Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - Dec. 5, 2019

Winter sunset on Prior Lake / Sunny Augustine

The recent snowstorm left a layer of thick, heavy snow on top of unstable ice conditions. Cold temperatures are in the forecast which should cause ice to grow quickly. For now, travel on the ice is discouraged.

Please remember that extreme caution must always be used early in the season since 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. Anyone that decide to head out must check ice thickness often.

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

Rainy Lake anglers continue to wait for safe ice. The National Park Service has warned that ice conditions are not yet safe and point out that frigid water can knock the breath right out of you if you break through, and hypothermia will follow quickly.

Voyageurs National Park plows an access road from the Visitor Center on Rainy Lake east to Cranberry Bay with a different loop returning to the Center. It's a great way to get out and experience the gleaming beauty of winter. The road will be open as soon as ice conditions on the route are safe. Once accessible, be sure to bring your camera and/or portable ice fishing gear! You might see a wintering owl, or catch a big one. 

To view the most current conditions within Voyageurs National Park, visit their Winter Ice and Trail Conditions page. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Local anglers are thankful that the recent winter storm which dumped nearly two feet of snow to the south did not hit the Lake Kabetogama area. Without a blanket of thick snow, the lake has been able to continue building good ice. Spear fishing has been great, and it looks like there will be some early season hard water angling on the main lake in near future. Please note that ice thickness varies greatly, so anglers are encouraged to check with local bait shops and resorts for the most current conditions before heading out.

Spear anglers are staying close to shore and having excellent success in their spear houses. If you haven’t experienced a spear fishing adventure, it’s something you should try! Watching numerous species of fish swim by a dark house hole is like having your own personal wild aquarium. And when a big northern pike shows itself, the experience is like no other. Many resorts are equipped and eager to get you set up and ready to spear. 

Angling reports are few and far between since ice conditions remain extremely variable. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

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

The recent snowstorm left nearly 2 feet of snow on top of the ice. Unfortunately, the ice on some area waters did not have an adequate amount of time to build and solidify.

The strong winds have stirred up Lake Superior’s water resulting in turbid waters that will need some time to clear. While no one is open water fishing from a boat, there are some anglers that continue to fish from shore.

The St. Louis River was not affected as much as other area waters, and escaped the heavy snowfall. Prior to the storm, much of the river had a good sheet of ice. While this ice is very dangerous, it is expected to build rapidly with the upcoming cold temperatures since it isn’t blanketed in snow.

The reservoirs and other inland lakes north of Duluth are covered in lots of snow over slush so the ice below will not build as quickly as it had. Nonetheless, some anglers continue to head out and take fish near shore. Tip-ups and set lines with walleye suckers, large chubs or shiners are turning some pike, bass and an occasional walleye in the shallows over the edges of vegetation. Most panfish have been hesitant to bite due to the changing fronts. Look for the bite to improve with more consistent weather.

Please remember to 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

The majority of Lake of the Woods is iced over, and the forecasted cold temperatures will cause the ice to grow quickly. Fortunately, the area was missed by the recent snowstorm which will also help the ice to build. Resort staff are checking ice conditions often, and in some cases, starting to mark trails. For now, most anglers are concentrating on spear fishing for pike on the back bays. 

On the Rainy River, areas of the main channel have open water, and there is no traffic on the river. 

Up at the Northwest Angle, ice is forming nicely, but conditions vary greatly due stronger than normal current this year. Anglers should work through a resort or outfitter to learn which areas must be avoided. More time is needed before ice fishing begins. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Detroit Lakes

The Detroit Lakes area was hit by the post-Thanksgiving snowstorm that dumped about 10 inches of snow on area lakes. Fortunately, the thawing temperatures and sunny skies over the last few days have minimized the snowpack, but slush and flooding should be expected. Most lakes are covered in ice ranging from 5-8 inches, however, the ice is now consistently thick and ice remains thin in the middle of many larger, deeper lakes. Next week’s cold temperatures should allow ice conditions to improve. For now, call ahead for the most current conditions — if you choose to head out, use extreme caution and check ice thickness often. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

While the small lakes in Otter Tail County are covered in ice, most of it degraded because of the warm spell before Thanksgiving. Now that it’s covered in snow, it will need to repair over the next couple of weeks. Try to hold off a bit longer to head out onto the ice. The chance will come soon enough, and there’s plenty of winter ahead of us. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Brainerd Area Lakes

The ice conditions in the Brainerd Lakes area are not good. Snow now covers the soft, thin ice that existed before the snow. All the weight on the ice has caused water to soak through, leaving lots of slush. Some of the bigger lakes are still not frozen over. Next week’s cold front will help immensely. If you choose to head out, please use extreme caution — the current ice conditions are extremely dangerous. 218-825-0410; www.visitbrainerd.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

No fishing reports are available at this time.

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro/Preston - Southeast Bluff Country Rivers and Streams

The Stream Trout Catch and Release Season is open only 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

Travel on the ice is extremely dangerous at this time. Several area lakes have opened up, and where ice exists, it is covered by approximately 6 inches of snow. 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!

Subscribe here to receive any or all of Explore Minnesota Tourism's updates by email.

Have something else in mind?
Our expert travel counselors can help!