Explore Minnesota Fishing Report for December 21Anglers 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
International Falls
On Rainy Lake, anglers are hitting the lake in force, with 6-12 inches of ice reported. Walleyes are hitting in 26-30 feet of water in Sand Bay, along the north side of Grindstone Island, and in the Rainy Lake City area. The best northern pike action is taking place along the weedlines in Black Bay.
Grand Marais
It’s been difficult to gauge ice depths and conditions due to the large amount of snow on the lakes. There is also a lot of slush covering areas of unstable ice, which is limiting anglers from getting out onto most lakes.
Grand Rapids
Crappies can be found suspended after dark over 40 feet of water in Sylvan Bay on the Mississippi River. Big Splithand and Little Ball Club lakes are giving up crappies over 20 feet of water. Some evening walleye action is being reported in 12-30 feet of water on Lakes Pokegama and Big Cutfoot Sioux. Northern pike are very active in the shallows of most area lakes. The slushy ice conditions have improved this week, and travel is possible by ATV and snowmobile.
Kabetogama
On Lake Kabetogama, the main-lake ice is in poor condition, although limited snowmobile travel has started in the bays. Travel in the bays, however, is still impacted by slush. Anglers are taking northern pike from the shallow bays. Walleye anglers are still unable to reach their favorite walleye hot spots.
Tower
On Lake Vermilion, the slushy conditions have improved, and anglers are starting to move around the lake. Please note that caution is still advised. Most activity remains near to shore in the small- to medium-sized bays. For walleyes, hit 19-24 feet of water using glow jigs and sucker minnows during morning hours. The soft-bottomed bays are producing northern pike on sucker minnows and tip-ups worked at 9-15 feet of water. Sunfish are active in Larson, Greenwood and Pike bays.
Duluth
Northern pike have been extremely active in 6 feet of water on Rice Lake during the day. A few walleyes are coming from the same location and depth during evening hours. Anglers report that the best walleye action has been in 10-12 foot depths on shiner minnows on Boulder Lake. For crappies, work the Highbanks area of Fish Lake in depths of 15 feet. The snow is compacting, making travel easier. Foot or ATV travel remains the best option.
Mcgregor
The narrows of Lake Minnewawa have been good for northern pike. Aitkin Lake is worth checking out for sunfish. Walleye reports are few. Lake travel and accessibility have been a problem on area lakes due to slush. Please use extra caution if venturing out onto the lakes.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, more than 12 inches of ice is being reported, and bombers have started traveling out. The best walleye reports are coming from 20-28 feet of water. Set lines and shiner minnows are working better than jigging spoons this week. For the most fish, hit the Pine Island and Zipple Bay areas.
Waskish
On Upper Red Lake, the east and south shores are producing walleyes and northern pike in 6-10 feet of water. Several pike in the 40-inch class were caught again this week. An occasional crappie is also being taken. The best approach for all species has been a red glow or gold jig tipped with a minnow. Small trucks have started venturing out, with ice averaging 12-16 inches thick.
Blackduck
Walleyes have been scattered in 10-20 feet of water on Blackduck Lake, with fish most active during low-light hours. Good-sized perch are being pulled from 10-14 feet of water. On Rabideau Lake, anglers are taking lots of panfish from depths of 10-14 feet. Ice thickness varies from 8-12 inches on most area lakes. Much of the slush has frozen, making travel much easier.
Bemidji
Lake Irving is producing walleyes and pike in 15-23 feet of water. An evening walleye bite is being reported on Lake Bemidji on shiner minnows worked over 20 feet of water. On Lake Plantagenet, look for walleyes and perch in depths of 15-20 feet. Slush remains on most area lakes, covering roughly 8 inches of ice on average.
Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, ice is measuring 8-10 inches thick, with snowmobile and ATV travel now possible. Northern pike action remains very good in the shallows along the west end of the lake. Walleyes are being taken during afternoon hours at the sunken island near Big Muskie Bar in 20-24 feet of water. Perch have started biting in this area as well.
Walker
On Leech Lake, a lot of slush still covers the ice at Walker Bay, but a few anglers have now made it to the first 15- to 20-foot break and caught a few walleyes. Pine Point has 8-11 inches of ice, with a few perch and walleyes biting in 17-22 feet of water. Shingobee Bay is producing some sunfish in less than 6 feet of water. The smaller area lakes have better ice conditions, and seem to be producing more fish. Look to Garfield Lake for walleyes and panfish. Pine Mountain Lake has been good for walleyes. For crappies, hit the Tenth Crow Wing Lake.
Hackensack
Caution is still advised due to the amount of slush on top of the ice on area lakes. Travel remains difficult on many lakes, and fishing reports remain few. A few northern pike are being pulled from the shallows on Pleasant and Birch lakes.
Cass Lake
While there is 4-8 inches of ice on Cass Lake, it is covered with a lot of slush. Stoney Point is producing perch in 8-10 feet of water. Walleye action has been limited. For walleyes, check out Little Wolf, Big Wolf and Pike Bay lakes during evening hours in depths of 15-20 feet. Pike Bay and Andrusia lakes are giving up pike in the shallows.
