Reports are very limited this week due to deteriorating ice conditions, the close of the gamefish season on most Minnesota waters, and the closure of many bait shops until ice-out. Anglers choosing to venturing out MUST use extreme caution.
The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of Ely, where good numbers of large crappies and northern pike are being pulled from Birch Lake.
Please note that melting and refreezing makes ice less stable, especially in areas with springs or current. Anglers are asked to please call ahead for the most current conditions before venturing out. Please remember that ice is never considered totally safe. The Department of Natural Resources reports that 4 inches of ice is the minimum thickness recommended for travel by foot. Ice safety guidelines also recommend a minimum of 5 inches of new, clear ice for snowmobiles and ATV's, and 8-12 inches of new, clear ice for cars and small trucks.
Before heading out, consider learning how to make and use ice picks and claws by checking out the 1-minute video on the DNR website at
www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.htmlAnglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing
http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn And, please consult Minnesota DNR rules and regulations for slot limits on specific lakes.
The opening dates for the 2007/2008 fishing season for most inland waters in Minnesota are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 12; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 26; and for muskie, June 2. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous.
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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
Duluth
On Lake Superior, the loopers and coho are staged under the remaining ice, and can be found up the shore at the openings. Some anglers are catching a few casting from shore. Cohos can also be found right off the beach at the Lester River. The rivers and streams are still iced up, but may open up any day, with good fishing expected at ice-out.
Ely
Anglers continue to hit the ice, with an average of 30 inches of ice remaining on area lakes earlier in the week. Good numbers of large crappies are being pulled from Birch Lake, with lots of crappies and sunnies being taken from various area lakes. Lakes to consider include the White Iron Chain, as well as Fall, Bass, Bear Island and One Pine lakes, just to name a few. For the most fish, try small crappie minnows, or jig and waxworm combinations. As always, please use extreme caution, since ice is never considered totally safe.
Kabetogama
Despite sloppy ice conditions, crappie and northern pike anglers continue to try their luck on Lake Namakan. Crappie anglers who ventured onto Namakan and Sand Point did well, however lake access is now difficult due to ice melt at the shorelines, and challenging ice ridges.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, anglers report taking some very large fish, and at least three northern pike measuring over 40 inches were taken from one resort last weekend! The ice on the Rainy River and Four-Mile Bay has become unstable, so most anglers are accessing the lake from the South Shore, and consistently taking a nice mix of walleyes, sauger and northern pike. Earlier in the week, open water had reached west of Indus on the Rainy River. Currently, Pelland is the only ramp open, but conditions change daily, so another ramp should open soon. Early reports of anglers heading out from Pelland have been favorable, with a mix of walleyes and northern being taken in front of the Big Fork River. Ice conditions are changing daily, so please call ahead if you are planning a fishing trip--the game fish season remains open through April 14th on Lake of the Woods.
Blackduck
Nice numbers of perch were taken frolm Blackduck and Rabideau lakes last weekend. Anglers will most likely be limited to travel by foot this weekend. Ice conditions vary daily--please call ahead for the most current reports.
Bemidji
Sunnies and crappies are biting on all of the smaller area lakes. Foot traffic will be the only option this weekend, and this will probably be the last weekend for ice fishing. Please use extreme caution if venturing out.
Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, the ice away from shore remains thick, however the landings and accesses are becoming unstable. Lots of anglers are starting to move into shallower waters, and the North Shore, and the Flats off Haubrich's Bay, are giving up nice numbers of perch. The 15-foot hole off Raven's Point has been excellent for larger perch. The outside edges off the Big Rockpile, and along the North Shore are also producing lots of fish. For the most fish, use a small forage minnow spoon with a minnow head or a couple of waxworms. The perch seem to have grouped in schools, and the action can be fast.
Park Rapids
Bluegills are biting on the Crow Wing Chain in 10-12 feet of water. Crappies are active in 20 foot depths on Big Mantrap Lake. Please note that the accesses are getting rough.
Pelican Rapids
North Lida Lake has been excellent for numbers of sunnies. The panfish bite has been good on most area lakes, however the ice is deteriorating fast. Please call ahead for the latest ice reports for this weekend.
Battle Lake
On Battle Lake, the sunnies and crappies were biting in 15-17 feet of water last weekend, with fish found only about 4-5 feet down. The crappies were most active during early morning and late afternoon hours. The sunfish were biting throughout the day. West Lost Lake is giving up lots of sunfish, but many are on the small side. Please note that shoreline ice on many of the smaller area lakes is breaking up.
Starbuck
On Lake Minnewaska, crappies and sunnies are biting near the ballroom, with lots of sunnies also being pulled from the Starbuck end. The ice is changing daily--expect walking to be the only mode of travel by this weekend. Please call ahead for the most current ice conditions.
Crosslake
Crappies are biting on Gull Lake. The ice is melting rapidly, and conditions may be unsafe by this weekend.
Crosby
Crappie and bluegill action has been excellent this week, however finding accessible ice may be difficult this weekend. The best crappie bite has been in roughly 5-12 feet of water on most area lakes, with fish found just below the ice. Extra jigs are necessary since the northerns have been very active in these areas as well. Puddle jumpers have been the best bet when worked below the ice using a steady bounce-and-flutter approach. Bluegills are consistently hitting yellow and black, or red and white jigs, tipped with a waxworm. Ice is melting fast around the edges of area lakes. After ice-out, look for some excellent crappie action in the backwater and channel areas.
Isle
On Lake Mille Lacs, the perch have been active on Rocky Reef, and along the north end of the lake. Anglers finding access to the lake are taking good numbers of jumbo perch. Some anglers are resorting to planks and cleats to access the lake. Please note that the ice is changing daily, and has turned black in some areas. Anglers must check with a local bait shop or resort before venturing out.
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TWIN CITIES VICINITY
The fishing report for this region of the state has been temporarily discontinued until anglers can safely access area waters by boat.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Red Wing
The locks have been opened, and the landings at Red Wing are also now open. Good numbers of sauger are being taken on plastics tossed into the riprap. For the most fish, use a blue or red plastic with a white tail. A jig and minnow combination is also working well in 15-18 feet of water.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy The Outdoors Weekly, and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
