Statewide Minnesota Fishing Report: May 21, 2009

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Minnesota Fishing Report: May 21, 2009

The opening dates for the 2009/2010 fishing season for Minnesota’s inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 9; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 23; and muskie, June 6. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.

In general, fish have been active throughout the state, and most reports indicate that the bite over Memorial Day weekend should remain excellent. Most species of fish can still be found in the shallows, however some are beginning to move into deeper waters. Walleye fishing is expected to continue to improve as the water temperatures rise. As always, please be safe and wear a floatation device.

Northeastern Minnesota

International Falls

Rainy Lake is producing large northern pike on a regular basis, and action will likely improve as water temperatures continue to rise. Most pike have been pulled from the weedy edges of the shallow bays on crankbaits. Walleye are being pulled from Sand Bay, Black Bay, around the mouths of Cranberry and Lost bays, and on the far east end of the lake near Kettle Falls. Walleye are responding best to jig and minnow combinations. Crappies and walleye can be found in the Rat Root River channel as it enters Black Bay. On the Rainy River, anglers should consider launching at the Pat Roche access in International Falls, and fishing the swifter waters below the Ranier Rapids. Walleye are being caught below the dam as well, with anglers launching at the Ron Hall access on Shorewood Drive - drift and troll the first couple of miles downstream for the most fish. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

A mixed week of weather and temperatures led to mixed results on Lake Kabetogama. Earlier this week, temperatures were in the 60’s, and fishing has turned more stable. Most anglers continue to find the most catchable fish in waters less than 12 feet deep. Anglers report a lot of spawning females, however the spawning cycle is nearly over. The male walleye counterparts are being caught in the spawning areas and at the deeper shoreline edges in roughly 25-35 foot depths. The best presentations remain bobber fishing with a minnow, or a jig and minnow combination. Walleye anglers should fish the shallow areas such as Tom Cod and Peterson bays on the west end of Kabetogama, or the Martin Islands, Mud and Daily bay areas of mid-Kabetogama. Deeper areas that are turning keeper-sized fish are the Sugarbush Island channel, the Martin Islands, and the outside creek inlets and outlets. Dark colored jigs in black, green, and blues, worked well last week in the stained, wind-churned waters. No one has reported on the crappies, however the time is right for good spring action - crappie anglers may want to check out Sullivan and Old Dutch bays on Lake Kabetogama, and Rudder Bay on Lake Namakan. Northern pike are being caught randomly on live bait, with no set pattern reported. For further information, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com

Crane Lake

Saturday’s weather put a damper on fishing action due to chilly winds and large waves, but fishing rebounded with the warmer Sunday temperatures. The Namakan River is producing lots of walleye. Sandpoint Lake is giving up fish as well, with most coming from 12-15 feet of water. The moving water of the rivers and the river mouths continue to produce nice-sized fish. The best presentation is a jig and minnow combination. To learn more, dial 1-800-362-7405, or visit www.visitcranelake.com

Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion anglers report that fish are on a feeding frenzy now that temperatures have turned more moderate. Large fish have been common, with several walleye measuring nearly 30-inches. Jig and minnow combinations are working well in 8-12 feet of water and in depths of 26-35 feet. In the deeper water, a lindy rig has been best to keep you fishing in the preferred fishing zone. Crappie action has been mixed due to unstable weather patterns. This week should be good as warm temperatures cause water temperatures to rise, and Memorial Day weekend action should be excellent! To find out more, dial 1-800-648-5897, or visit www.lakevermilionresorts.com

Ely

For information on recommended techniques and waters, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Duluth/Lake Superior & inland lakes

Fishing has been excellent on Lake Superior off McQuaid’s Landing. Salmon and trout anglers report the most success using pink X-raps and stick baits, and chartreuse or pink spoons. The larger lake trout have been found in the shallow waters when trolling. The steelhead and kamloop bite is mostly over in the rivers since most fish are done spawning and have moved back into the main lake. Walleye anglers are taking fish from 10-12 feet of water on Island Lake, and from depths of 8-10 feet on Fish Lake. On the St. Louis River, a jig and minnow combination and a crawler harness with a little spinner are producing walleye. A lot of large walleye were recently pulled from the St. Louis River last weekend, with many 10-plus pound fish caught and released. The DNR uses the stocking process to teach students about water quality and good trout habitat, and once again had Duluth elementary-school students help stock brook trout in local Duluth waters. While anyone may fish for these stocked trout, they are intended especially for young anglers. Brown trout will also be stocked in Duluth streams in early June. To learn more, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or check out www.visitduluth.com
Northwest Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Fishing is off to a great start this season on Lake of the Woods. The walleye bite is strong in the Rainy River as well. Four Mile Bay, Morris Point Gap, and the area just outside the Lighthouse Gap are producing nice walleye in 8-12 feet of water. The best approach has been to anchor and use a gold jig and frozen shiner. Many anglers ventured onto the river due to high winds last weekend and had lots of success in 6-8 feet of water. The forecast looks great for this week and weekend so walleye action is expected to remain strong. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

