Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - Nov. 30, 2018

Portable houses on Lake Sylvan in Grand Rapids on Nov. 25; photo courtesy of Weisguy Images

November's unseasonably cool temperatures caused ice to develop rapidly, and anglers are beginning to venture out onto some northern and central Minnesota lakes. Extreme caution must be used since ice thickness can vary greatly early in the season. Anyone planning to head out should first consult with a local bait shop or resort for the most current ice conditions.

Please take a moment to review the DNR's Ice Safety web page and Ice Thickness Guidelines web page.

For rules, regulations and other helpful information on fishing in Minnesota, consult the DNR's Fish Minnesota web page.

And for fun ideas for your next ice fishing trip, check out Get Hooked on Minnesota Ice Fishing!

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Minneapolis-St. Paul] [Central][Southern]

Northeast Minnesota

Kabetogama

Lake Kabetogama is rapidly building ice since there is a lack of snow on top of previously formed ice. A few spear anglers are working the bays but there are no reports to relay. Sandy Point Lodge is planning to place their spear houses in Tom Cod Bay before this weekend since the bay has been covered in ice for a while. Voyageurs National Park officials are advising no main lake travel and all trails (snowmobile, cross-country ski and snowshoe) remain closed. For the most current ice and trail conditions, visit the Voyageurs National Park website. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely Area Lakes & Streams

Anglers are advised that ice thickness varies greatly from lake to lake and even on the same lake. Anglers are strongly encouraged to carry an ice chisel and check ice thickness often as they travel out onto a lake. While some lakes have about 4 to 7 inches of ice near shore, others just have a thin coating of ice. Walleye anglers are catching fish in 15 to 20 feet of water when using shiners, rainbows or chubs on a set line -- flashy spoons or moonshine minnows actively fished are best on the 2nd line. The main lake points have been the most productive. Northern pike fishing has also been good for anglers using alewife and smelt under tip-ups. The mouths of the shallow bays, outside weed edges and deeper weed beds have been the most productive areas. Most of the larger pike are coming from 10 feet of water or less. Sunfish action has been slow, but anglers are marking good numbers of fish. Waxworms fished on a small tungsten jig at the shallow weed beds have been best for locating and catching fish. Crappie fishing has been very good. Anglers that are able to find safe ice out to the deep holes where the crappies are located report aggressive fish. Look for them in 20-30 feet of water using small jigging spoons, tear drop jigs or small bucktail jigs tipped with a crappie minnow or waxworm. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Duluth - Lake Superior and inland waters

Anglers have begun to walk out onto a number of inland lakes. As always, extreme caution must be used. Please note that none of the inland lakes have thick enough ice to support ATVs or snow-machines, let alone vehicle traffic. While ice measuring 4 to 7 inches thick can be found on some lakes, the deeper lakes that hold a large volume of water are much further behind. The St. Louis River also needs more time before ice can safely support foot traffic. For now, anglers need to stick to the small to mid-size shallow inland lakes. In fact, these lakes can offer the most consistent action for northern pike, bass, panfish and an occasional walleye. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids

The early ice fishing season has begun in the Grand Rapids area with walkable and fishable ice on several of the smaller lakes. Reports indicate that the ice currently ranges from 3 to 6 inches thick. Anglers must be extremely careful, especially on early ice. Spearers are taking northern pike from the Third River and Bowens flats on Lake Winnibigoshish. Panfish anglers are doing well on Little Splithand, as well as some of the smaller lakes north of Grand Rapids. Small tungstun jigs tipped with wax worms are working best once fish are located. Walleye are responding to ¼ ounce jigs and spoons tipped with a minnow head. A #5 or #7 jigging rap with a minnow head attached to the treble will also turn fish. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Ice is building on Lake of the Woods.  Anglers are spearing for northern pike in the bays. Some resorts expect their guests to be ice fishing by the end of week, with test runs by fishing guides indicating good numbers of walleye.  There is 5 to 7 inches of ice on Four Mile Bay, but ice thickness varies. When venturing out, please stay on the marked trails and use extreme caution.  The Rainy River is frozen over, but faster than normal current makes the river ice more dangerous. And the Northwest Angle is locked in ice but the current is stronger than usual. While ice fishing is in full swing, please work through a resort and stay on staked resort ice trails that are continuously monitored. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

