Photo courtesy of Joe Scegura's Guide Service
While the ice remains thick on most lakes, anglers are advised that warm temperatures are taking a toll on ice conditions. According to the Minnesota DNR, ice that has thawed and refrozen is only half as strong as new ice. The DNR recommends checking the ice every foot or two when walking out, and if the ice is unstable or slushy near shore, don’t head out. Take time to review the DNR's Ice Safety Guidelines and General Ice Thickness Guidelines. For rules, regulations and other helpful information on fishing in Minnesota, consult the DNR's Fish Minnesota web page.
The walleye and northern pike season has closed on most inland lakes until the 2018/2019 Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 12. While some anglers think the ice fishing season has ended, the month of March can offer some of the best ice fishing of the winter.
Northeast Minnesota
Duluth - Lake Superior, St. Louis River and inland waters
Fishing has picked up and should only get better as we move into spring. Sunny skies and mild temperatures are causing snow to melt at a good rate, but the ice remains thick on most lakes and anglers will be able to ice fish for a while longer. While travel conditions are improving, anglers should wear rubber boots and pack a pair of ice spikes. The best modes of travel are ATV, snowmobile and foot. The inland lakes offer an amazing panfish bite. Depending on the lake, anglers are having success in the shallower waters over vegetation, or the deeper basins. A small tear drop jig tipped with larvae or waxworms has been the most successful. When fish are schooled and biting well, switch to plastics so you don’t have to continually re-bait your hook. Crappies have been biting right at dusk. Dead-sticking a crappie minnow on a snare rod or under a float has worked well. Fishing on the St. Louis River Estuary has been flow. More and more anglers are fishing the North Shore streams, long-lining for coho and loopers. Start prepping the boat for early spring trolling for salmon. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com
Grand Rapids
As the snow compacts, anglers are able to get out on some of the lakes in the Grand Rapids area to enjoy late season panfish action. Some of the best reports are coming from the bays, especially on Pokegama, Big and Little Splithand, Little Cutfoot and Bass lakes. The ice remains fairly thick, but as always use caution when venturing out. Most anglers are concentrating on the bluegills and crappies, but perch fishing can also be great this time of year. Lakes to check out include Big Cutfoot, Winnibigoshish and Jay Gould -- check depths of 10 to 18 feet of water around the rocks and remaining weed beds for jumbo-size perch measuring 10 to 12 inches. The perch and bluegills will soon begin to move from the deeper waters to shallower areas to feed before ice out. The crappies stay in their winter areas later. A small tungsten jig with wax worms or euro larvae is the key for all three species. www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Fishing is heating back up on Lake of the Woods. Some of the fish are aggressive, and others must be enticed. Most fish houses have been placed over 24 to 33 feet of water, soon to move shallower. Smaller presentations, such as a glow spoon, are working well when tipped with a shiner minnow or chub head or tail. Electronics are extremely helpful. Northern pike fishing has been great with many 35- to 43-inch fish being reported. Auger extensions are needed when not working through a resort since the ice is more than 4 feet thick in most areas. Snowmobilers should stay on the marked trails since large ice chunks are scattered off the trails. The Rainy River is giving up some large walleye during morning and evening hours, with an occasional sturgeon also being taken. While there is still a lot of ice, anglers are looking forward to the spring open river walleye bite. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, fishing has picked up significantly this week. Minnesota anglers can be selective since it has been easy to fill walleye limits. Depths of 17 to 19 feet have been best late in the day, with 21 to 25 foot depths away from the structure working well during midday hours. Pink, white and gold have been the most productive colors – use glow or UV when it is cloudy, and charge them often. Fish houses are allowed on the ice overnight through March 31. The walleye and sauger season continues through April 14, and the northern pike season is open continuously. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish
On Lake Winnibigoshish, the Raven’s Point area is giving up lots of perch in 10 to 15 feet of water, in depths of 22 to 24 feet, and in depths of 15 to 20 feet at the main lake bars. Perch will move into more shallow waters very soon. Anglers will want to check with local resorts and bait shops to find out what lake roads are open.www.lakewinnie.net
Detroit Lakes
While the warmer temperatures have allowed the snow to settle, vehicle travel is still very limited on most lakes due to thick snow and occasional slushy areas. The good news is that lake accesses are still in good shape. Look to Sallie and Long lakes near Vergas for great tullibee action. These fish can be found suspended in 30 to 40 feet of water. Middle Cormorant, Big Floyd and Little Detroit lakes are kicking out bluegills and crappies in depths of 8 to 14 feet. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Central Region
Otter Tail Area Lakes
The panfish bite is heating up. Many fish are beginning to transition from their mid-winter areas. The fish are responding positively to the longer daylight hours and moving to new areas. Once located, expect good fishing action and good sizes. If you’re catching only a few smaller fish, try a different hole. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Anglers have been catching crappies on the southeast side of Lake Mille Lacs. Reports indicate that most of the crappies have been on the smaller side. The tullibee are passing through the “Tullibee Hole” in large schools, but they are not sticking around to feed. Overall, the perch have been on the smaller side, but a few of those pulled from the shallow water areas were decent-size fish. 320-676-9972; www.millelacs.com
Southern Minnesota
Red Wing - Mississippi River
There are good numbers of quality walleye coming from the open waters of the Mississippi River near Red Wing. Quality walleye are responding to plastic tails, and smallmouth bass are coming in on jig and minnow combinations worked in 18 feet of water. Please note that the water is extremely cold so anglers should always wear flotation devices. 800-498-3444; www.redwing.org
Winona - Mississippi River and Lake Winona
Anglers are catching walleye below the lock & dam on the Mississippi River. Nice numbers of sunnies, crappies and perch are being pulled from Lake Winona. Once the lake is open this spring, fishing will improve significantly. www.visitwinona.com
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams
As of Tuesday, March 13, fisheries staff reported that the South Branch Root River was “off” in color with a normal water flow. They noted that the streams looked good, however, there was melting each day and refreezing each night. Trout anglers are eager for the upcoming Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo at Hamline University in St. Paul, March 16-18. This expo is the largest fly fishing event in Minnesota with fly shops, guides, top brands, outfitters and non-profits presenting the newest and best in the world of fly fishing. Anglers will also enjoy over three dozen free programs and seminars, as well as free casting instruction. 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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