Explore Minnesota Fishing Report March 8, 2012 Heavy snow recently fell throughout much of central and northern Minnesota. Please be aware that snow may be covering potential hazard areas. And please note that unseasonably warm temperatures have caused ice conditions to change throughout the state--anyone considering a trip out onto the ice must first check with local bait shops and resorts for the most current ice conditions. Anglers venturing out are asked to carry ice claws and a long rope, wear a floatation device, and check ice depth often. Please stay informed, and brush up on Minnesota DNR Ice Safety Tips before heading out on your next ice fishing adventure.
Few reports are available now that the 2011/2012 walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass season has closed for most of the state. Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2012/2013 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 12; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 26; muskie, June 2. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. The fishing season for stream trout in streams is catch-and-release only April 1-13; the regular season beginning April 14. Please note that seasons and regulations vary for certain boundary waters and some individual lakes and rivers--please check out the Minnesota DNR Fishing Seasons and Minnesota DNR Fishing Regulations pages to learn more.
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Ice fishing conditions remain great on Rainy Lake, with portable gear perfect for accessing many great areas near the ice roads. Walleye are hitting jigs and minnows near the east end of Sand Bay, around American Narrows, and west of Brule Narrows near the ice road that loops around Dryweed Island. Northern pike are being pulled from Black Bay. Crappies are hitting in Sand Bay around Birch Point. And snowmobilers are enjoying great riding conditions, with lots of riders commenting on how well-groomed the trails have been. 1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Anglers continue to enjoy all of the walleye and northern pike action on area border lakes Namakan and Sandpoint. While Lake Kabetogama anglers are waiting for the crappie bite to take off they are having fun with an abundance of nice-sized perch. The ice road offers anglers a chance to access the many hot spots. And snowmobile trails on area lakes are in great shape, with most groomed weekly--the land trails are reported to be in excellent riding condition. 1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
Area lakes continue to produce nice numbers of rainbow trout, especially during early morning hours. Most of the successful anglers are using small dark-colored jigs tipped with either a waxworm or a minnow. Lake trout are still responding well to live rainbow chubs on area trout lakes. Airplane jigs, and white tube and jig combinations are working throughout the water column. The crappie bite has been slow, but there still are a few being taken on small minnows, jigs with tubes, and waxworm rigs. Please remember that live minnows are illegal to use on designated trout lakes--please be aware of which lakes have these restrictions. 1-800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
1-800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
While the winter walleye season has ended, anglers fishing Cook County lakes remain content with all of the trout action. On Clearwater Lake, located midway up the Gunflint Trail, lake trout are coming from roughly 50 feet of water on jigs and spoons tipped with minnows set just off the bottom. Nearby, Kemo Lake trout are also hanging out in depths of 50 feet or so, preferring jigs and minnows. On Lake Saganaga, at the end of the Gunflint Trail, good action can be found in 45-80 feet of water. For lots of splake, check out 12-18 foot depths on Musquash Lake using waxworms, ice jigs, and small spoons tipped with minnow heads. Trestle Pine and Pine Mountain lakes can also be counted on for good splake action when using salted minnows and spoons. Trout Lake, located just out of Grand Marais, has been good for both rainbow trout and lake trout. And don't forget that the smelt season is just around the corner--grab a good-sized net and head on up once the fun begins!
www.visitcookcounty.comGrand Rapids
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Lake of the Woods continues to kick out lots of trophy-sized walleye, with fish measuring up to 33 inches coming in this past week. Recent fronts have forced anglers to be a bit more patient, but limits continue to be taken. For the most fish, hit depths of 26-32 feet and vary your presentation throughout the day. At the Northwest Angle, anglers are also taking their limits of crappies and walleye. The whitefish bite has been pretty good as well. The walleye and sauger season remains open through April 15 on Lake of the Woods, and the northern pike season is continuous. Lake ice is averaging more than 30 inches thick in most areas. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
As of March 7, there was still a significant amount of snow on area lakes. Most anglers driving vehicles are sticking to the plowed ice roads and established trails--those wanting access to more remote locations are using snowmobiles or track vehicles. The current warming trend is melting the snow, and travel should become easier in the near future. At this time, fishing pressure remains very low. The full moon and the return to warmer temperatures this week should improve the bite for most species! Perch continue to be pulled from the deeper waters on most lakes, however it won't be long until the perch begin moving towards the shallows to feed on crayfish, minnows and insects hiding in the sand grass, rocks and broken weeds on top of the large flats and humps. Crappies have been suspending 3-8 feet off the bottom of most lakes, usually on the edge of deep water in depths of 25-35 feet--use your electronics to help locate these fish. Scented plastics, such as impulse baits on a small jig have been very productive, with anglers also having success using a jig and minnow under a bobber. Eelpout are starting to spawn on top of humps and other mid-lake structure with direct access to deep water. These fish spawn in large groups, with the best bite usually during low light or after dark. Anglers have also been fishing for tulibees and whitefish on many of the larger lakes, with fish found suspended over 25-45 feet of water. Most anglers smoke tulibees and whitefish because they are oily fish, but some anglers cook whitefish just as they do other fish. 1-800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
The perch bite remains strong on Lake Winnibigoshish, especially at the Raven Rocks in 13-18 feet of water from morning until early afternoon. Also check out 12-24 foot depths from Sugar Bar to the far east and south to the flats on the backside of Center Bar. Other hot spots include The Stumps, Moses, Snag, and Tamarack Bay. For the most fish, use a smaller rattle spoon in glow pink, blue or red, tipped with a minnow head. This weekend is expected to be very nice--this is a great time to head out on Lake Winnie!
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comPark Rapids
1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
No updates are currently available due to unstable ice conditions in many areas, as well as the close of the 2011/2012 walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass season.
Otter Tail Lakes Area
1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comPine River
1-800-728-6926;
http://www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comAitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
1-800-526-8342;
www.aitkin.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
1-800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
No updates are currently available due to unstable ice conditions in many areas, as well as the close of the 2011/2012 walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass season.
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Area Lakes
651/653-5122;
www.explorewhitebear.orgWaconia
952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
No updates are currently available due to unstable ice conditions in many areas, as well as the close of the 2011/2012 walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass season.
Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
1-877-525-3248;
www.lakecitymn.orgLanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
1-800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comRochester -Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
For a list of designated winter trout fishing streams, visit the Minnesota DNR Winter Trout Streams page. 1-800-634-8277;
www.rochestercvb.orgFaribault Area Lakes
1-800-658-2354;
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
1-800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
1-800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville - Big Stone Lake
1-800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
