Kelly Morrell of Spicer, MN has been selected to host Governor Mark Dayton during the 2018 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener in the Willmar Lakes Area, May 10-13
The outlook for this year’s fishing opener is very good since most fish will have had time to recover from their spawn, leaving them strong and eager to bite. Another indication is the number of anglers that can’t keep the walleye off their lines! Anglers will want to search the warm, shallows for most species of fish, especially near vegetation. Live bait on a jig should work best for a variety of fish.
The weekend forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and highs in the 50s and 60s -- the greatest chance of rain is in southern Minnesota. Anglers must use extreme caution and wear a life jacket due to very cold water temperatures and the risk of hypothermia. Learn more about Cold Water Safety.
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, 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
Anglers have turned their attention to Rainy Lake once again. As of midweek, there were wide areas of open water and all accesses were open. Anglers will be able to fish from boat during this weekend’s fishing opener. The walleye should be aggressive now that most of the ice is off the lake, and the water is warming. The best advice for early, ice-out walleye is to work the shorelines by either slowly trolling a spinner rig and minnow or anchoring and dropping a jig and minnow over structure in roughly 8 to 12 feet of water. Black Bay and areas with current are recommended for the warmest water. If you are fishing around the weedy edges of the smaller bays you will most likely catch some smallmouth bass and northern pike as well. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org
Kabetogama
According to the DNR, Lake Kabetogama should be ideal for walleye anglers over the opener since much of the lake’s shoreline offers good walleye spawning habitat, allowing fish to spread out. Anglers are often successful just fishing from shore. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com
Duluth - Lake Superior and inland waters
Most lakes in and around the area are open and ready for anglers this weekend. The reservoirs north of Duluth are great fisheries for lots of fish this time of year. Simple presentations such as jigs tipped with plastics or live bait are all that is needed to turn nice-size walleye. Check the shallow, mid-lake humps, as well as the river mouths. Crappie anglers will want work depths of 7 to 12 feet of water. Soon all of the panfish will move into the shallows to spawn, followed by predator fish such as norther pike and bass. Please note that bait shops are scrambling to keep minnows in stock. It is a good idea to plan ahead and pick some up well before heading for the water. On Lake Superior, good numbers of coho salmon are being reported by anglers trolling brightly colored hard-sided crank baits or stick baits near the surface. Some anglers are even taking fish when jigging spoons near the harbor entries. Smelters have been doing well when dip-netting at the tributaries. Stream anglers are faring well when fishing the local tributaries. The St. Louis River fishing is now the talk of the town for the fishing opener. Look for good catches of walleye in many areas of the river, and consider heading upstream away from the crowds. Trolling crawler harnesses and shallow-running crank baits should be best. There are still a lot of big females in the river so please release these fish so they can spawn. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com
Grand Rapids
While it may be slightly cool this Saturday for the 2018 Minnesota Fishing Opener, hundreds of thousands of anglers will hit Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. Walleye are usually the most sought after species for the opener, and walleye anglers will want to use jig and minnow combinations for the most action due to cool water temperatures. Sometimes, just a plain hook and shiner under a slip sinker is all that is needed. The shallow points located near deep water are good starting spots, especially if there is gravel or small rocks along the bottom. Depths of 6 to 12 feet should be best. Look for crappies in the shallow bays with old reed beds from last season. A small minnow on a light jig or plain hook beneath a small bobber should do the trick. Anglers should keep moving along the shoreline until they locate fish. www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
The ice continues to break up on Lake of the Woods. Most anglers will want to bounce a jig and frozen shiner off the bottom during this weekend’s fishing opener. The northern pike are extremely active. For the most action, lay a large smelt on the bottom, or troll crank baits or buzz baits. The Rainy River will most likely be the best spot to fish this weekend, with walleye of all sizes eager to feast after spawning so late. Sturgeon fishing is also a good option, but please remember that sturgeon are catch-and-release only through May 15. Water clarity should be good by the opener. Up at the Northwest Angle, the ice is disappearing rapidly and there is open water around the Angle Inlet area for a few miles. Just like fishing on the south shore of Lake of the Woods, a jig and minnow worked along the shorelines should be best. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Bemidji
Now that the ice is off area lakes, look for walleye along the shorelines where there is gravel, rock, sand or emerging weedlines. A jig tipped with a minnow should work wonders. Please remember to practice selective harvesting so the fisheries remain strong for years to come. 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com
Walker - Leech Lake
Leech Lake was officially declared free of ice on May 9, just days before the opener. This should give the walleye a chance to spawn without much interruption from anglers, and the fish should be very hungry by Saturday. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com
Hackensack Area Lakes
Fishing should be great on most area lakes for the opener, although the pattern may be slightly different than usual. Many crappie anglers have reported incidental walleye catches when fishing the shallow edges for crappies. Expect the shallows to be great for most species of fish. Recommended tactics include long-lining lighter jigs or working the jigs off the breaklines. Don't rule out stick baits and crank baits on the shallow edges, particularly during evening and early morning hours. Please note that minnows could be in short supply this weekend. 800-279-6932; www.hackensackchamber.com
Park Rapids
