Brett McComas' Rainy River walleye; photo courtesy of www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com
Few reports are available as anglers transition from hard water to open water fishing. Anglers that have ventured out report fun panfish action, both from shore and from boat. This bite will continually heat up as water temperatures rise.
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
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
While the extended border waters walleye season ends today, April 14, anglers can still fish for northern pike, smallmouth bass and crappie on Rainy Lake and the Rainy River since these seasons are open continuously. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org
Duluth - Lake Superior and inland waters
Lake Superior anglers report a very good bite. The coho salmon are hitting a variety of brightly-colored baits when trolled. Long-lining with planer boards has been best so no need for expensive gear. Anglers are still catching nice kamloops and steel head at the river mouths. The areas from the Lester River all the way up to Two Harbors has been good for shore fishing, with anglers taking nice numbers of “loopers.” The key is to get out early to beat the rush, especially on the weekends. In fact, there were hundreds of anglers up and down the shoreline last week. Some smelt can now be seen off-shore in the rivers staging for the annual spring spawn cycle. Please remember that anglers need to possess a valid fishing license to take part in this activity. Steam fishing on the tributaries to Lake Superior has been fair. Anglers having the most success are using a float indicator over a couple sinkers, fly and egg pattern. Fishing on the St. Louis River is starting to heat up, especially in the shallow bays with timber and rock structure. A simple crappies minnow or plastics should work well. Most of the inland lakes are now ice free, with some panfish coming from roughly 10 feet of water. Water temperatures in the shallow bays were as high as 48-degrees, but averaged roughly 44-degrees a few days ago. Expect the bite to continually improve on all area waters. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com
Grand Rapids
The panfish bite is heating up on most area lakes. Crappies are being caught in good numbers in the standing vegetation. Depths of 5-10 feet of water with ample weed cover are best when targeting crappies. For bluegill, work slightly shallower weed beds found in 3-6 feet of water. Both crappies and bluegill are responding to live and artificial bait used with slip bobbers and 1/32-ounce jigs. Most local streams and rivers currently offer a good sucker run. Look for the current seams and deeper holes for the largest quantities of fish. The best approach is a simple slip sinker system on a live bait rig with a single nightcrawler. www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Lake of the Woods is open up to one mile outside of Lighthouse and Morris gaps. Walleye of all sizes are being taken. While staying close to the ice pack has beneficial, anglers need to be aware of moving ice and use caution. Rainy River walleye anglers are faring better now that the waters are turning clearer. Sturgeon fishing is on fire with many 50- to 70-inch fish being reported. Good numbers of walleye are still in river with more to arrive. Anglers having the most success are using a 3/4– to 1-ounce jig tipped with 1 or 2 frozen shiners. Bright and gold colors have been best, especially with a rattle. Birchdale, Frontier, Vidas, Wheeler’s Point, and Timbermill landings are open to all boats. Please remember that boats are allowed to travel on the Canadian side of the river for navigation, but must follow special licensing and other specific Ontario fishing regulations to fish there. Up at the Northwest Angle, ice cover gives way to more open water each day. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Park Rapids
Most of the ice has disappeared from Park Rapids area lakes. While fishing will continually improve as water temperatures rise, it doesn’t really heat up until temperatures reach roughly 45-degrees. The easiest way to find the best bite is to locate the warmest lakes. Simply grab a cooking thermometer, drive to your favorite lakes, and stick the probe in the water to take the temperature! Pick the warmest lake and fishing there first for fun panfish action. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com
Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
The water temperatures are rising so the panfish are no longer glued to shore. Anglers report that the panfish are moving from the shoreline into the submerged weeds in roughly 3-5 feet of water. The larger sunfish and crappies are beginning to explore 20-30 foot depths which is helpful since they don’t scare as easily. Consider taking the kids fishing in the back bays where generally the wind is calmer and the temperatures are warmer. Teach the kids to keep the line as tight as possible when using bobbers since they won’t be able to set the hook when the bobber goes down. This early open water season is ideal for introducing kids to fishing. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com
Southern Minnesota
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams
As of Wednesday, April 12, area streams and rivers were very clear with a normal water flow. While there were no new reports of hatches, blue-winged olives were assumed to be around, as were dark hendricksons. There were also rumors of caddis. Remember, the trout harvest opener is this Saturday, April 15! 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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