Mark Arnesen's monster pike
Anglers are eager to hit the ice, with exceptionally warm temperatures and bright, sunny days expected throughout the state this weekend. Ice fishing doesn’t get any better than this!
It is important to check ice thickness often since it can vary greatly from one area to another. Please remember that ice should never be considered totally safe, and anglers are encouraged to check ice thickness often. To brush up on your knowledge of ice safety, consult the Minnesota DNR's Ice Safety Guidelines. For rules, regulations and other helpful information on fishing in Minnesota, consult the DNR's Fish Minnesota web page.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Rainy Lake walleye and crappies are hitting shiner minnows during early and midday hours. Anglers around Sand Bay, Black Bay and the American Narrows are doing well when jigging in roughly 30 feet of water. The ice road into Voyageurs National Park is open, increasing access for cars and light trucks. Anglers must bring portable gear since fish houses cannot be left out overnight in the park. It is easy to fish the mouth of Black Bay from the ice road, and this is often where the largest northern pike hang out in the winter. For the largest northerns, use large minnows. Area snowmobile, ski and snowshoe trails are all in great shape. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org
Ely
Recent cold temperatures have increased the number of lakes with drivable ice. This has benefited the lake trout anglers since they are able to venture out to more remote areas away from any congestion near the landings. Some are having success in 25-45 foot depths near the deeper drop-offs. Depending on the lake, pearl white or glow white jigs on a jig lead, airplane jigs and bionic bucktails are all producing well. The key is to keep the presentation in constant motion. Stream trout anglers are doing well on area stream trout lakes -- small dark jigs tipped with wax worms are producing rainbows, and small jigging spoons are turning splake and brook trout. The best bet is to work out from shore since some of the trout are in less than eight feet of water early in the day, descending deeper as the day progresses. More anglers have turned their attention to panfish now that walleye action has slowed. Good-sized crappies are being reported by anglers using small minnows, tiny tubes and other small, soft baits. Large sunfish are hitting wax worms on small jigs, with many reported to weigh nearly one pound. A large number of area lakes support excellent sunfish populations. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org
Duluth - Lake Superior and inland waters
Conditions have been ideal for ice fishing with anglers enjoying a great bite on the inland lakes, along with sunny, warm days. Good numbers of crappies and bluegill are being taken on light tackle such as small tungsten jigs and soft plastics. Some fish are also coming in on wax worms and ratso jigs. Northern pike, bass and an occasional walleye are also being taken on tip-ups with live bait rigs. The St. Louis River has slowed a bit. Walleye can be seen on the vexilars, but it’s been hard to get them to bite. Flutter spoons tipped with minnow heads seem to be drawing the most attention, as well as an occasional taker. Walleye fishing should improve as February progresses and fish from the big lake begin to stage. Please remember that it’s important to practice selective harvest and return the larger females. Sturgeon have been found using oversized fatheads set inches off the bottom. On the North Shore, anglers are having success with the loopers and coho salmon. Long rodding spoons, looper bugs and floating wax worms worked in mid-depths have been productive. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com
Grand Rapids
Anglers are having fun catching northern pike and trout. These fish are often most active this time of year, moving up and down the water column throughout the day. Overall, smaller baits should are yielding the most action since most species are not interested in chasing bait now that their metabolism has slowed. For walleye and northern pike, try moving the split shot or weight closer to the bait to lessen the movement of the minnow. Snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and anglers are all enjoying the great winter conditions this year! www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
On Lake of the Woods, anglers working a jigging spoon with a rattle, along with a dead stick are being rewarded. The best presentation on the jigging rod has been a glow red, pink or gold jigging spoons tipped with minnow head or tail. For the dead stick, use a glow or colored hook or smaller walleye jig tipped with a live minnow. The key depth is 29-31 feet, and electronics are extremely helpful. Some jumbo perch are being caught along with the walleye. On the Rainy River, anglers are having the most success during morning and evening hours. It is very important that anglers work with a guide or through a resort before fishing the river. The snowmobile trail is staked from Wheeler's Point to Baudette on the river. Do not deviate from trail unless you are familiar with ice conditions. At the Northwest Angle, walleye are being pulled from 22-28 feet of water. The old-school technique of a dead stick with a red hook, split shot and minnow head under a bobber has been most effective. For the jigging line, use pink or gold jigging lures and bait. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Bemidji
Walleye anglers are having success using Swedish pimples and minnow heads, with most of the fish coming from 40-plus feet of water! Crappie action has been steady during late afternoon into evening hours. Small jigs tipped with minnows or wax worms are working well over the deep water basins, with most fish found suspended over these areas. Bluegill are off the deep edge of the weeds hitting tear drop jigs tipped with wax worms or spikes. Perch fishing is heating up on lakes Bemidji and Plantagenet. Small spoons and minnow heads are turning some nice jumbo perch in depths greater than 40 feet of water -- don’t be surprised if you pull in a walleye! 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com
Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish
Jumbo perch action remains strong on Lake Winnibigoshish! Anglers are having the most success in 16-18 feet of water from Snaghole Bar to Hunter’s Hump, and on to River Bar. An increase in perch action has been noted at the 18- to 21-foot shoreline break off Raven’s Point. Walleye reports have been limited, but northern pike are an easy catch throughout the lake in depths of 12-25 feet. www.lakewinnie.net.
