May 6, 2010 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report

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May 6, 2010 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report
The early, warm temperatures this spring have resulted in above average water temperatures. Most walleye will have completed their spawn well before the opener - since the females need time after spawning to begin actively feeding, the timing of the post-spawn bite and this year's May 15 fishing opener should be perfect. And, while the weather has recently turned cold, temperatures will progressively increase after Saturday, and the extended forecast is for a wonderful, warm opening weekend.

Fishing opener dates for the 2010/2011 fishing season for most inland waters in Minnesota are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 15; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 29; and for muskie, June 5. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. The stream trout season opens statewide on April 17.

Northeast Minnesota

International Falls

This is the last week for the lake sturgeon tag season on Rainy River. Sturgeon fishing has been good, especially in the swifter waters below the dam at International Falls, and below the Manitou and Long Sault rapids. On Rainy Lake, anglers are having success with large northern pike in roughly 12 feet of water near the mouths of the bays. Most fish are coming in on spinner rigs and minnows. Smallmouth bass have also been active on Rainy Lake. Please note that the pike and bass seasons remain open all year on the border waters - even so, most anglers have been releasing any large females they catch since they may be in the midst of their spawn. Most anglers expect the opening of the walleye season to be one of the best in years due to early, warm spring temperatures. To learn more, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Recent rainfall has caused water levels to rise nicely, and water temperatures are in the mid-50's, with even warmer waters found in the shallow bays. Northern pike and walleye are done spawning, with crappies and perch currently spawning in some of the bays. Local anglers cannot recall a previous spring when temperatures were this mild. It will be a very interesting fishing opener. At present, anglers are finding some finicky crappies, and northern pike anglers are enjoying all of the action on Lake Namakan. While unusual, trolling crankbaits along the shorelines has been a great way to pick up some nice 12- to 16-inch pike. Please remember to use caution when trolling the shorelines since water levels remain lower than normal. And, the 62nd Annual Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener, held opening weekend, May 14-16 on Lake Kabetogama, is rapidly approaching. Some events are open to the public, including a large community picnic, raffles, and a silent auction. For more information on Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com

Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion

The crappie bite is going very well on Lake Vermilion, as well as on other area lakes. Recent cooler temperatures and cloudy conditions have resulted in an increase in action in depths of 5-6 feet of water. Crappie anglers are having the most success using darker colored jigs. One angler fishing Vermilion last weekend reported that he caught every species of fish, except for whitefish and muskie. The shallow bay temperatures were in the 60-degree range at that time, but have recently dropped slightly. The coveted walleye opener is just around the corner, and it's anyone's guess where the fish will be. At present, the traditional lindy rig or jig tipped with a minnow, worked in depths of 10-20 feet of water may be the way to go. It may turn out, however, that slip bobber fishing with leeches at the rock piles is the most productive technique. And, don't forget about the crappies - the best action of the year will occur shortly. For a great day on the water on opening weekend, fish for walleye in the morning, and crappies in the afternoon. To find out more, dial 1-800-648-5897, or visit www.lakevermilionresorts.com

Ely

For information on what's biting and where to find them, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Grand Rapids

Area lakes are producing lots of panfish. Recently, when the temperatures have been warmer, panfish could be found in the shallowsusing a jig with a minnow. A jig tipped with a plastic tail has also worked well, with or without a bobber, at the weed edges. Once this cold front passes, check the deeper waters. On the larger lakes, such as Lake Winnibigoshish, lots crappies and sunnies are being pulled from the bays. For the opener, remain mobile, and be sure to check the many flats, fishing in roughly 10 feet of water. The walleye have completed their spawn, and should be actively feeding by the opener. For the most fish, try a jig and shiner combination - if you don't get a bite, try a leech instead. To learn more, dial 1-800-355-9740, or check out www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Anglers, guides and resort staff all reported excellent fishing action last weekend. Sturgeon measuring 40- to 62-inches were caught all weekend long. The stretch of river just before the Gap and the Clementson/Birchdale area has been excellent when fishing in or just off the deep holes. Using night crawlers and a 3-ounce weight from an anchored boat seems to be the best technique. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

To find out which species of fish are biting and what techniques are working best, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com

Walker/Leech Lake

For information on which areas of Leech Lake are producing fish, dial 1-800-833-1118, or visit www.leech-lake.com

Cass Lake & Deer River/ Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes

The panfish have been active, and anglers are catching lots of crappies and sunnies. After a cold front, hit the edges of the shallow waters since fish will likely have moved to deeper water - use your electronics, troll around until a school appears, and cast up into them. After a few days of warm temperatures, the panfish can be found in the shallows in as little as 2-3 feet of water. This the time to switch your technique to pitching a jig tipped with a minnow or plastic tail - suspend this under a bobber and toss it to the weed edges for some good fishing as well. If the fish are easily spooked then you may want to try just a plain hook with a small minnow at the weed edges. As water temperatures continue to warm, more and more fish will move to the shallows and spawn. When the fishing opener arrives there should be some good fishing in the areas normally fished over Memorial Weekend. The best approach may be a jig and minnow combination, however don't rule out lindy rigs and leeches. Take time to prepare for the opener, and make sure you have new line on your reels, greased trailer bearings, a tuned up motor, and all your tackle in organized for a wonderful weekend of fishing. To find out more, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit www.casslake.com