Memorial Day weekend is typically one of the best fishing weekends of the season. Fishing has been steadily improving as water temperatures continue to rise. Most lakes in the Bemidji area have surface water temperatures in the mid-50s, which is usually when the larger female walleye start to show up in the shallows ready to feed. The most productive lakes for walleye this season have been the larger shallow lakes such as Upper Red and Winnibigoshish. The deeper lakes, such as Lake Bemidji, should greatly improve shortly. Walleyes have been hitting jig and minnow combinations worked in 4-8 feet of water on Upper Red Lake, however heavy west winds have made it difficult for anglers to access the lake at times. On Lake Winnibigoshish, walleyes are coming in on jigs and shiner minnows worked along the shoreline in depths of 8-12 feet. Key locations are often near the broken rock and new weed growth. Anglers should make long drifts along the shore while changing depths until they locate fish. The bass season opens May 23, and the water is still too cold for the bass to have spawned, so most fish will be pre-spawn and should be handled with care when returning them to the water. Anglers fishing for crappies and sunfish should hit the shallow bays using a bobber and small minnow for crappies, or a worm or small leech for the sunfish. For more information, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com

Cass Lake

Lake Winnibigoshish has produced the majority of fish over the last few days, with lots of walleye coming from 10-12 feet of water at the Highbanks area and Plughat Point. Round Lake is also giving up fish, especially during evening hours in depths of 9-11 feet. On Little Cutfoot, most of the fish are coming from 10-14 feet of water along the breaks, with a few crappies mixed in. The best presentation has been a 1/8-ounce jig and shiner minnow. Lots of northern pike are coming out of Round, Sand, and Bowstring lakes. Walleye action on these lakes has been fair to good. The deeper lakes, such as Cass Lake, should greatly improve in the near future. For further information, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit www.casslake.com

Walker/Leech Lake

Despite all types of weather and wind conditions, anglers continue to pull lots of fish from Leech Lake. The wind is a big factor, with the fish turning more active when there is a good “walleye chop.” This week, walleye and perch anglers had to use a drift bag to slow down the drift, and those who did were catching more fish. Pine Point had been the hot spot, and as the week progressed the fish seemed to be move closer to the shorelines on points such as Big Hardwood, Duck and Ottertail. Other good fishing spots included Star Point, the Grand Vu Flats, and Goose Island West Flats. On the east side of the lake, good reports were coming from Sugar Point, Bear Island and Partridge Point. Stony Point and the southeast end of Traders Bay were also producing some nice walleye. A chartreuse jig tipped with a shiner or fathead minnow remains the best presentation - consider trying a pearl white jig as well. Even with the inconsistent weather patterns, perch and walleye action has been excellent! To learn more, dial 1-800-833-1118, or visit www.leech-lake.com

Park Rapids

For information on where to fish and which presentations are working best, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out www.parkrapids.com
Central Minnesota

Miltona

On Lake Miltona, the crappies have been biting in the shallows. A bobber and small jig tipped with a minnow has been best. Look in both the pencil reeds and shallow bays where the water warms more quickly. As for the walleye bite, anglers are taking fish from the newly growing cabbage beds found in roughly 9-17 feet of water. For the most fish, use either a jig and minnow combination or a lindy rig tipped with a minnow. Water temperatures vary, ranging from 52-degrees to 57-degrees. This week’s warm temperatures should cause fishing action to really heat up! To learn more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Pine River Area Lakes

