Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - March 8, 2019

Lake trout pulled from Lake Superior near Duluth; photo by Houston's Guide Service

Deep snow has made access difficult on lakes throughout the state. Since travel is also difficult due to pockets of slush, most anglers are either walking out or using snowmobiles to get around. Anglers that do get out report good panfish action. Border lakes and rivers with extended gamefish seasons are kicking out walleye and panfish. Lake trout fishing is also reported to be good.

The gamefish season (walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass) closed on Sunday, Feb. 24 for most Minnesota waters. An extended walleye season for some border waters remains open through April 14.

Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2019/2020 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass and lake trout, May 11; muskie, June 1. 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.

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

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

Northeast Minnesota

International Falls - Rainy Lake

Anglers are catching walleye and sauger during morning and late afternoon hours in roughly 30 feet of water. Glow-colored lures with live bait are working best. Anglers are finding some crappie, but generally in 20 to 25 foot depths. The Voyageurs National Park ice road is open to Diamond Island, but no further due to slush and other issues. Only this section will be maintained through the end of the season. Please note that there are some pockets of slush on the marked snowmobile trails leading to the remote structure. While these pockets shouldn’t stop your travels, the pockets off the trails could. Rainy Lake and the Rainy River have an extended walleye season running through April 14. The extended season offers one of the earliest opportunities for open water fishing (Rainy River), and some of the latest ice fishing opportunities (Rainy Lake). Please note that the Rainy River launches are not yet open, and it could be a while due to sub-zero temperatures. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Ely Area Lakes & Streams

Lake trout fishing has been good, with anglers reporting multiple fish days. The top baits include bucktail jigs, tubeez and blade baits. Depths of 35 to 50 feet of water have been best but there are a few reports of people catching lakers in 15 feet of water and less! Lakers that shallow are likely chasing perch. Stream trout fishing remains good with a few anglers reporting limits of stream trout. Rainbow trout continue to be pulled from waters 10 to 15 feet under the ice. Brook trout and splake can be found in 15 feet of water or less. Fresh trout eggs, jigs tipped with waxworms and small rippin’ raps have all worked well for trout. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Duluth - Lake Superior and Inland Waters

Lake Superior currently offers the most accessible ice in the region, and lots of anglers are heading out. Lake trout action has been great in the Duluth/Superior area. While most anglers are traveling to deeper waters, many active lake trout are being pulled from waters as shallow as 40 feet. Recommended gear includes a medium to heavy rod strung with braid, fluorescent leader and heavier spoons tipped with plastics and/or meat. The St. Louis River panfish bite has been escalating lately. Crappie minnows under floats in the shallows have worked well. This bite will continue to build as we move into spring. The inland lakes have thick snow and slush – even snowmobiles are getting stuck. Most anglers are waiting until the snow and slush condense to head back out. Anglers that do get should hit the deeper transition and basin area for schooling panfish. Those willing to put in the effort report good numbers of fish. Heavy tungsten jigs tipped with a crappie minnow head or plastic has been the way to go. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids Area Lakes