The small to medium size lakes have approximately 7 to 9 inches of ice. The bigger lakes, such as Lake Bemidji, are covered in ice measuring roughly 3 to 7 inches. ATV’s are being used on some of the smaller lakes, but most anglers are still walking out. Crappies and bluegills have provided the most action. For the most crappies, work the deeper basins; for crappies and bluegills, hit the cabbage. Northern pike have been active along the weedlines. Lakes Irving and Plantagenet are giving up a few walleye and perch. 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com

Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish

Most shorelines breaks on Lake Winnibigoshish have 6 to 9 inches of ice, with less ice further you. Fortunately, fishing has been great closer to shore. The most consistent action is being reported by anglers spearing for pike and jigging for perch in less than 10 feet of water. Just to the north, areas of Dixon Lake have 5 to 7 inches of ice. www.lakewinnie.net

Park Rapids

The ice is firming up nicely on lakes throughout the Park Rapids area but anglers must be aware of thin spots due to current, wind and waterfowl. Anglers walking out onto the smaller area lakes are taking good numbers of bluegills and crappies. Some nice “bonus” walleye have been mixed in with the panfish. Tip- ups set about 2 feet off the bottom in 6 to 10 feet of water at the shallow weed beds have been good for northern pike. Anglers having the most success are using a chartreuse hook with a lively minnow hooked just below the dorsal fin. The bluegills are also roaming the shallow weed flats. Drill some holes and “hole-hop” using small bug jigs tipped with a spike or wax worm for fast action. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

Ice is forming rapidly on lakes throughout Otter Tail Lakes Country. While some anglers are beginning to venture out into the bays on foot, early ice can vary greatly from one spot to another so it is extremely important to check ice depth often as you travel out. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Glenwood Area Lakes

Quite a few anglers were out fishing over the weekend even though the ice was sketchy and inconsistent, ranging from a mere skim of ice to 8 inches thick. Most anglers that were able to locate stable ice on the smaller area lakes, reported success. Panfish were the most abundant, with a few walleye also being taken. A decent evening crappie bite was also reported on some of the smaller lakes. Travel by foot is the only option at this time. www.glenwoodlakesarea.org

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

Measurements of up to 9 inches of ice are being reported in some Lake Mille Lacs bays. Some resorts will allow ATVs out onto the ice this weekend. Please call ahead for the most current conditions and only use ice roads that are well monitored by resorts to access the bays. Winter anglers fishing Lake Mille Lacs will be allowed to keep walleye on Mille Lacs starting Saturday, Dec. 1, with no bait restrictions and a limit of one walleye between 21-23 inches, or one fish over 28 inches. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com 

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Stilllwater - St. Croix River

St. Croix River anglers are beginning to walk out onto the river, and some are even using ATVs – as always, please use extreme caution and use an ice spud to test the ice often. Ice must be at least 4 inches thick for travel by foot. Most St. Croix River anglers ice fish for crappies and one of the best places to fish is near Bayport, just a few miles south of Stillwater. This section of river is wide and deep so the current is slow enough for ice to form. Anglers have the most success when setting a crappie minnow under a bobber near the bottom of the river in 35 to 38 feet of water. Use a split shot heavy enough to get the minnow to the bottom. Due to current, drill a hole two to three feet up river from your ice hole so you can view your lure on your fish finder. White bass are also fun to catch and are great eating fish. The same presentations and areas fished for crappies will produce white bass. www.discoverstillwater.com

Fly anglers will want to consider Twin Cities Trout Unlimited’s 2nd Annual Holiday Fly Fishing Camp at Whitewater State Park, Dec. 14-16. Lodging will be at Whitewater’s modern group center which features heated camper cabins and a central lodge for meals, presentations and evening gatherings around the fireplace. All meals are provided from Friday evening through Sunday morning, as well as casting lessons, fly tying and other learning opportunities. Best of all, the camp is right on the banks of the Whitewater River! Space is limited, so register early by contacting Rob Noirjean at rob@twincitiestu.org

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro/Preston - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams

No ice has formed on the streams yet so there have been no reports of wading hazards or difficult fishing conditions. Trout are being caught in all sections of rivers and streams that remain open for catch-and-release trout fishing. Anglers are advised to wear some blaze orange clothing during this late fall and early winter season. Fisheries staff report that most area streams and rivers are clear with normal water levels. While most streams and sections of rivers are closed for the season, a few remain open for catch-and-release fishing in state parks (Beaver Creek Valley, Whitewater and Forestville), as well as within the city limits of Chatfield, Lanesboro, Preston and Spring Valley. Learn more at the DNR’s Trout Streams web page. Check out the "Area Highlights" section on the Lanesboro Area Fisheries web page for stream maps for areas currently open to catch-and-release trout fishing. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

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