig and minnow combination from shore below the Dinner Bell on South Lindstrom Lake are having success.
White Bear Lake/Northeast Metro vicinity
A jig and minnow presented slowly continues to trigger walleyes on the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers.
Southern Minnesota
Red Wing
The larger walleyes and sauger have started hitting below the dam on the Mississippi River. A hair jig and minnow is producing the majority of fish in depths of 15-18 feet. This area has also given up several catfish and sturgeon.
Mankato
A jig and minnow combination is producing walleyes on the Blue Earth and Minnesota rivers. Lake Washington is giving up a few walleyes as well.
“The information in this report is provided courtesy of Outdoor News, and Explore Minnesota Tourism.”
