Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - March 5, 2020

Ice fishing fun with Houston's Guide Service

This weekend will be unseasonably warm throughout Minnesota, with highs ranging from the low 40s to the low 60s. These temperatures, combined with high winds, will cause ice to deteriorate rapidly. Anglers venturing out must check ice conditions often.

Anglers fishing for panfish report that the late ice panfish bite is heating up nicely!

Before heading out, please consult with a local bait shop, resort or guide service for the most current ice conditions. And please take a moment to review the DNR's Ice Safety and Ice Thickness Guidelines web pages.

Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2020-2021 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows. Stream trout: April 18; walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass (catch-and-release) and lake trout: May 9; muskie: June 6. 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.

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

Northeast Minnesota

International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River

The annual Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club Ice Fishing Derby brought out droves of anglers to Sand Bay. Anglers reported having success jigging minnows in 25 feet of water for walleye, and using smaller rigs for the crappies.

The border water extended walleye season is underway, but the ramps on the Rainy River have not yet been cleared. This will happen once officials have determined that operations will be safe. Please note that the Rainy River is catch-and-release only for walleye. Anglers may keep fish when fishing Rainy Lake. Also, sturgeon fishing is popular on the Rainy River, but this too is catch-and-release only. The sturgeon tag season will open in April. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

The walleye season ended quietly on Lake Kabetogama, and anglers have turned their attention to perch and crappies.  Crappies are beginning to show up near their traditional staging areas, but they are moving around frequently. The deeper water seems to be best, with small jigs tipped with a small crappie minnow working well. Most of the crappies can be found throughout the water column so adjust your presentation as needed.  Using sonar is key to finding suspended fish.  

Plan to attend the Community Club’s 50th Annual St. Urho’s Day Celebration on March 14 at Town Hall. The celebration includes games, a potluck, skits, drawings for door prizes and St. Urho costume contest. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage Area Waters

Anglers and anyone who enjoys the outdoors will want to plan ahead for the annual Trout Derby Picnic and Fishing Contest on West Bearskin Lake, March 7! 218-387-2524; www.visitcookcounty.com

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

Lake Superior is giving up some nice catches along the North Shore for both shore anglers and boaters. The fish are not too far off-shore this time of year, so a boat is not necessary. The best bet for shore anglers is to chuck flashy spoons as far as you can, then retrieve. Move up and down the shoreline to see if you can connect with a fish or two. Salmon can be schooled up so be ready to get your line back into the water quickly if you catch a fish. Boaters are accessing areas near Two Harbors and reporting some good catches of steelhead, loopers, lakers and salmon, along with an occasional king salmon. Most of the successful anglers are pulling surface plugs over 25-150 feet of water at the near shore breaks.

A few anglers continue to fish the back bays of the St. Louis River for panfish, but the bite has been slow.  

The inland waters have the best ice conditions of the year, but this will not last much longer. Most ice remains 2-3 feet thick, and vehicles continue to head out on some lakes. Still, expect the boat launch ice to deteriorate daily. Whenever possible, travel light by foot. The good news is that the panfish bite can be incredible this time of year due to the fresh bug hatches. For the most fish, use a tungsten jig tipped with soft plastic in 8-18 feet of water over vegetation and soft substrate bottoms. Most of the fish are schooled up so if you catch a fish, try to stay on them. Don't be surprised if you catch a rogue pike or bass which are also chasing the schools of panfish. Late afternoon hours are generally best. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids

It’s been a rough winter for ice angling all over north central Minnesota, but ice conditions have improved and anglers are venturing out onto lakes that were not accessible most of the ice fishing season. Some of the best ice fishing is upon us. Panfish are not the only the species to consider. Tullibee, whitefish and eelpout are in season, and trout fishing is an option on designated trout lakes. As snow and ice begin to melt, ice bugs are showing up just below the ice, with the panfish following right behind. Anglers trying to catch fish just below the ice must move slowly and be very quiet. Little and Big Cutfoot have been good bodies of water to try these late ice tactics. Other lakes that are providing good panfish opportunities have been Bowstring, Pokegama (Tioga Bay area), Big Balsam, Little Bowstring and the both Splithand lakes. The smallest tungsten jigs that sink quickly are best. Tip the jigs with wax worms, euro larvae or soft plastics for the most action. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

It’s been an awesome week of ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. Most anglers are having success in 27-33 feet of water when using a jigging line with a minnow and a dead-stick. Good jig colors are pink, gold, glow, chartreuse and white. Electronics have been extremely helpful to catch the suspended walleye. Northern pike activity has increased, with some big fish being caught. For pike, use tip-ups and big baits on quick strike rigs. As a border waters area with Canada, the walleye and sauger season remains open through April 14 on Lake of the Woods. The pike season never closes. Check out Learn How to Catch Giant Lake of the Woods Pike on Tip-ups if you’re heading out for big pike!  

