Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - Nov. 21, 2019

Erik Holl's coho salmon pulled from Lake Superior's open waters / Houston's Guide Service

Few fishing reports are available at this time due to unsafe ice conditions.

High temperatures will be above freezing for the entire state of Minnesota this weekend causing early ice to change rapidly and deteriorate. Anglers are advised to stay off the ice.

Extreme caution must always be used early in the season when ice conditions can change quickly and ice thickness can vary greatly. Before heading out, anglers should consult with a local bait shop, resort or guide service for the most current ice conditions, especially early in the season.

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

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

In the meantime, begin planning your next ice fishing adventure! Start with Embrace Minnesota's Ice Fishing Season.

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

Northeast Minnesota

International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River

According to a local guide service, fishing is nearly non-existent on Rainy Lake and the Rainy River. It is still too early to venture out safely.

Voyageurs National Park staff also urge anglers to avoid the ice, even when lake shores and bays appear to be completely frozen over. Traveling on thin ice is extremely dangerous, and can be life-threatening for anglers (and for their rescuers). Death can occur within the first minutes of sudden immersion in freezing water. To view the most current conditions within Voyageurs National Park, visit their Winter Ice and Trail Conditions page. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

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

Anglers are encouraged to stay off the ice.

Houston's Guide Service offers the following ice safety tips for anglers to use once the ice is strong enough to support foot travel:

• Check in with bait shops, resorts and/or fishing guides for the most current ice conditions.
• Bring a PFD (life jacket), rope, ice picks and a minimal amount of fishing gear.
• Bring a charged phone in something waterproof.
• Bring a buddy.
• Bring a spud bar and check often as you go walk out.
• Stay away from anything that looks suspicious.
• Take your time.
• Let people know your plan and have them check in often.
• Keep an eye on the ice for any changing conditions.  

Overall, always use extreme caution, especially early in the ice fishing season. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids

Fishing reports have been temporarily discontinued until anglers are able to safely access the ice. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

On the south end of Lake of the Woods, ice covers much of the lake. Once cold temperatures resume, ice should build quickly. For now, recent mild temperatures have stalled the development of ice.

On the Rainy River, a thin layer of ice has formed in most sections, ending all traffic on the river at this time. Down the road, anglers will need to use extra caution with river ice, especially since the current is stronger than it has been most years. 

Up at the Northwest Angle, ice is forming nicely, however, ice travel is discouraged at this time. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Hackensack

As of Nov. 18, there was still a fair amount of open water, particularly on the larger lakes. Quite a few of the smaller lakes had 2 to 5 inches of ice, but the ice was highly variable. Some of the lakes opened up this week due to milder temperatures and high winds. Similar mild temperatures were expected through the end of the week, and anglers were discouraged from venturing out onto the ice. Please remember that there can be 5 inches of ice in one spot and just a skim of ice a few feet away this time of year. 800-279-6932; www.hackensackchamber.com

Detroit Lakes

Last week, most lakes in the Detroit Lakes area had ice ranging from 3 to 6 inches thick. Some of the smaller, shallower bodies of water had 4 to 8 inches of ice. Good numbers of nice-sized sunnies and crappies were reported from all over the area last weekend. This week, milder, above-freezing temperatures and a couple days of rain have taken a toll on the early ice, and there is standing water on most lakes from the rain and melting snow. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

Much of the ice along the Mille Lacs Lake shoreline has melted. The “keep one walleye” season won’t begin until December 1 so anglers are encouraged to wait until then to head out, ice permitting. To view the most current conditions, check out the Mille Lacs Lake Webcams page.

The Minnesota DNR has announced new 2019/2020 winter fishing regulations for Mille Lacs Lake. As of Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, the possession limit for walleye is one. All walleye in possession must be from 21 to 23 inches in length, or over 28 inches in length. All walleye less than 21 inches or greater than 23 inches in length must be immediately released, except for one over 28 inches which is allowed in possession. These regulations apply to Mille Lacs Lake and all its tributaries from the mouth upstream to posted boundaries. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Stillwater - St. Croix River

On Nov. 17, Turk Gierke, an area fishing guide, reported that the sauger and walleye bite was strong. 651/351-1717; www.discoverstillwater.com

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro/Preston - Southeast Bluff Country Rivers and Streams

The South Branch of the Root River is in great shape and spawning is nearly complete. The trout are hungry and conditions are right to pull in a big fish. Streamers are recommended, but there may be some small blue-winged olives and midges hatching this weekend due to warm temperatures.

The Stream Trout Catch and Release Season remains open in specific state parks and city boundaries. Learn more.   

Maps of these areas are available under the “Area Highlights” tab on the Lanesboro Fisheries web page.  

Before you go, check out the DNR’s Stream Flow Report for the most current conditions, as well as the "Area Highlights" section of the Lanesboro Area Fisheries web page for stream maps. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Ortonville - Big Stone Lake

As of Thursday, Nov. 21, Big Stone Lake still had ice but a local bait shop reported that the remaining ice was “Definitely not safe.” The lake was expected to be ice-free by Friday, Nov. 22. 

According to Artie Arndt, a local bait shop owner, anglers should use a tungsten jig and spike when ice fishing begins. “Our waters are clear, and that small profile and live bait combination is hard to beat.” 320-839-3284; www.bigstonelake.com

Be sure to visit the Explore Minnesota Fishing & Hunting page for information to help you plan your next Minnesota fishing trip!

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