While access has been difficult due to deep snow, anglers continue to venture out. Soon, there should be an insect hatch below the ice in the mud. Electronics are crucial to pinpoint the hatches and feeding fish. On sunny days, the bottom dwelling bugs and larva will rise to 3 to 5 feet under the ice on lakes less than 20 feet deep. For the most panfish, use light action rods with a very soft tip along with very light tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms, larva or even a tail of a minnow. Lakes to consider are Little Moose, Little Cut Foot, Round, Shallow and other small lakes. Attend the 29th Annual Perch Jerk Fishing Contest at the Tioga Access on Pokegama Lake in Grand Rapids this Saturday, March 9 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. After the contest, enjoy raffles, an awards ceremony, food and fun at the Dutch Room. 800-355-9740; www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Lots of walleye and sauger continue to be taken from the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Most of the fish are coming from 24 to 34 feet of water during the day, and depths of 15 to 20 feet during morning and evening hours. Some of the fish have been suspended. Gold, glow red and other glow colors have been effective. Rattles are helpful to draw fish in. Continually jig the jigging line, and have a dead stick nearby with a plain hook and live minnow. The ice is very thick so auger extensions have been necessary. Fish houses can remain on the ice through March 31, and the walleye season is open through April 14. Stronger than normal rivers flows continue to be reported on the Rainy River, and the ice is thinner than usual for this time of year. While the snowmobile trail on the river is open and marked from Baudette (downstream from the bridge) to the lake, riders are advised to stay on the trail. Up at the Northwest Angle, anglers report an excellent walleye bite, with lots of sauger and jumbo perch mixed in. Midday action is best adjacent to the breaklines at 25 to 29 feet. The fish seem to prefer a subtle presentation such as a minnow and plain hook or a spoon with a whole minnow on a dead-stick. It is important to constantly recharge the glow baits to keep them productive in the deeper water. Rattle baits are helpful to call in the actively feeding fish. The snowmobile trails from south shore across the lake to the Northwest Angle are marked and covered in fresh snow. Stick to the trails since a lot of slush pockets exist off the trail. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish

Few anglers are heading out onto Lake Winnibigoshish since lake travel has been difficult. Most resorts have closed their ice roads due to deep snow and slush pockets, and off-road travel is nearly impossible in some areas. www.lakewinnie.net

Hackensack Area Lakes

Lots of slush and snow on areas lakes is making it very tough to get around.  Strong sunlight and near-normal temperatures this weekend may help condense the snow pack. 800-279-6932; www.hackensackchamber.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

Anglers are having a hard time getting around due deep snow, hard-packed drifts and water under the snow. Even machines with tracks are struggling. A shovel, good tow strap, waterproof boots and a fishing partner are highly recommended. Be sure to travel the established trails. The best scenario is to park next to your favorite lake and walk out. On a positive note, the fish are biting. Just drill a bunch of holes until you locate panfish. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Glenwood Area Lakes

Anglers are having a hard time getting around due to the deep snow and a lack of plowed roads. The best mode of travel is by snowmobile. Good panfish reports are coming from Mary, Maple, Reno and Minnewaska lakes. www.glenwoodlakesarea.org

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

Some resorts may close their lake accesses due to the upcoming snowstorm. Check out the Lake Mille Lacs webcams to view lake activity. In mid-March, the DNR will announce new walleye regulations on Lake Mille Lacs due to an improving walleye population. They plan to allow some walleye to be harvested when the open-water season begins May 11. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo will be held March 15-17 at Hamline University's Walker Fieldhouse in St. Paul. This is the largest fly fishing event in the Midwest! Vendors from throughout the country, including fly shops, guides, top brands, outfitters and non-profits, will provide the newest and best in the world of fly fishing. Fly fishing education is emphasized with more than 3 dozen free programs and seminars, as well as on-going free casting instruction. Be sure to attend the Fly Fishing Film and Video Showcase at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 to view Midwestern fly fishing films, and enjoy hors d'oeuvres, local beer and lots of giveaways.  

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro/Preston - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams

By the end of February, southeast Minnesota had received roughly 40 inches of snow and the deep snow was making it difficult to access area streams. Still, some anglers continued to head out and catch some nice trout. Check out the "Area Highlights" section of the Lanesboro Area Fisheries web page for stream maps. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Albert Lea Area Lakes

The 72nd Annual Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener will be held May 9-12, 2019 on Fountain Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Albert Lea area. Located about 75 minutes south of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Albert Lea is nestled between Fountain and Albert Lea lakes. There are 13 lakes in the area, many offering fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing. In the heart of the city, the 521-acre Fountain Lake features several great fishing bays and is home to 20 species of fish, including largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, crappie, catfish and yellow perch. 800-345-8414; www.albertleatourism.org 

Ortonville - Big Stone Lake

The bite on Big Stone Lake remains good but the forecast calls for 8 to 12 inches of snow and high winds this Saturday, March 9. The storm may cause area fish house rental businesses to close midday on Saturday. Please call ahead before traveling. 800-568-5722; www.bigstonelake.com

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