Explore Minnesota Fishing Report April 9

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Explore Minnesota Fishing Report April 9

Few reports are available due to the transition from ice fishing to open water angling. Open water angling is already taking place in some areas of the state, and most bodies of water should be free of ice in the next couple of weeks.

Anglers continue to access some lakes in northern Minnesota. Please note that ice conditions can change very rapidly, and anglers must call ahead for the most current conditions. For more information, and for a list of local bait shops and resorts, contact area visitors’ bureaus at the numbers listed below.

Although the walleye and northern pike seasons have closed on inland waters, the gamefish season remains open on some border waters through April 14. The crappie, sunfish and perch seasons are continuous.

Please remember that thawing and refreezing causes ice to become less stable. The Department of Natural Resources reports that 4 inches of new, clear 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. Please note that ice is never considered totally safe. Anyone choosing to venture out should first consult with a local bait shop, resort or authority for the most current conditions.

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

Numbers of Rainy River anglers have hit the water since the recent sunshine. The Ron Hall access in International Falls has been very popular. Lots of walleyes are being pulled from the sandy stretches of the river, such as at the bends below the golf course at International Falls. The Pat Roche access above the dam at International Falls will be opened just as soon as it is safe to use. Spring fishing between Ranier Rapids to the access is typically very good. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

For information, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com

Ely

Spring fishing has been excellent on some area waters. For more information, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Duluth/Lake Superior & inland lakes

Recent melting has increased the river flow, and the smelt run is expected to begin the second or third week in April. To learn more, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or check out www.visitduluth.com
Northwest Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

The Rainy River is open shore to shore, and large boats are now able to launch up at Vidas Landing. A large channel opened through Baudette on its way to the lake this past weekend. Anglers are catching lunkers each day, and one party recently landed walleye measuring 23-inches and 26-inches. For the most fish, use a ¾-ounce jig now that the current is slowing down. Another exciting report came from a young man who caught and released a 57-pound, 63-inch sturgeon on an 8-pound test line! The walleye season remains open through April 14th, and the 2009/2010 season will open May 9. Spring sturgeon season runs April 24 through May 7. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

Perch are active at the shallow flats on the larger lakes. Crappies are at the edges of the structure near inflowing water and at other areas that will warm up quickly after the ice is off of the lakes. Most early spawning fish are close to their spawning areas by this point in the season, with large concentrations of fish in some areas. Most lakes in the Bemidji area rely on natural reproduction to maintain their populations of fish, so anglers are asked to please release most of the larger female fish at this time of year. For more information, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com

Cass Lake

Anglers planning for their first open water outing should keep in mind that location is often just as important as bait in catching good numbers of fish. If the wind is pushing you parallel on a lake such as Lake Winnibigoshish, use your motor to move forward or backward to keep you right above the fish–drifting even a couple of feet away can make a huge difference. To learn more, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit www.casslake.com

Park Rapids

Great perch, crappie and bluegill fishing is being reported in the shallows. For more information, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out www.parkrapids.com
Central Minnesota

Miltona

Anglers report excellent perch, sunfish and crappie action. To learn more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs

Crappies and perch continue to bite. For more information, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out www.millelacs.com

Willmar Lakes Area

Dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit www.seeyouinwillmar.com for information.
Twin Cities vicinity

White Bear Lake

The Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held on White Bear Lake this year, and volunteers, fishing hosts and sponsors are needed May 7-10. For more information, visit www.ExploreWhiteBear.org, or dial 651/653-5122
Southern Minnesota

Lake City

The walleye and sauger bite at pool 4 on the Mississippi River has greatly improved this past week. Lots of nice fish are being taken from many of the shoreline current seams where these fish are beginning to stage for spawning. Daytime temperatures are in the fifties and favorable river flows should create some great fishing conditions over the next ten days. This is the time to hit the water! To learn more, dial 1-877-525-3248, or check out www.lakecitymn.org


 “The information in this report is provided courtesy of community organizations throughout Minnesota. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.”