Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - Nov. 19, 2020

Ice is developing on lakes and rivers throughout the state.

The open water season is coming to a close. Few fishing reports are available as anglers put away their summer gear and prepare for the upcoming ice fishing season.

Surface water temperatures are hovering around 32-degrees on most Minnesota waters. Please remember that it is extremely important to wear a life jacket when heading out on the water due to the risk of hypothermia. Learn more.

Anglers are asked to fish bodies of water close to home, and practice social distancing at the boat landings and shorelines. Learn more about safer ways to travel at Explore Minnesota's COVID-19 Information page.  

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

Voyageurs National Park staff urge visitors to stay off the ice as ice conditions are very dangerous at this time. While the lake shores and bays appear to be completely frozen over, the ice is too thin. Please remember that a fall through the ice not only affects the individual, but rescue personnel as well. Again, please do not venture out onto the ice at this time. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Ely

No fishing reports are currently available; reports may not resume until ice fishing begins. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org

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

Water surface temperatures have plummeted to near freezing, and the first stages of ice cover is visible on most bodies of water. There is little to report for fishing in the area as anglers turn their attention to the upcoming ice fishing season. Also, fewer stream trout anglers are heading out now that some area waters have been closed to stream fishing. A few anglers continue to head out in search of trophy muskie, with some beauties being taken on a live quick-set rig with a big sucker minnow.

Please note that there is no safe ice in the area, period. Use this time to put away your summer fishing gear, try some shoreland angling or prepare for the upcoming ice season. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids fishing reports have been temporarily suspended until anglers can safely walk out onto area lakes. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Open water fishing has all but ended for the season now that thin ice covers the back bays of Lake of the Woods, as well as much of the Rainy River. Anglers that got out on the river this week had a difficult time. The walleye are certainly there, but the large number of shiners in the river have kept the walleye well fed. Ice is forming nicely up at the Northwest Angle. It won’t be long until the ice fishing season is underway. To follow the progress, check out the many Lake of the Woods web cams! Ice anglers will also want to check out the Guide to Ice Fishing Lake of the Woods. Until the U.S./Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in Minnesota waters. Learn more at Boating to the Northwest Angle. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish

The small bays on Lake Winnibigoshish and nearby stretches of river are covered with a skim of ice. Consistently cold and calm conditions will be necessary before anglers can walk out for hard water angling. www.lakewinnie.net

Park Rapids

The few anglers that continue to venture out are concentrating on early ice locations. For walleye and suspended panfish, work the weedlines. Slip bobbers with wax worms or crappie minnows are best for the panfish. Trolling shallow crank baits at night will still produce walleye. Anglers fishing for northern pike will want to hit the weed flats using live bait rigs with chubs. Trolling with tullibee-colored baits should be best for trophy-size pike or muskies. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes

As of Wednesday, Nov. 18, most of the smaller and mid-sized lakes in the Detroit Lakes area had a skim of ice. While some of the shallower bodies of water had more than just a skim of ice, walking out was not an option. Several consecutive days of extreme cold and calm conditions will be necessary for strong ice to develop. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

The open water season is coming to a close, and many anglers are busy putting away their summer gear and preparing for the upcoming ice fishing season. When anglers are able to walk out onto the ice, they are strongly encouraged to wear a life jacket and bring a buddy. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

Similar to the last two seasons, Lake Mille Lacs anglers will be able to keep one walleye measuring between 21- and 23-inches, or one fish longer than 28 inches this winter. Further information about Lake Mille Lacs fishing regulations is available on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/millelacslake.

Check out current lake conditions at the Mille Lacs Lake Webcams web page. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

On Saturday, Nov. 28, join Twin Cities Trout Unlimited (TCTU) for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, a live virtual event featuring films showing ordinary people doing extraordinary things to protect the environment. In a year when so many have taken to local waters for solace and recreation, these films will entertain and inspire us to protect and restore cold water habitats. This is a great event for the entire family (including non-anglers). General admission for a household is $15, with an option to include an additional donation. All proceeds will be used for local habitat restoration and educational programs. For a list of films, visit https://www.twincitiestu.org/filmfestival/. Click here to register.  

Stillwater - St. Croix River

Anglers are doing well when fishing the various pools of the Mississippi River. Trolling crank baits and jigging live minnows have been best for most anglers. 651-351-1717; www.discoverstillwater.com

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro/Preston - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams

Please note that the stream trout catch-and-release season has closed for Dodge, Goodhue, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona counties.

The stream trout catch-and-release season is open from Sept. 16, 2020 through April 16, 2021 within the following state parks: Beaver Creek Valley (East Beaver Creek); Forestville (Forestville Creek, Canfield Creek, South Branch Root River) and Whitewater (Middle Branch Whitewater River, Trout Run Creek); and also within the city boundaries of Chatfield, Lanesboro, Preston, Rushford and Spring Valley.

Be sure to check the Weekly Minnesota Stream Flow Maps for updates before you head out. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

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

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