Walker - Leech Lake
Walleye fishing has been sporadic throughout Leech Lake. Anglers are encouraged to avoid the crowds and find locations. Untouched ice can be easy to locate, especially if you have a snowmobile or ATV. Those with trucks will need to avoid all heaves and cracks. Walker Bay has been good for a decent walleye bite. For the most fish, hit the deeper humps in 25-35 feet of water. Anglers have also had success along the shoreline breaks near Cedar, and in depths of 15-20 feet. The Sand Point area is kicking out some walleye and perch in 12-16 feet of water. Perch anglers have also done well in 5-7 feet of water in some of the shallower bays. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com
Park Rapids
Fishing throughout the Park Rapids area has been consistent. Northern pike remain active in the 15-25 foot depths, with the largest pike found near schools of suspended crappies. For the most action, suspend a decoy-sized sucker minnow on a quick strike rig. Walleye remain active during evening hours in the 12-25 feet of water. A gold jigging spoon seems to be best for consistent action. Bluegills have been more scattered, likely due to changes in the oxygen levels which is common this time of year. The best approach has been a small tungsten jig tipped with a red spike. Ice conditions remain decent, however common sense is always a must. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com
Detroit Lakes
While the walleye bite has slowed, the panfish and northern pike bite remains great. Anglers are having the most success with the walleye in the evening just before dust, with a few fish being taken at night. The best depths have been 18-26 feet of water. Sunnies and crappies can be found in the weeds in 9-13 foot depths, and in the deeper basin areas in 22-30 feet of water. Northern pike are hitting large sucker minnows in the weeds and on the deep weed edges. Ice thickness is holding steady at 18-26 inches on most area lakes. Recent snowfall has smoothed out some of the rough ice conditions. Don’t miss the 7th Annual Poles ‘N Holes Fishing Derby taking place this Saturday, Feb.11, on the north side of Little Detroit Lake. This ice fishing tournament is part of the Polar Fest celebration taking place through Feb. 20! 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Central Region
Alexandria
Walleye fishing has been a bit more hit and miss, but still very productive. The best action has been during low light periods. Perch are often the best indicator. During the day, perch are generally active until daylight starts to fad and the walleye move in. Once the perch scatter, be ready with your best walleye presentation since the walleye may show up quickly and leave just as fast. The panfish bite has been strong, and will only get better as March gets closer. Anglers report nice numbers of crappies and sunnies, especially on the Le Homme Dieu Chain of Lakes. Overall, the ice is in great shape on area lakes, with measurements of 18-24 inches. 800-245-2539; www.explorealex.com
Glenwood/Lake Minnewaska
Walleye anglers are taking some fish from Ann Lake during the day, and a few from Lake Minnewaska late at night. Anglers report quite a few small northern pike coming out of Minnewaska on suckers under tip-ups. For lots of sunfish action, hit Villard and Maple lakes. Most of the crappie action is taking place on Long Lake. www.glenwoodlakesarea.org
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
White Bear Area Lakes
As of late last week, White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes were giving up nice numbers of fish. Northern pike and perch were biting throughout the day. During evening hours, anglers were taking crappies and walleye. Walleye anglers had the most success using shiner minnows, with wax worms turning the most perch. Don’t miss the Art Shanty Projects On-Ice Program near Ramsey Beach on White Bear Lake. This is a unique village of ice houses hosting all sorts of activities for the family. 651/653-5122; www.ExploreWhiteBear.org
Southern Minnesota
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams
As of Thursday, Feb. 9, fisheries staff report that most area streams and rivers were in great shape, with clear conditions and a normal water flow. Similar conditions were reported for braches of the Whitewater Stream on Feb. 2. Streams running through area parks and towns have been the most accessible. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
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