On the Rainy River, local anglers continue to catch some walleye, but extra caution is needed, especially with the recent warm temperatures, melting and run-off. Expect thin ice around the International Bridge in Baudette. Anglers should work through a resort when ice fishing on the river since ice thickness varies greatly.

Up at the Northwest Angle, ice fishing reports has been excellent with a nice mix of walleye, sauger, large jumbo perch and northern pike. Anglers are fishing depths of 20-32 feet of water in areas with structure and mud. Jigging spoons with a minnow head have been best for the jigging line, and plain hooks with a live minnow has been key on the dead-stick. The snowmobile trails remain groomed and in good shape.

Anglers will want to check out the Northernmost to Southernmost Fishing Trip Giveaway! The northernmost and southernmost points of the contiguous U.S. have teamed up to offer a fishing trip giveaway to Lake of the Woods and the Florida Keys to spotlight the fantastic fishing in both areas. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

Lots anglers headed out last weekend in pursuit of perch on Lakes Bemidji and Plantagenet. Some of the perch are starting to move into the shallows, but the majority of fish are coming from 18-30 foot depths. Anglers wanting to fish Lake Bemidji should be aware of this weekend’s NAFIC National Qualifier Perch Ice Fishing Tournament since the access will likely be busy. Please note that the accesses on area lakes are starting to deteriorate due to above-normal temperatures. It may be best to call ahead before traveling. 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com

Park Rapids

Anglers planning to fish for panfish will have greater success when paying attention to their hook since the tips are often be dull. If so, replace it before you head out. Also, tiny ice jigs and hooks often leave little room for a solid bite. Before tying on a jig or hook, bend the point of the hook slightly up so it is no longer perfectly parallel to the hook shank. While it may seem hardly noticeable, it can cause your hooking percentage to increase considerably! 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes Area Lakes

Ice conditions in the Detroit Lakes area remain good on most area lakes. Some recent warm days have compacted the snow so travel is easier on most lakes. Plowed roads to some of the popular community spots remain in very good condition. The panfish bite has been good, with active fish reported all day long. The tullibee bite has been great. Anglers report above-average sizes and good numbers. Most of the tullibees can be found suspended over deep holes. Bright, high action vertical lures tipped with bait have been the best producers. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

Ice conditions are the best they’ve been all season long in Otter Tail Lakes Country. The days are getting longer and the panfish have been biting. It’s a great time of year to be an ice angler! Anglers are finding crappies deep on some lakes and shallow on others. As water starts running down the old ice holes, the shallows will be rejuvenated by fresh oxygen and the bite will really take off. One tip this time of year is to make sure the transducer on your flasher is all the way to the bottom of the ice since you will have a better chance to see the crappies that are in the top couple of feet of water. This is a late ice pattern that often goes overlooked. It is also possible to fish below these fish.

This is the best time of year to look for some of the biggest fish in a particular body of water. Begin at a shallow, weedy edge with access to deep water; if it has some hard-stemmed bulrushes, even better. Drill holes and move along quietly, fishing each hole briefly.

Please note that the shoreline edges are already showing signs of wear and tear so ice fishing may only last two or so weeks. Get out and enjoy it while you can! 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

Last weekend, lots of palm-size bluegills were being pulled from Lake Mille Lacs. The crappies, however, were tight-lipped.

As of Thursday morning, March 5, some of the Lake Mille Lacs accesses were holding up well. It was raining lightly and the ice was starting to soften. Cold nighttime temperatures were in the forecast so the water was expected to freeze solid by Friday morning. Some single axle wheelhouses were being allowed out. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Plan ahead for the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo in St. Paul, March 20-22! This is the largest fly fishing event in the Midwest, with vendors from across the country including fly shops, guides, top brands, outfitters and non-profits. In addition, there will be over three dozen free progams and seminars, as well as ongoing casting instruction. You don't want to miss this celebration of fly fishing!

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro/Preston - Southeast Bluff Country Rivers and Streams

As of Thursday, Feb. 27, most streams and rivers were in excellent condition, with clear water and a normal flow. Anglers reported that fishing was spectacular when using nymphs and streamers, as well as swing wet flies and even some dry fly action. Some spin anglers were also having success with the trout when using jigs and crankbaits. More of the same was expected for the weekend!  

The Stream Trout catch-and-release season is open. Maps are available under the “Area Highlights” tab on the Lanesboro Fisheries web page. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Ortonville - Big Stone Lake

Due to the current conditions of the accesses on Big Stone Lake and the warm forecast for the weekend, rental houses are being pulled off the lake for the season. Anglers that plan to head out this weekend are encouraged to either walk out or use an ATV to access the lake. While ice conditions remain good on the main lake, the lake accesses are disintegrating quickly. 320-839-3284; www.bigstonelake.com

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

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