Park Rapids

To learn where the fish are biting, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes

It has been difficult for Detroit Lakes area anglers to get out consistently over the last week or so due to cold, windy and rainy weather. The water temperatures, however, remain above average, but the warm-up has slowed. Anglers venturing out have found crappies and sunnies relating to the warmer waters, with fish suspended over 6-8 feet of water close to the developing weed beds. Crappies are taking small jig and minnow combinations. Active sunfish are hitting small leeches, half of a crawler, and crappie minnows on small jigs or hooks under a bobber. While it is cool now, temperatures will increase after Saturday, setting up for a beautiful opener weekend. To learn more, dial 1-800-542-3992, or go to www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Central Region

Miltona

On Lake Miltona, this week has been a little difficult for anglers due to windy conditions, however there has been some decent crappie action reported. These fish have been found in the shallows, with crappies starting to move back out to the cabbage beds and their summer haunts. Many people are using flu-flus, tube jigs or plain hooks tipped with minnows, under bobbers. The best colors have varied, but overall black, chartreuse, and red and white have been the most effective. Anglers fishing the deeper waters have found white twister tails on a 1/16 ounce jig head to work best. The water temperature currently ranges from 49- to 52-degrees, depending on location. To find out more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Pine River Area Lakes

Crappies and sunnies have been active in the shallow, backwater bays of various area lakes, especially during late afternoon hours. Most anglers are taking fish using small 1/16 oz. jigs tipped with a small crappie minnow or waxworm. Look for these fish to move into deeper waters after a cold front has passed. To learn more, dial 1-800-728-6926, or check out www.pinerivermn.com

Brainerd Lakes Area

For information on what's biting and where the hot spots are, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Willmar Area Lakes

Fishing has been challenging due to the shift in weather conditions and temperatures. Anglers that are venturing out and having success are catching fish on Solomon and Norway lakes. Temperatures should begin to turn warmer at the end of this weekend, when the bite should really take off. To learn more, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit www.seeyouinwillmar.com

Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs

Recent heavy winds and some chilly temperatures have prevented anglers from heading out in search of panfish. Anglers that do venture out should check the bays for the most crappies. And, the launches and resorts are gearing up for a fun and exciting time out of Lake Mille Lacs during the May 15 fishing opener. To find out more, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out www.millelacs.com
Southern Minnesota

Lake City

The walleye/sauger action is progressing nicely in Lake Pepin on the Mississippi River. Fish are being caught in both the upper and lower reaches of the lake by those pulling live bait rigs, with a few fish recently taken by anglers pulling crankbaits. The smallmouth bite along the rip rap shorelines is also worth the effort. For the most action, use plastics or jerkbaits. The walleye and saugers will disperse into the entire lake sooner than most years, and this will likely occur about two weeks ahead of schedule due to water temperatures in the high 50's. To find more, dial 1-877-525-3248, or check out www.lakecitymn.org

Lanesboro

As of late last week, all streams appeared to be in good condition, but conditions could change as water comes down the watershed. Little Sister Sedge (caddis) are still coming off here and there. Craneflies have been hovering under the lights each morning. To learn more, dial 1-800-944-2670, or visit www.lanesboro.com

Albert Lea

For information on where the fish are biting, dial 1-800-345-8414, or check out www.albertleatourism.org

Ortonville

Weather conditions on the second weekend of the season on Big Stone Lake were much like the first - wet and windy. Despite challenging conditions, walleye were caught! The best activity was right off the docks. Many anglers were kept off the water on Saturday due to winds gusting at roughly 40 mph, leaving shoreline fishing as the only option. Schmidt's Landing shoreline gave up 22- and 10-inch walleye, with other reports of nice walleye coming from private cabin owners. The most active bite remains during low light hours, such as dawn and dusk, which is typical on Big Stone Lake. Water temperatures remain at roughly 60-degrees, which is warmer than normal for this time of year. Last Saturday's Border Water Challenge consisted of 125 teams catching 179 walleye, averaging 2.18-pounds. The winning team caught 6 walleye weighing a total of 21.29 pounds. Techniques used to catch these fish ranged from pulling crankbaits at Fish Creek and north, to slip bobbers and leeches at the deeper rock piles through out the lake. Many used spinners and crawlers during the day and stayed out in 6-7 foot depths. The Goose Isle area and the Peninsula near Ortonville were hot spots. There have scattered reports of an occasional perch, northern pike and largemouth bass being caught while fishing for walleye. As weather conditions stabilize, expect more walleye catches and more reports of other species as well. To find out more, dial 1-800-568-5722, or visit www.bigstonelake.com

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