Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - April 5, 2019

Ryan Shinabargar's 64-inch sturgeon pulled from the Rainy River; photo courtesy of www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

While many lakes are still iced over, the DNR has started to report ice outs in parts of southern Minnesota. On lakes that remain iced over, late season ice conditions can change rapidly and anglers must use extreme caution when heading out. Life jackets are highly recommended. Consult with an area bait shop or resort for the most current conditions before traveling. The forecast for this weekend calls for highs in the 40s (north) and 60s (south), with precipitation expected across the state.

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.

Ice out dates can be found online at mndnr.gov/ice_out, and by calling the DNR area office closest to that body of water.

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] [Southern]

Northeast Minnesota

International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River

800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely

The ice has been thinning due to warm temperatures, so if you are not familiar with an area, please do not risk your safety. Crappie fishing remains good to excellent for many anglers targeting them. Early morning seems to be the best time of day to be targeting them, as many anglers report limiting out before 10am. Also, anglers that are hole hopping are catching more than anglers that drill and sit. Crappie minnows account for many of the larger crappies, but small plastics and waxies are catching fish too. White, red and orange have been the best colors. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Duluth - Lake Superior, St. Louis River and inland waters

As most anglers should know, the season for game fish has been closed. Unless you target pan-fish or rough fish, or fish Lake Superior and tributaries. Another option is to travel to find open waters like the Rainy River, Mississippi Pools, Lake Michigan tributaries, etc. For the die hard ice-heads out there, we still have lots of fishable waters, but can't stress this enough, safety should be practiced with every step. We do encourage you check in with bait shops, guides and/or resorts before venturing out onto late ice.

Smaller to mid size In-land lakes are still fishable as we are holding onto about 20" plus inches. We are now parking off the lakes with our trucks and venturing out by walking. We are still a long ways from ice-out on most inland waters. Anglers should still be looking toward transitional areas near shorelines for opportunities to catch some pan fish. With that said, don't be afraid to stick it out on the basins though. I prefer to set up on the edge of a mud basin to intercept passing schools of crappies. Small tungsten jigs tipped with spikes or simple jig/minnow combinations continue to be a best option. As mentioned last week, be cautious of shorelines, and as always, check as you go. Try and avoid clouded dark or soft ice.

Lake Superior is now seeing northshore shoremen trying luck at Kamloops using long rods, spawn or wax worms and weighted bobbers. We still do not have any reports of open water boats, but that will change in the very near future. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids

The end of the frozen water period is coming, but for now there are still opportunities to get on the ice for some late season pan fishing. Plenty of ice for foot and wheeler traffic remains, and many of the lakes in the Grand Rapids area are providing decent catches of crappies, bluegills and perch. Little Bowstring, Big Balsam, Shallow, Splithand and Pokegama lakes are definitely places to try late ice opportunities.

Perch fishing can be hot this time of year, as well. Jay Gould and Big Winnie are both good places to cash in on late season perch bonanzas. Both of these bodies of water can produce mega perch to 12 inches, but for the most part just nice 9-11 inchers for your bucket. Small spoons with a minnow head or tail can be magic, or a few carefully placed euro larvae can also do the trick. Lok for edges of breaklines and points in depths of 8-15 feet for the most consistent action. Drill several holes and move from one to another finding biters. Good electronics like a Humminbird Helix 7 will help you to stay on active fish. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

On the south end... Good walleye and pike reports for the last week of March. The last day to leave fish houses on the lake overnight unattended was March 31. Some anglers still ice fishing with collapsible houses. Pike action still hot and pre-spawn fish have the feedbag on. 12' hot depth with live sucker minnows or deadbait on quick strike rigs. Walleyes open through April 14, pike season open continuous. Auger extensions needed.

On the Rainy River... It's game on for open water walleye and sturgeon fishing. Boat ramps at Birchdale and Frontier open. More open water on river daily. Big fish being caught. Jigging with a minnow or plastic working well. Some trolling crankbaits with success. Lots of sturgeon. Remember, catch and release only for walleyes through April 14. Catch and release for sturgeon through April 23rd with the keep season starting April 24th.

Up at the NW Angle... A few anglers still ice fishing. Walleyes coming from 14-22'. Saugers and jumbo perch mixed in. Some big pike being caught as well. This time of year, call ahead to resort for daily info and ice conditions. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish

www.lakewinnie.net

Bemidji

800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com

Park Rapids

"Fishing is the classic awesome right now! Late ice is obviously going to linger a while yet, and frankly the best panfish bite is yet to come. I’ve been whacking the fish on the NorthLand Tackle Bro Bug and the JB Weevil Lure tipped with a wax worm in anywhere from 4-10 feet of water. I'm also using the baits suspended just outside these depths catching crappies during the twilight hours. #5 jigging Rapalas tipped with small minnow head on the middle hook are also catching big crappies in the 15-25 ft range. He best colors are glow/white, green or pink. Weed flats with new weeds sprouting out of the bottom are also holding fish. Use an Aqua View camera to verify new weed growth under the ice. Lotsa Fish! Lotsa Fun!" -Capt. Jack Hagemeister, Minnesota Fishing Guide Service

800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes

800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Alexandria Area Lakes

800-245-2539; www.explorealex.com

Brainerd Area Lakes

The ice is getting very soft but we still have anywhere from 20-28 inches of ice depending on the lake. The shorelines are really taking a beating. ATV/snowmobile travel is still possible on some lakes, while other lakes I would strongly advise against it—so use your better judgement. Every lake still has foot travel if you access the lake off of the side of the public accesses. This weekend is predicted to be very warm, so shoreline conditions will change rapidly. Bluegills and crappies are being caught very shallow right now with most bites coming in the top 1 to 2 feet of water under the ice. Gull, North Long and Hubert are all pumping out great fish. Find shallow flats that have some weed grown and your success increases. 800-450-7247; www.visitbrainerd.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

Check out the Lake Mille Lacs webcams to view lake activity. The Minnesota DNR has released new walleye fishing regulations for Lake Mille Lacs. Anglers fishing Mille Lacs may keep one walleye from May 11 (the start of Minnesota’s open water season) through May 31, but the walleye must measure between 21 and 23 inches, or be more than 28 inches long. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar

800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams

Before you go, 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 

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