Andy Wolfram's 28-inch walleye pulled from the Mississippi River near Red Wing
The weekend forecast calls for continued sunny days with highs in the 50s and 60s. While most lakes are still covered in ice, what remains is no longer stable and the shorelines are opening up. Anyone planning to head out must use extreme caution and wear a life jacket. Anglers should also review the DNR's Ice Safety Guidelines. River anglers also need to use extreme caution and wear a life jacket due to rising water and swift current.
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2018/2019 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass and lake trout, May 12; muskie, June 2. 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.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is working hard to ready Minnesota’s lakes and rivers for the May 12 fishing opener. Due to the unseasonably late ice-out conditions and the late season snowfall, some outdoor recreation facilities may not be ready as early as in recent years, particularly in the northern parts of the state. The latest conditions can be found online at mndnr.gov/ice_out, and by calling the DNR area office closest to that body of water or the DNR info center at 888-646-6367.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
The short Rainy River sturgeon tag season (April 24 – May 7) is on and anglers are trying to catch a trophy keeper. Please note that you are only allowed to keep one, and there is a slot limit and a top trophy-size rule. Get the details when you buy your tag. The Ron Hall access in International Falls is close to the dam, and this a great place to check for sturgeon. The ice conditions on Rainy Lake have deteriorated. While there may seem to be sufficient amounts of ice, the quality is poor so anglers are advised to stay off the ice. It is likely that there will still be some ice cover when the May 12 walleye opener arrives. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org
Kabetogama
Anglers that continue to venture out onto the ice are catching perch and crappies. Last weekend, there was 26 inches of ice on the main, however the bays were starting to thaw and the shorelines had open water. Still, local anglers predict ice out to occur on Lake Kabetogama around the May 12 fishing opener. With possible rain and daytime temperatures in the 70s next week the ice should deteriorate rapidly. Everyone is crossing their fingers for sun, wind, rain and warm temperatures leading up to the opener. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com
Duluth - Lake Superior, St. Louis River and inland waters
The inland lakes are holding on to a considerable amount of ice. The warm temperatures this weekend, however, should deplete the ice thickness substantially. The black ice will expand in the coming days, so anglers are encouraged to put away their ice gear – the shorelines are turning soft and open water is just around the corner. Ice-out has been reported for many sections of the 12,000 acre St. Louis River estuary. Once the river runs freely, anglers head out to try their luck with the spring crappies. Lake Superior has been hosting both shore anglers and boaters. Most North Shore anglers are reporting success, especially south of Two Harbors. The river mouths are gushing out water, but soon the water levels will be low enough for great fishing. The smelt season is upon us, and an influx of tourists is expected in a few days. Please remember that anglers still need a valid fishing license for the annual smelt run. Learn more about Smelt on the North Shore. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
The ice on Lake of the Woods took a beating last weekend. Large cracks have developed throughout the lake and the shoreline ice is thin and soft. The remaining ice is deteriorating very quickly. The ice roads have been closed, and anyone venturing out must use extreme caution -- bring along a partner, and the necessary safety gear. Large northern pike are being taken in the pre-spawn areas and shallow, open water bays on live suckers, big smelt, and hot dogs. Minnows of all kinds must be authorized by an area bait dealer. The Rainy River continues to give up lots of sturgeon, especially for those that remain mobile. Many 60-plus inch fish are being reported. Anglers having the most success are working the deeper holes, and using a sturgeon rig (18-inch leader, 60-pound test line and a 5/0 circle hook) with a crawler and/or shiner mix and a 4 to 5 ounce no-roll sinker. All Rainy River Landings (including Wheeler's Point) are now open to all boats. Learn more about Rainy River sturgeon fishing. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Bemidji Area Lakes
The ice is pulling away from shore on many area lakes. The open water area grows larger each day at the Northwoods Access on Lake Bemidji. 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com
Detroit Lakes
Ice is deteriorating quickly, and the ice fishing season is mostly over for Detroit Lakes area lakes due to warm temperatures and high winds. Some small ponds have opened up, and a few of the lakes have open water along the shorelines. While some of the smaller, shallower, dark bottom lakes will open up in the next week or so, the larger, deeper, clear lakes may still be covered in ice at the time of the May 12 fishing opener. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Central Region
