Explore Minnesota Fishing Report for May 11
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.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/agents.html==========================
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
Duluth
The steelhead continue to run, and anglers are catching them on flies and crawlers. The crappies are biting on Fish Lake in the shallows, and they are starting to move in Caribou Lake by the humps. The walleye spawn is over--action should be good this weekend. On Lake Superior, lakers and coho are being taking while trolling with stick baits and bombers. The water temperature was roughly 36 degrees last weekend.
Kabetogama
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, spawning should be complete by this weekend, with some males lingering in the shallows. For the most fish, try jig and minnow combinations. Light jigs or floaters over shallow gravel beds may be a good start before moving to mid-depth reefs. Anglers should also consider leeches, however jumbo leeches may be in short supply. Early reports from the DNR indicate a strong sauger population. Please remember that the Namakan basin, which includes Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point and Crane lakes, have new experimental walleye regulations. And, don't forget that the smallmouth bass season will be opening on these lakes as well.
International Falls
Rainy River sturgeon action has been good. Regulations require catch-and-release fishing from May 8-15, so you still have a chance to hook one of these fish! Anglers hitting the waters below the dam at International Falls are catching smallmouth bass. Very few reports are available regarding fishing on Rainy Lake at this time. Local anglers suggest fishing the shallow areas with dark rocky or mud bottoms where the water warms first. The northern pike season remains open, and some nice fish taken from Rainy Lake on a hook and rubber worm combination. Both the lake and river are expected to produce lots walleyes over the opener. For the most fish, try anchoring, and using a jig tipped with a minnow.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Blackduck
Lots of crappies are being pulled from Upper Red Lake, as well as most other area lakes. Local anglers also expect excellent walleye fishing for this weekend's opener.
Bemidji
Crappie fishing has been great on most area lakes. The suckers continue to run in the streams.
Bena
The walleyes were almost entirely done with their spawn early in the week on area lakes. Spawning lasts a little longer on the deeper, clearer lakes. Lake Winnibigoshish is slightly lower than normal on the opener, however action should still be good. Recent high winds out of the south and southeast may result in excellent fishing along the North Shore, all the way to Stony Point. Expect plenty of walleyes to be hanging out in Cutfoot Sioux, which may be a good starting spot. Bowen's Flats, Tamarac, and the Dishes should also have lots of hungry male walleyes. Fireball jigs, especially in watermelon and lime glow green are often the best bet early in the season.
Hackensack
Some good crappie action is being reported by shore anglers fishing Pleasant Lake. Leech Lake has been good for perch action. The water temperature rose to 60 degrees last week, but has since dropped back down. The water levels are down, so anglers are asked to use caution at the landings this weekend.
Park Rapids
The crappie bite has been best in the shallows and at outside the reeds on the Crow Wing Chain.
Pelican Rapids
Crystal, Franklin and Lida lakes have been producing some large crappies. Water temperatures are up from last year, and the shiners are running when the sun is shining. Crawlers might also be productive.
Battle Lake
Crappies remain active on Clitheral, Elbow, Molly Stark, Blanch and West Battle lakes, with most fish being pulled from 4-6 feet of water.
Osakis
On Lake Osakis, the crappies are starting to stage in the pre-spawn areas, with some nice-size males being reported just outside the pencil reeds around Two-Mile and Miller's Bay. Lots of sunnies can be seen moving into the inlet areas and shallow bays. For the most fish, hit the north end during early morning hours.
Starbuck
On Lake Minnewaska, the crappies are biting early in the morning until roughly 8am in Starbuck Marina, with sunnies also being taken.
Nisswa
For this weekend's fishing opener, good producers are typically Gull, Pelican, Round and Mille Lacs. Expect both crappie and walleye action to be excellent this weekend.
Crosslake
On Cross Lake, the crappies are biting in the shallow muddy bays, in roughly 2-4 feet of water. The best approach has been a tube jig, or a plain hook tipped with a minnow. Sunfish are biting throughout the area. Fishing action has been great on the Mississippi River north of Brainerd.
Crosby
Bluegills and crappies were being pulled from the shallows, until the recent cold temperatures seemed to move fish into deeper waters. Many crappie anglers are reporting walleye and northern pike catches when working the shallows. It appears that the walleyes have moved out of the post-spawn creek and channel areas. At present, crappie anglers should check out Hanson’s Bay and White Hawk on Bay Lake. Mahnomen and Blackhoof lakes should be good for both crappies and sunnies. Remember to keep a tight line for the walleyes this weekend.
Isle
On Lake Mille Lacs, the crappies continue to bite in the bays and channels. Crappie anglers reported lots of smallmouth action recently. For this weekend's opener, many anglers will be drifting or trolling along the north end sand with rigged minnows or leeches. Agate Reef is also typically a great spot for the opener, with anglers doing best either jigging or bobber fishing at the edge of the reef. Another option would be to drift rigs along Three Mile. And, some anglers recommend the shallow rocks along the East Side reefs. Many of the northern resorts have dredged and upgraded their ramps. The DNR has purchased two new public ramps: one at Liberty Beach, and another on the north end, however this ramp is still under construction.
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TWIN CITIES VICINITY
Grey Eagle
Panfish anglers are reporting lots of walleye strikes, which is usually a good sign for the opener. Sunfish action has been good on most area lakes, and crappie action has been fair.
St. Cloud
Crappies have been suspended on certain days in depths of 9-12 feet, with anglers having success on Clearwater, Pearl, Cedar, Little Rock and Julia lakes.
Annandale
Anglers report that the sunnies and crappies are along the emerging weedlines. For the most fish, try a flu-flu and minnow.
Anoka
Some anglers report that the crappie bite is the best it's been in years. For this weekend's opener, check out the Mississippi River just north of Anoka.
Waconia
On Lake Waconia, the panfish bite has been excellent, which should indicate a great opener. Walleye numbers are also good for both eating-size and trophy fish. Nice northern pike also roam the lake.
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, the crappies are holding in 8-14 feet of water, and hitting jig and minnow combinations, especially at the deep side of the growing weeds. In some of the smaller area lakes, fish are post-spawn and in 4 feet of water. Some good reports of nice-size crappies recently came from Whaletail and Independence lakes. For this weekend's opener, look for the walleyes in roughly 17 feet of water, while dragging a minnow on the bottom. Northern pike should be found in depths of 12-15 feet.
Forest Lake
The panfish bite has been good on Forest Lake, as well as North and South Center lakes. Some of the lakes to check out this weekend include Clear, Green and Chisago.
Chisago City
Crappies have relocated to the main part of the lakes. Chisago, South Lindstrom and Kroon have all been good for crappies, especially when using small leeches and waxworms on flu-flus. Cubbie jigs have also been good. This weekend, look for the walleyes in 8-10 feet of water at the sand.
Oakdale
Crappies are coming out of Bald Eagle, Big Marine, North Lindstrom and Rush lakes.
Stillwater
On the St. Croix River, a few walleyes are being taken. Stay on the move until you locate fish. The crappies are in the shallows, around the docks.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Red Wing
On the Mississippi River, walleyes are being taken by trolling brightly colored plugs and shad raps. The Bay City Flats are giving up fish on trolled plugs. Panfish are coming from the back channels.
Waterville
Crappies and sunnies are active on Lake Tetonka. Jefferson Lake remains the hot spot for bullhead anglers.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy The Outdoors Weekly, and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