Everything points to a great fishing opener this weekend. Although walleye are the number one target for most anglers, the crappies and bluegills are biting just about everywhere so there’s a perfect back-up plan if needed. These fish can be found feeding in and around in the shallows where they will be spawning in a couple of weeks. Small jigs and minnows under a bobber will boat plenty of fish. Bring your ice fishing tackle as well since it can be ideal for open water panfish early in the season. Anglers will find walleye in both the shallow or deeper waters depending on the shiner spawn. If the weather is sunny and warm, the shiners will be along the shorelines and shallow, sandy, weedy flats between shore and the first drop-off -- the walleye will be there too. If it is cloudy and cold, check the tops and bottoms of the first main lake drop-off since shiners tend to hold in deeper water during cold and cloudy conditions. Dragging a jig tipped with a minnow or leech slowly on the bottom will turn some nice fish. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com
Detroit Lakes
Water temperatures in the Detroit Lakes area were in the mid-50s and warming during the middle of the week. Crappies were moving into the shallows where they were very active. Over the opener, the walleye should be shallow (4 to 10 feet), but if a cold front arrives, the fish may slide out to the first break off the shorelines. If shallow, check the shoreline gravel, rock and sand areas, as well as the emerging weedlines. Jigs and rigs with minnows will be the best bet this weekend. Slip bobbers with leeches or nightcrawlers are also a good shallow water choice. Northern pike will be very active and feeding heavily in the shallows. Anglers will want to be familiar with the new limits and regulations for northern pike. While you can target bass, all must be returned to the water until Memorial Day weekend. It will be busy this year as everyone is anxious to finally get out on the open water. Please be courteous and patient at the ramps. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Central Region
Otter Tail Area Lakes
All lakes in Otter Tail Lakes Country are free of ice. Please remember to review the 2018 fishing regulations, especially the new rules that apply to northern pike since there are changes in limits and some size restrictions. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com
Alexandria Area Lakes
The ice is off the lakes, and most fish have moved into the warmer shallows where bait fish linger. Throwing a jig and minnow into 6 to 10 feet of water with rocks and gravel should produce plenty of walleye. Areas with moving water should also give up nice numbers. A shallow-diving crank bait thrown into these areas after dark can also work great. While the crappies will also be shallow, they prefer areas with a soft bottom in roughly 1 to 5 feet of water. Expect this bite to kick into high gear shortly. No matter what type of fish you are fishing for, there are many areas where you can toss out a line from shore so no need to have a boat! 800-235-9441; www.alexandriamn.org
Glenwood Lakes Area
Ice has been off Lake Minnewaska for almost 2 weeks. Crappies are being pulled from the Starbuck Marina on small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms. A good bite is also being reported in Fish Hatchery Bay on the Glenwood side of the lake. www.glenwoodlakesarea.org
Pine River Area Lakes
As of Monday, May 7, all Pine River area lakes were free of ice. Crappies and sunnies had moved into the shallow bays and channels, and anglers were reporting nice numbers of both. The key was to fish in 2 to 4 feet of water using small jigs and small crappie minnows under a small bobber. Since the water temperatures are still very cold it is important to use a slow presentation. For this weekend’s Minnesota Fishing opener, fish the shallows for walleye and northern pike. With the walleye spawn recently completed or almost complete, walleye will be near their spawning beds at the mouths of rivers or at the shallow, rocky or sandy shoreline bars near points. The key is a small presentation such as a small crappie jig tipped with a fathead minnow worked in 3 to12 feet of water. Northern pike spawned a few weeks ago so they will also be active. The best approach should be a small crankbait or a jig and minnow combination worked in 8 to 15 feet of water near weed growth. 800-728-6926; www.pinerivermn.com
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
The ice has held on longer than expected on Lake Mille Lacs. There will probably be some ice chunks floating around this weekend so anglers will want to pay attention to the wind and fish the “open sides" of the lake. Spot tail shiners and rainbow minnows are limited, but leeches are available. Stick to medium-size leeches due to the cold water temperatures - a modest-sized leech will often swim better in these conditions. 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
Willmar
The lakes have warmed quickly, and the temperature of most lakes is now 55 to 58 degrees. Anglers are reporting great sunfish and crappie action on Eagle and Florida lakes. Good reports are also coming from Dogfish Bay on Diamond Lake, Nest Lake Bay, Elkhorn Bay, and West Norway Lake. On May 11, enjoy a free picnic meal (first 3000 attendees), concert, children's activities, exhibitors, beer/wine tent and shuttle service to Robbins Island during the Governor's Fishing Opener Event. Bring a lawn chair and come prepared for all weather conditions. 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com
Southern Minnesota
Red Wing - Pool #4 on the Mississippi River
Fish are active on the Mississippi River near Pool #4, and can be seen breaking the surface of the water chasing bait fish. Many are roaming the sand, also in search of bait fish. Expect good numbers of sauger and walleye, as well as large, bonus crappies and catfish. 800-498-3444; www.redwing.org
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams
As of Tuesday, May 8, fisheries staff reported mixed stream conditions. There was a great insect hatch taking place, specifically caddis flies. As of Wednesday, May 9, fisheries staff reported that all branches of the Whitewater Stream were clear with a normal water flow. Fishing was expected to be ideal over the weekend as long as the rain stayed to a minimum. Before heading out, check the DNR’s Real Time Stream Flow Map and the Minnesota Stream Flow Report. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com
Albert Lea Area Lakes
The panfish bite remains strong on Albert Lea area lakes, especially in the channel at the Fountain Lake Dam. Water levels are receding and water temperatures are warming so anglers will also want to consider fishing the Shell Rock River. 800-345-8414; www.albertleatourism.org
Ortonville - Big Stone Lake
The water was a bit murky last weekend and anglers reported a tough walleye bite on Big Stone Lake. Clearing was expected to occur quickly, followed by an increase in the bite. Walleye are being taken at night by dock anglers. Anglers are catching quite a few bass as well. 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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