Otter Tail Area Lakes
Just one week ago there was 35 inches of ice on Otter Tail Lake, and by midday Wednesday, April 25, there was 27 inches. Drilled holes exposed how rotten and full of water the ice had become. The deterioration occurred so rapidly that the ice should be off the lake by May 12. In fact, many areas lakes should be ice-free May 10 if the weather forecast is accurate. With such a rapid melt, ice that was sturdy in the morning may not be in the afternoon. It's time to pack up your ice fishing gear and stay off of the ice. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com
Alexandria Area Lakes
Last weekend was great for ice fishing, but conditions have changed and the ice season is just about over. One week ago there was more than 30 inches of solid ice, and it appeared that the lakes would be covered in ice at the time of the May 12 fishing opener. Now, with the strong sun and warm temperatures, a few inches of ice are melting each day and there is a good chance that many area lakes will be ice free by the opener. The edges of the ice are pulling away from shore on nearly every lake. If you still plan to head out you must use extreme caution, were a life jacket, travel with a friend, and check the ice often. For the opener, consider one of the smaller, shallower lakes since these will be the warmest and most likely to offer the best fishing. 800-245-2539; www.explorealex.com
Pine River Area Lakes
Norway Lake, just northeast of Pine River, is still covered with ice except for where it intersects with the Pine River. While there is open water in the shallows along the shorelines, the main lake remains covered in ice. One local guide expects it will take another week until Norway Lake, a small 300 acre lake, is ice-free. Whitefish Lake has 20 to 30 feet of open water along the shorelines. The large area lakes may also open up in time for the May 12 fishing opener, but it all depends on whether the temperatures remain warm, and the area receives some rainfall and windy days. Everyone is enjoying the hundreds of assorted ducks, geese and swans that can be seen on the Pine River – even the loons have returned! 800-728-6926; www.pinerivermn.com
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
While Lake Mille Lacs still has a lot of ice, no one is checking ice thickness any longer. Some of the shorelines are beginning to open up but ice-out is not expected by the May 12 fishing opener. If Mille Lacs is free of ice by that date, it will be due to a lot of rain, in addition to lots of sunny, warm days. Check out the Mille Lacs Lake web cams to see what remains of the ice at various resorts and lake accesses. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com
Southern Minnesota
Winona - Mississippi River/Lake Pepin
Fishing has been slow on the Mississippi River due to the high water and fast current. Some anglers have decided to fish from shore where they are catching walleye. Anglers fishing Lake Winona report lots of crappies and bluegills. To monitor current water flows, check the DNR’s Real Time Stream Flow Map and the Minnesota Stream Flow Report. 507-452-0735; www.visitwinona.com
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams
As of Thursday, April 26, fisheries staff reported that while some of the rivers were off in color and slightly high, the creeks and streams were in good shape. There was a strong caddis hatch, and dark Hendrickson’s were observed. Waters to the east, such as in Houston County, offered the best conditions. Other waters would turn clearer each day. Fishing over the weekend was expected to be ideal! Before heading out, check the DNR’s Real Time Stream Flow Map and the Minnesota Stream Flow Report. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com
Rochester Area Lakes/Reservoirs & Rivers
Area lakes are either wide open or will be before May 12. Two area lakes (reservoirs), Byllesby near Cannon Falls and Zumbro north of Rochester, are good choices for the opener. Lake Byllesby has a decent walleye population, but few northern pike. Lake Zumbro is stocked with walleye, and occasionally produces some larger walleye and northern pike. Most of the small reservoirs in the Rochester area are good for bass and panfish. Most anglers fish from shore. 800-634-8277; www.rochestercvb.org
Albert Lea Area Lakes & Rivers
Lakes in the Albert Lea should all be free of ice either this weekend or early next week. Fountain Lake is giving up black crappies and bluegills at the inlets where the water is warmer. The Shell Rock River is high. When water levels drop, the smallmouth bass will migrate up the river and bass action should be great. 800-345-8414; www.albertleatourism.org
Ortonville - Big Stone Lake
The ice on Big Stone Lake is deteriorating rapidly and should be free of ice by May 12. Windy days are in the forecast and this should help break up the ice. 800-568-5722; www.bigstonelake.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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