Northern pike pulled from Lake of the Woods at Arnesen's Rocky Point; photo courtesy of Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau
Few reports are available as anglers turn their attention to the May 12 fishing opener. Still, early spring offers some fishing opportunities to anglers on northern Minnesota's frozen lakes and frigid rivers. Please review the DNR's Ice Safety Guidelines and General Ice Thickness Guidelines before heading out. 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
The fishing focus in International Falls has shifted to the Rainy River. All nearby access points are open, and, although it’s been a bit cold, anglers have been getting out. The spring walleye run is on and anglers have been doing well anchoring over about 15 feet of water and jigging with a minnow. Emerald shiners are always a good bet for river bait. The Ron Hall access on Shorewood Drive in International Falls is just below the dam and fishing is usually pretty good in that area. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org
Grand Rapids
Mother Nature's wintry grip continues its hold on the warm weather of Spring. Ice fishing still offers opportunities for anglers to catch panfish in the Grand Rapids area. Little Splithand, Little Cutfoot, and Bass Lake all offer good chances at bluegills and crappies with thicker than normal ice conditions. Caution should always be taken when venturing out. Big Winnibigosh and Pokegama Lake have been providing good perch fishing on points and mid lake structures. Another species to continue fishing for are tullibee. Right now they are mostly suspended in deep water in the 30'-60' range. Watch your electronics and most often they are not individual fish but a school. The action can be fast and furious when you locate numerous fish on your electronics and drop a flashy type spoon baited with several wax worms or a minnow head. Another presentation that works very well is a 1/8 ounce tungsten jig head with euro-larva or wax worm. tullibees are terrific smoked or pickled. Many times people turn their nose up to them, but they are a fierce fighter and good to eat as previously described. www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota
Detroit Lakes
Ice still remains in the Detroit Lakes area if you want to chase pan fish or tullibees. Not many anglers out, but the few that have been venturing onto the ice are catching fish. I have been focusing on open water river opportunities and have not been on the ice for 10 days. We still have significant snow cover and temperatures remain below average. A late ice out is expected. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.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.
Subscribe here to receive any or all of our reports by email.
This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.
|