Park Rapids
Anglers report that snowmobiles and ATVs have been a safe option for ice travel, however slush remains a problem. Fish Hook Lake is producing walleyes in 21 feet of water. Sucker minnows are turning pike on Big Mantrap Lake in depths of 14 feet. On the Crow Wing Chain, bluegills are being pulled from 12-14 foot depths. Crappies can be found suspended over 40 feet of water during evening hours.
Detroit Lakes
Walleyes remain active during low-light periods in 18-20 feet of water on Island, Franklin and Little Detroit lakes. Crappie action has improved on Little Detroit, with fish coming from 12 feet of water--on Lizzie and Lida lakes, look in 18 foot depths. For sunfish, work the 10- to 12-foot weedlines on Height of Land, Floyd and Melissa lakes. Ice conditions have improved, with 8-15 inches on average, and less slush.
Battle Lake
Look to Ottertail Lake for walleyes and perch in 20 feet of water. The east end of West Battle Lake is producing walleyes in depths of 16-22 feet. Sunfish reports are strong in 8-12 feet of water on Wall, Deer, East Lost, South Turtle and Blanche lakes. For northern pike, hit the shallows on Clitherall and Ottertail lakes. Although ATVs are heading out, slush remains an issue on most area lakes.
Alexandria
An evening crappie bite is being reported on the north end of Lake Le Homme Dieu over 18-22 feet of water. Some walleye activity is being noted during low-light hours in 12-16 feet of water on Lake Reno, and in depths of 15-23 feet on Lake Ida. Ice thickness averages roughly 10 inches.
Starbuck/Glenwood
The sunfish are biting at the Starbuck and Glenwood ends of Lake Minnewaska in 8-12 feet of water during the day. Expect some crappie action in the same locations at dark. The Glenwood end is also kicking out walleyes in 12-15 feet of water during evening hours. Good numbers of northern pike are being taken from 8-10 feet of water. Up to 16 inches of ice has been reported on Lake Minnewaska.
Osakis
Northern pike are extremely active at Town Bay and Two Mile Bar in 6-20 feet of water on Lake Osakis. Walleyes are being taken from 18 foot depths during low-light hours on the north end and at One Mile Bar. Smith Lake is giving up crappies, with most found suspended over deep water.
Brainerd/Nisswa
While most lakes have enough ice for ice fishing, it is still a good idea to check ice depth often. Walleyes are hitting shiner minnows in 14-18 feet of water on Gull, North Long and Round lakes. Northern pike are also coming from these lakes, but from slightly shallower waters. For crappies, try a glow jig tipped with rosy red minnow in depths of 12 feet on many area lakes.
Cross Lake
Anglers are finding some slush on top of a foot of ice on average on most area lakes, with travel now possible by ATV and snowmobile. Rattle spoons are producing walleyes at the 15-25 foot breaks on Crosslake and Pelican Lake during low-light hours. Tip-ups and large sucker minnows are triggering northern pike in the 6-12 foot weed edges on most lakes. Crappies can be found suspended in their typical winter locations.
Crosby
Crappies and walleyes are hitting in 20-30 feet of water on Bay and Serpent lakes during evening hours. Panfish are being pulled from the shallows of various area lakes. Northern pike action has been great when using tip-ups and sucker minnows along the weedlines of most lakes during mid-day hours.
Isle/Onamia
On Lake Mille Lacs, the east end ice conditions continue to improve in the bays. Ice depths are varied on the main lake, however ATV traffic has begun. Some resorts have staked their roads. Perch are active in 12-16 feet of water. While walleye reports have been limited, check the Graveyard, Malone Island, The Boot, and Banana Flat. On the west end of the lake, look for walleyes along the 18-22 foot break of St. Alban’s Bay. Brown’s and Seguchie points are giving up perch in depths of 20-28 feet. Snowmobiles are traveling to the flats, and some walleye action has been reported in 22-28 feet of water on the Seven and Eight Mile flats. Ice depths vary from 5-10 inches on the west end, and snowmobiles are working better than ATVs due to the slush.
Sauk Centre
Sunfish are active in 10 feet of water on Big Sauk Lake, and in 18-24 feet of water on Lilly Lake. Also check out 9 feet of water on Maple Lake for a few fish. Crappies continue to be found suspended over 25-40 feet of water in Red Barn Bay on Sauk Lake, and in 24-26 feet on Lilly Lake. A few walleyes are being pulled from depths of 20-22 feet on Big Swan Lake. The shallows of Sauk Lake have been best for northern pike. Some slush remains on most lakes, and 6-14 inches of ice is being reported.
St. Cloud/Eden Valley
A few walleyes are being pulled from 12-20 feet of water on Browns, Horseshoe, Rice and Koronis lakes. Crappies are being taken during evening hours from depths over 25 feet on Rice and Cedar Island lakes. Northern pike reports are strong on most area lakes. Roughly 6-10 inches of ice covers most lakes.