Walleye action in the Pine River lakes area continues to improve. Lakes are gradually warming, and walleye action will greatly increase once temperatures rise to 55-degrees or more. Walleye anglers are doing best when hitting the water at sunset or just after dark on sunny days. Look for fish in 12-20 feet of water during the day, and in depths of 3-10 feet of water at dusk and after dark. Shiner minnows on a jig or slip sinker rig continues to produce the most fish, with shallow-running artificials working best after dark. Northern pike remain extremely active on most area lakes. The best approach has been a large shiner or sucker minnow on a spinner rig or jig trolled along the existing weedbeds. Good pike reports are coming from Whitefish, Pelican, Pine Mountain, Horseshoe and Ada lakes. Crappies are very active in the bays, however fish are moving to slightly deeper waters. Some are still in their spawning areas, where sunfish action is also picking up. The largemouth bass opener this Saturday should be outstanding as most bass are now off their beds and out in search of an easy meal. Look for any weed cover just outside or inside the shallow bays, with some bass still in the very shallow waters - a spinner bait or plastic will work wonders! Tip Of The Week: Be sure to check your line and knot strength before and during every fishing outing since more fish are lost due to poor line, poorly tied knots or nicked line than due to any other reason. Don’t lose that fish of a lifetime; besides, an empty line makes a poor picture! To find out more, dial 1-800-728-6926, or check out www.pinerivermn.com

Brainerd/Nisswa Area Lakes

Anglers that battled the last week’s high winds were rewarded with some nice fish and nice numbers. The most productive walleye lakes have been Gull, Pelican, Upper Hay, and Edwards, and the best approach has been a jig tipped with a shiner, rainbow, or creek chub. Some anglers are doing well using a lindy rig or a gum drop floater tipped with a shiner. Most walleyes have been hanging along the shallow weed edges in 8-14 feet of water. Crappie fishing continues to be very good on most area lakes. Anglers report the most success using a northland fire-fly jig and small crappie minnow, or a puddle jumper on a small jighead. Bluegill action has been incredible in the shallows, with fish attacking small leeches and waxworms. To learn more, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs

Despite a week of bad weather and an incredibly windy Saturday the fish continued to bite, and are still biting! Those who braved the cold had excellent success with the walleye. Anglers found that the shallow reefs and the north end sand breaks in 16-22 feet of water held most of the fish. The water temperatures continue to rise and the bite should increase as well. Guides and local fishing experts expect Memorial Day weekend to also offer excellent fishing action, especially if the weather is cloudy and breezy. Leeches have been the most productive bait. For more information, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out www.millelacs.com

Willmar Lakes Area

While last week was somewhat slow due to cold and windy weather, action improved on Sunday due to warmer temperatures. Anglers hit the water in force and took good numbers of walleye, mostly from depths of 10 feet or less in the weeds. Some are having success fishing right off shore on Florida and Andrew lakes. If the weather remains somewhat stable and warm then Memorial Day weekend should be a great one! For further information, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit www.seeyouinwillmar.com
Twin Cities vicinity

White Bear Lake

To obtain information on where the fish are biting and which techniques are currently working best, visit www.ExploreWhiteBear.org, or dial 651/653-5122
Southern Minnesota

Lake City

The walleye/sauger bite on Lake Pepin is in full swing, with many fish being pulled from the various sand flats and adjoining breaks that make this part of the Mississippi River the incredible fishery that it is. The key is to hit several areas until you locate active fish - don’t just assume that you will find them where you did yesterday. For the most walleye, pull crankbaits on flat lines and lead core in 8-12 feet of water. For the larger sauger, use three-ways with stickbaits in 18-plus feet of water. The only issue this past week has been the strong winds that seem to blow almost daily. Still, the numbers and size have more than made up for the windy conditions. Expect more great fishing this weekend! To find out more, dial 1-877-525-3248, or check out www.lakecitymn.org

Albert Lea

Anglers fishing Albert Lea Lake are taking lots of walleye on minnows and leeches. The best time of day has been noon until 5:00 a.m., especially at New York Point. Sunnies are very active at the Pelican Breeze Boat Landing on Albert Lea Lake. And Fountain Lake is producing good numbers of walleye, bass and sunfish. For more information, visit www.albertleatourism.org, or dial 507/373-2316

Fairmont Area Chain Of Lakes

The days have been warmer, leading to a great crappie bite throughout the Chain of Lakes. Some of the best reports have come from the favorite fishing spot behind the filtration plant on Budd Lake. Local anglers are having a blast snagging crappies from the docks at Lincoln Park on George Lake. Lots of crappies and perch, and a few sunfish are coming off Fox and Okamanpedon lakes. Most of the successful crappie anglers are using a crappie minnow and a flu flu-style jig. For the bluegills, use a flu flu tipped with a waxworm. An 8-plus pound, 29-inch walleye was taken from Hall Lake just minutes into the opener, and there are rumors of nice stringers of fish recently taken from Round Lake. For more information on where to locate fish and which techniques to use, dial 1-800-657-3280, or visit www.visitfairmontmn.com

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