Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - April 12, 2019

Scott Brewer's 30-inch walleye pulled from the Rainy River in early April; photo courtesy of www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Most anglers have switched gears, and are either fishing the open water rivers and streams or prepping for the open water season. A few anglers continue to venture out by foot on some lakes in the northern one-third of the state, but most lakes are no longer accessible. Anglers must remember that ice can deteriorate very quickly this time of year, and recent snowfall will hide areas with weak ice. It is extremely important that ice anglers and open water anglers wear a life jacket due to poor ice conditions and very cold water temperatures.

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.

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

Northeast Minnesota

International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River

Walleye fishing has been good on the Rainy River. While it is catch-and-release only this spring, most anglers are happy to pull in some large walleye, snap a photo and release them. The ramps have been busy, with plenty of anglers taking advantage of the early open water opportunity. At last report, the Little Fork River was clear to White’s Bridge north of Littlefork, which means it will open into the Rainy River very soon, as well the Big Fork. When the “Forks” enter into the Rainy River, water clarity is affected and anglers must watch for debris. When this happens, fewer anglers venture out onto the Rainy River for a few days. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

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

Recent weather fronts and storms have put a damper on stream trout fishing. Stream anglers have also had to deal with high, fast-flowing and dirty waters. While some ice may support foot travel, ice fishing is discouraged due to hazardous conditions such as soft shorelines and unstable ice. Some shore anglers are fishing for kamloops on Lake Superior but success has been very limited. The St. Louis River is opening up nicely with the major corridors from the entries to the power dams now open. It will be another 2 to 3 weeks until the back bays are free of ice. Open water fishing on the inland lakes won’t be an option for an additional few weeks. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Most anglers have switched gears and are now fishing the open waters of the Rainy River where the walleye and sturgeon action is strong. Many large fish are being reported. The boat ramps are open from Baudette to Birchdale, and the access at Wheeler's Point should be open by the end of the week. Jigging with a minnow or plastic is working very well, however, some anglers are having success when trolling crankbaits. Please remember that walleye are catch-and-release only through April 14. Sturgeon are catch-and-release only through April 23. Up at the Northwest Angle, few anglers continue to head out since the ice is deteriorating quickly. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish

A lack of access options and deteriorating shoreline conditions on Lake Winnibigoshish have brought ice fishing to a halt. Most resorts have shut down ice fishing operations for the season. Time to prepare for the open water season! www.lakewinnie.net

Park Rapids

As of April 10, a few die-hard anglers continued to venture out in search of perch, crappies and bluegills. Anglers were having the most success in 6 to 10 feet of water on the flats with new weed growth. It was not uncommon to spot fish cruising under the ice. Old bulrush beds in 3 to 4 feet of water were also giving up some fish. Small jigs tipped with micro plastics, wax worms or spikes worked best. Walking out onto the ice while wearing a life jacket was the only option as of April 10. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

While quite a bit of ice remains on area lakes, ice fishing is now discouraged, even by foot. This is a great time to start prepping for the upcoming open water season. Clean your rods, oil and re-spool your reels, and check your boat for any signs of damage over the winter. Mice are notorious for setting up house in boats, and they can wreak havoc on wiring. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Brainerd Area Lakes

As of Tuesday, April 9, anglers were still heading out onto the ice on a few area lakes. Most lakes, however, were no longer accessible since the ice had pulled away from shore. The ice was very saturated, and anglers using augers were pulling up large chunks of ice. With the heavy snow forecasted for later this week, the weak spots will be hidden from view. It is time to stay off the ice. 800-450-7247; www.visitbrainerd.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

Many resorts are closing their lake accesses and shutting down ice fishing operations. Check out the Lake Mille Lacs webcams to view the most current ice conditions. 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

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

No fishing reports are currently available.

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams

As of Friday, April 5, the Whitewater Stream was clear with a normal water flow. As of Sunday, April 7, the DNR Weekly Stream Report showed high water flows for most area streams and rivers. 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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