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Banning State Park - please note that ice conditions are changing rapidly.
Few reports are available as the ice fishing season winds down, and the ice becomes more unpredictable. Please note that recent warm temperatures, high winds, and rain have caused lake ice to deteriorate rapidly. As a result, walking is now the best mode of travel in most areas where ice fishing remains an option. While the current, more seasonable temperatures may extend the ice fishing season another week or so, it is extremely important to consult with a local bait shop or resort for the most current conditions before heading out. Please take a moment to review the information found on the DNR’s Ice Safety Guidelines web page.
If you are eager to fish the open water, try fly fishing for stream trout in southeastern Minnesota. And if you’re really ambitious, fish the open water by boat on lakes in the southern half of Minnesota where ice-out occurred early. Check the DNR’s Ice Out Dates web page for locations.
Besides some border waters, the gamefish season (walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass) has closed. Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2017/2018 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass and lake trout, May 13; muskie, June 3. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. For rules, regulations and other helpful information on fishing in Minnesota, consult the DNR's Fish Minnesota web page.
Northeast Minnesota
Ely
Many anglers are taking advantage of the fairly mild weather patterns and continue to enjoy good hard water fishing. Ice thickness can vary, but overall, most lakes still have 20-22 inches of ice. Anglers must use extreme caution near areas with current and flowing water. If you are unfamiliar with lake structure and current flow, test ice thickness as you travel across the ice. Crappies are beginning to school around the deep water structure adjacent to shallow bays in preparation for ice-out and spring spawn patterns. Dead sticking minnows is a great tactic, but small soft plastics on a jig seem to be working equally well to entice crappies. Sunnies are inhaling wax worm and jig combinations, and in some cases, the larger sunfish are taking small minnow rigs meant for crappies. Lake trout action remains good on area trout lakes. Anglers having the most success are jigging tube baits and dead sticking smelt or suckers. Some anglers are taking advantage of the ideal weather conditions and trekking into the border lakes within the Boundary Waters. A reminder that trout season ends on March 31 on lakes outside of the Boundary Waters. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
The ice on Lake of the Woods remains 24-34 inches thick in most areas. The bite varies daily but good catch rate is reported most days. Fish are following lures up and down the water column so electronics are helpful as some walleye are suspended. The best approach has been a jigging spoon tipped with minnow head or tail, and a dead stick with a plain hook or small ice jig and minnow nearby. Key depths are 26-33 feet of water, and the best lure colors are glow pink or red. Northern pike are very active near their spawning areas with fish over 40-inches reported most days. The Rainy River is open from Birchdale on to the east with shore ice present. Some anglers have already started pushing boats over the ice. Warm weather should get the ice moving again this week. Learn more at the Rainy River web page. Up at the Northwest Angle, ice conditions remain good with 20-24 inches of solid ice in non-current areas. On the Minnesota side, walleye fishing is exceptional in depths of 20-30 feet of water. Black and gold colors have been best. Jumbo perch have turned on this past week with many 14-inch fish being reported. Remember, the walleye season remains open on Lake of the Woods through April 14, and the northern pike and crappie seasons are open all year! With temperatures on the increase, conditions may change rapidly. Anglers should consult with a resort or outfitter since ice conditions, the accesses and roads are monitored closely. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Detroit Lakes
The cold front late last week and early this week has improved ice conditions in the Detroit Lakes area. The ice on most lakes ranges from 16-22 inches thick. Please stay away from all current areas and ice heaves. With minimal snow cover, the ice is slippery. A warming trend over the next 10 days will make for pleasant fishing, but also cause the ice to deteriorate. The rivers are flowing stronger each day. In regards to fishing, the panfish and tullibee bite has been good, although few anglers have been heading out. While four-wheelers can be used in some areas, foot travel is best. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
The recent cold temperatures have extended the ice fishing season on some lakes in Otter Trail lakes Country. Still, if your favorite lake did not have good ice two weeks ago, then it probably doesn't have good ice now. If you are trying to squeeze in another ice fishing adventure, you must use extreme caution. The best bet for panfish currently is a 1/16- or 1/32-ounce jig tipped with plastics or euro larva. If the bluegills aren’t cooperative, check for schools of crappies in 30 feet of water or deeper. These fish are often suspended so treat any flash on your electronics as a possibility. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com
Southern Minnesota
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams
As of Wednesday, March 15, most area streams and rivers were slightly high, but clear. If a fast melt occurs this weekend, the water may turn murky. Fisheries staff note that the midges are hatching, and caddis are drifting downstream. For information on fly fishing for trout, check out the trout fishing basics described in Stunning Streams Lure Trout Anglers. 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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