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TWIN CITIES VICINITY
Elk River/Zimmerman
Elk Lake is giving up walleyes, sunnies and crappies in 9-11 feet of water. Blue and Green lakes are producing panfish in depths of 17-20 feet. Fremont Lake has been good for northern pike along the shallow weeds. Lakes such as Briggs, Julia and Pelican are worth checking out for crappies during evening hours. Caution is still advised due to slush, although ice conditions have improved from a week ago.
Annandale
Consistent crappie reports are coming from 15 feet of water at Dans, John and Pleasant lakes. Look for sunfish in 10-12 feet of water on Little Maple, Clearwater and John lakes. The best walleye reports are coming from Sugar and Clearwater lakes over 18-24 feet of water during evening hours. Ice depths vary from 3-14 inches, so anglers must use caution and check ice depth often. Please stay away from all snow drifts due to slush.
West Metro
Area lakes have from 4-10 inches of ice, with less ice under heavily snow-covered areas. Hit Lake Parley for crappies in 10 feet during evening hours. On Prior Lake, look for sunnies and crappies in 12 feet of water. Northern pike are active on Wasserman Lake.
Waconia
On Lake Waconia, there is 7-9 inches of ice on average, but ice depths do vary. Anglers are now using ATVs for travel, and some permanent ice houses have been brought out. Waconia Bay offers the best ice and the best fishing, with a mixed bag of walleyes, northern pike and sunfish coming from depths of 7-13 feet.
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, some evening walleye activity is being reported over 24 feet of water in the larger bays. Look for northern pike to respond to sucker minnows in the channels. Sporadic panfish reports are coming from the North Arm
and Crystal Bay. Medicine Lake is kicking out a mixed bag of walleyes and northern pike over 26 feet of water. Shiner minnows are working well for lots of smaller walleyes in 18 feet of water on Lake Independence. Ice depths vary from 3-9 inches. The slush hasn’t been much of an issue this week.
Chisago City
Roughly 5-8 inches of ice covers area lakes in this region. Sunrise Lake continues to produce crappies and northern pike in 8-12 feet. The south end of Chisago Lake is kicking out northern pike and sunfish in depths of 8-10 feet. North Center Lake is worth checking out for sunfish. For walleyes, hit the Dinner Bell area of South Lindstrom Lake, and the north end of North Center Lake in 12-18 feet of water.
Forest Lake
Limits of crappies are being pulled from 8-10 feet of water on Green Lake. The east side of Green is also giving up walleyes in depths of 20 feet. Shiner minnows are producing walleyes during evening hours on Forest and Clear lakes in 15-20 feet of water. Look to Big Marine Lake for crappies and walleyes in 20 foot depths during evening hours. Green Lake is a safe bet for northern pike. From 5-10 inches of ice is reported on most area lakes. Most of the slush has now frozen so travel has improved.
Northeast Metro
Some evening walleye action is being reported in 15-25 feet of water on White Bear, Bald Eagle and Phalen lakes. On Demontreville Lake, anglers are catching northern pike, bass and sunfish in depths of 10-14 feet. Mud Lake is a safe bet for northern pike in 6-9 foot depths. Ice conditions are improving, with 8-10 inches reported on most area lakes.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Faribault
Fathead minnows are producing walleyes in 15 feet of water on Roberds Lake. Shields Lake is a safe bet for northern pike when using sucker minnows in 12 feet of water. On Kelley Dudley Lake, sunfish and northern pike are being caught in the same areas. Look to the “deep hole” on Lake Mazaska for crappies during low-light hours. There have been no travel issues on the ice in this area, and ATVs and snowmobiles are both being used.
Mankato
The deep hole on Duck Lake is producing numbers of crappies during low-light hours. Look to Lake Washington for sunfish and crappies in 13 feet of water. Northern pike action has been good in 7-10 feet of water on Big Jefferson Lake. Wita Lake remains the best option for walleyes in 5-7 foot depths. Ice conditions are very good, with 10 to 12 inches reported throughout the area.
Fairmont
The ice is averaging 12 inches, and no slush is being reported. A steady crappie is taking place on Hall Lake over 20 feet of water. Look to 10 foot depths on Cedar Lake during evening hours for walleyes. On Long Lake, anglers are catching walleyes and northern pike early and late in the day using set lines and shiner minnows.
Willmar
Walleye action has been good on Long, Green, Diamond, Wagonda, Florida, Nest and Andrew lakes, especially during low-light hours. Crappies are also being caught during low-light periods on Diamond and Eagle lakes. Northern pike are active in the shallows of Long, Green, and Lake Calhoun. The ice is in good shape, with 11-18 inches being reported.
Ortonville
Small vehicle traffic has started in this region, but slush remains a problem on the 8-14 inches of ice. Look to the islands area of Big Stone Lake for perch and walleyes in 12-14 feet of water. Long Tom Lake is also producing walleyes and a few crappies in 10 feet of water.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy Outdoor News, and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
