Winter fly fishing near Whitewater State Park
Fluctuating temperatures with highs above freezing and strong winds have slowed the development of ice. While there is an adequate amount of ice for foot travel on portions of some lakes in northern Minnesota, anglers must use extreme caution and check ice thickness often when venturing out. Anyone planning to head out should first consult with a local bait shop or resort for the most current ice conditions.
This is a good time for anglers to prepare their equipment and review the DNR's Ice Safety Guidelines web page. For rules, regulations and other helpful information on fishing in Minnesota, consult the DNR's Fish Minnesota web page.
Did you know that ice fishing is not the only way you can fish in the winter? Learn more at Winter Fishing, No Ice Required!
Northeast Minnesota
Kabetogama
Everyone is hoping for cooler temperatures and calm conditions since recent high winds and fluctuating temperatures have hampered ice development. While some of the smaller area lakes have enough ice to walk on, Lake Kabetogama is struggling to make ice.On the bright side, small bays famous for world-class spear fishing now have walkable ice, and an area spear fishing outfitter will offer spear houses for rent after Thanksgiving. If you haven’t spent time in a spear house you should give it a try since it’s an experience you won’t forget! 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com
Grand Rapids
Most of the smaller lakes have had a coating of ice for a couple weeks. Anglers report 4 to 5 inches of fishable ice on most of them but caution must be used when walking out. Anglers are advised to use a spud to check ice thickness often. Anglers that have ventured out by foot have found decent crappie and bluegill action in depths of 12 to 30 feet when using small baits tipped with a wax worm or small minnow. Some of the lakes producing fish are Little Cutfoot, Little Splithand, Little Bowstring, Loon, Rice and several other smaller area lakes. The ice is very slick due to the current lack of snow so anglers should use spikes on their boots. www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Some portions of Lake of the Woods are covered in ice, but other areas have open water which is common this time of year. Cooler and calmer weather conditions are needed to build ice. There is a skim of ice on the Rainy River with only a few open water areas remaining. Most of the back bays are frozen over. The water temperature is roughly 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Anglers expect ice fishing to be very good this year with walleye and sauger staged up in areas along the south shore including Pine Island, Zippel Bay, Long Point and Rocky Point. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Central Region
Otter Tail Area Lakes
While a few anglers have already ventured out onto lakes in Otter Tail Lakes Country it is not recommended. The ice continues to form and can be blown around and break up in windy conditions. Once the ice is thick enough and more stable, anglers are encouraged to travel in pairs and check ice thickness often. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
The DNR has announced that walleye fishing on Lake Mille Lacs will open on Friday, Dec. 1 with no bait restrictions. Anglers may keep 1 walleye measuring 20 to 22 inches, or one longer than 28 inches. For more information on Lake Mille Lacs regulations, check out the DNR news release from Nov. 3. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
White Bear Area Lakes
Few people continue to fish the open water. Last week, anglers were pulling fish from White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes. Muskie anglers had a difficult time finding extra-large sucker minnows. Those that did pulled fish from the 10 to 15 foot breakline. Walleye anglers took some nice-sized fish when using jig and minnow combinations and trolled crank baits. The best location was around the rocks and major points. Depths of 6 to 10 feet of water on Bald Eagle Lake, and depths of 10 to 20 feet on White Bear Lake were best. 651-653-5122; www.explorewhitebear.org
Southern Minnesota
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams
As of Thursday, Nov. 16, fisheries staff reported that most area streams and rivers were clear with a normal water flow. Southeast stream trout maps are available under “Area Highlights” on the Lanesboro area fisheries web page. 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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