Explore Minnesota Fishing Report for November 30
Reports are very limited this week due to the transition from open water angling to ice fishing. Anyone choosing to venture out must use extreme caution and check ice thickness often.
Please remember that ice is never considered totally safe. The Department of Natural Resources reports that 4 inches of 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 melting and refreezing makes ice less stable, especially in areas with springs or current. Anglers are asked to please call ahead for the most current conditions before venturing out.
Before heading out, consider learning how to make and use ice picks and claws by checking out the 1-minute video on the DNR website at
www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.htmlAnglers 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
An average of 2 inches of ice covers most area lakes. By the weekend, some lakes may even be accessible by foot, however any angler choosing to venture out must use extreme caution and monitor ice thickness. On Lake Superior, anglers are taking a few loopers and coho from in front of the French and Lester rivers when using spawn bags or inflated crawlers from shore. Trolling is producing loopers, coho and a few Chinook near the Superior entry, and from the Knife River on to the north. For the most fish, try trolling ripsticks, bombers or rapalas, especially in orange, chartreuse or pink.
Kabetogama
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, few anglers are venturing out due to ice forming along the shorelines and in the shallow bays. The launch ramps have become treacherous and slippery. The spearing season begins December 1st, and there may be enough ice to access certain areas of the lakes on the opener.
Ely
Area lakes are starting to firm up, and it will be just a few more days until the ice is thick enough to travel on. Some of the smaller area ponds and lakes are already being walked on. Anglers must be prepared for the conditions--wear a life jacket, or at least carry one, and take along ice picks and cleats. If traveling alone, let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return. If you have a fishing partner, keep some distance between you and carry a rope. On a lighter note, this can be one of the most rewarding times to fish--expect the fish to be hungry and in the same vicinity as they were in the fall.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, resorts are preparing for the ice fishing season, and readying their fish houses and track vehicles for winter anglers. There is a skim of ice in the creeks and bays, with walkable ice soon to form.
Waskish
On Upper Red Lake, some anglers have been walking out to the 6- to 7-foot break and taking a few walleyes. Tip-ups have been working well for northern pike anglers. All lake travel is currently by foot. Anyone choosing to venture out must use extreme caution and check ice thickness often.
Blackduck
A few anglers are already ice fishing, with some area lakes now covered in 4 inches of ice. During the spear fishing opener, area waters to consider are Blackduck Lake, the 3rd River Flowage, and possibly the shallow end of Rabideau Lake.
Bemidji
Ice is rapidly forming, and up to 4-inches is being reported on some of the smaller area lakes.
Bena
It should be just a matter of days before anglers are out testing the ice. The first fishable ice is often in the Third River area. If the predicted cold weather arrives then some of the smaller lakes may be a better choice early on. All anglers must use extreme caution if venturing out.
Hackensack
Ice continues to form, and ice fishing is right around the corner. Birch and Pleasant lakes generally offer the first ice fishing opportunities.
Pelican Rapids
By this weekend, some of the smaller area lakes, such as Prairie, Sand and Hoffman lakes, may have walkable ice. Please call ahead for the most current conditions. Anglers choosing to venture out must use extreme caution and check ice thickness often.
Brainerd/Nisswa
The smaller lakes and bays are covered in a few inches of ice. Anglers will probably be looking for northerns in the shallows using tip-ups and suckers by this weekend. Typically, Round Lake, and the 371 Bay on North Long Lake offer the best options for early ice angling.
Crosby
Ice has started to form on most area lakes, except for some of the larger bodies of water. By this weekend there should be walkable ice on many area lakes.
Isle/Onamia
On Lake Mille Lacs, the shorelines and a few bays are developing a skim of ice. It will probably be another two weeks before anglers can get out onto some of the bays. Many smaller area lakes are now frozen over.
St. Cloud
Some anglers continue to fish the Mississippi River for walleyes. Ice anglers should be able to venture out onto area lakes in the near future.
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TWIN CITIES VICINITY
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, while some muskie anglers continue to have success using large suckers, most anglers are waiting for walkable ice.
Chisago City
The south end of Green Lake and most bays are freezing over. Ice fishing is right around the corner--please call call ahead before venturing out.
Forest Lake
Some anglers continue to hit the St. Croix River and take walleyes north of the Taylors Falls dam. It is possible that a few of the smaller area lakes will be accessible by this weekend. Typo Lake is typically a good choice for early ice walleyes. Anyone choosing to venture out must use extreme caution and check ice thickness often.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Red Wing
On the Mississippi River, anglers are taking lots of large walleyes and saugers at the dam, with plenty of 18- to 20-inch eating-size fish also coming in. Most fish are being caught on hair jigs tipped with a minnow. Some plastics are also starting to produce fish. Crappies are being pulled from the Baypoint Park area.
St. Peter
Walleye anglers are pulling lots of 16- to 18-inch fish from the Minnesota River.
Waterville
Lake Elysian is producing a few walleyes along the north shore, but most fish have been on the smaller side. For perch, hit Lake Tetonka.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy The Outdoors Weekly, and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
