Northwest Region
Baudette – Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Ice fishing is in full swing on Lake of the Woods. Most resorts are now using light ice rigs to transport guests to their fish houses. Anglers fishing on their own are using ATVs, snowmobiles and side-by-sides to head out, with a nice mix of walleye and sauger being taken. Walleye anglers also report taking quite a few northern pike and eelpout.
On the Rainy River, a few local anglers are venturing out, but most anglers prefer the more consistent ice on Lake of the Woods due to the lack of current. Anyone planning to fish the Rainy River will want to work through a resort since they are the most knowledgeable of current ice conditions.
Up at the Northwest Angle, the walleye bite has been incredible in 15-19 feet of water during early morning and late afternoon hours on Lake of the Woods. In fact, there have been a number of groups that have taken their limits by 8:30 a.m. When the walleye are active, nearly any bait or lure will work. When the frenzy slows down, use a slower, more subtle presentation. Towards mid-morning, anglers are reporting more sauger, jumbo perch, and an occasional giant northern pike when they slide out to 22-26 feet of water. Fish houses are currently sitting on 12-15 inches of ice, but areas of open water exist from Buffalo Bay to the South side of Garden island. A snowmobile trail running from the south end of the lake may be staked as early as next week, but for now, everyone is discouraged from traveling across the main lake. A Northwest Angle Guest Ice Road is being constructed to offer guests access to the Angle and Island from the south.
To follow the progression of ice development, 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. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Bemidji
Anglers are starting to venture out onto Lake Bemidji where ice ranges 4-7 inches thick. Most of the other area lakes have ice measuring 8-10 inches thick. For walleye, hit the first breakline on Lake Bemidji using jigging spoons and minnow heads early in the morning, late in the afternoon and during evening hours. Plantagenet, Grace and Irving lakes are also producing walleye early and late in the day. For some bluegills and crappies, hit Gull and Beltrami lakes. 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com
Northeast Region
Ely
Ice thickness and conditions continue to improve as temperatures drop and lakes remain clear of snow. Most area lakes now have ice ranging from 9-12 inches thick.
Northern pike anglers are having lots of success using tip-ups, with several 40-plus inch pike recently reported. Large dead minnows laid on the bottom or suspended about a foot off the bottom are working extremely well at the mouths of the shallow bays. Tip-ups placed inside the shallow bays or along the weedlines have also been effective.
Few walleye anglers have been out, partially due to the hot northern pike bite. Those that have headed out are taking a few walleye, but most are coming in after the sun is below the horizon due to shadows cast by daytime anglers. Rattle spoons tipped with a minnow are working very well in depths of 18-23 feet of water.
Crappies remain finicky on most area lakes. Anglers that have had success are using loud ripping raps to call in the fish, then catching them using crappie minnows under a bobber. During the day, depths of 18-25 feet of water have been best. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org
Duluth – Lake Superior, St. Louis River and inland waters
Lake Superior anglers continue to have success fishing from boat and from shoreline. Nice northern pike, trout, and an occasional salmon are being pulled from the breakwalls at the entries. Looper bugs or wax worms have been turning the majority of fish. There is a very thin film of ice developing on select areas of the big lake.
While ice is developing on the St. Louis River, most areas remain extremely unsafe. Due to fluctuating current, the river is one of the most unpredictable and unsafe waters in the area.
The inland waters have been very busy, with ice ranging from 4-10 inches thick. Anglers are asked to allow at least another week before venturing out by ATV or snowmobile. Mornings and late afternoons have been best, with anglers taking northern pike, bass and walleye on simple tip-up rigs and jig sticks. The most productive depths have been 4-10 feet of water, especially over soft bottom areas. Ideal baits include, but are not limited to, forage minnows, buckshot gliders, frosty spoons and venom 360s. When using jigging raps, remember that light and sound transmission through the ice must be kept to a minimum. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com
Grand Rapids
Ice is building nicely due to recent cold temperatures. Anglers are starting to walk out onto the smaller area lakes, as well as a few of the bays on some of the larger area lakes. For now, anglers should stick to travel by foot only. While the ice ranges from 4-8 inches thick on many bodies of water, some of the larger lakes have just a thin coating of ice and some even have open water areas. Anglers heading out onto the bays and smaller lakes are encouraged to wear ice spikes due to slick ice. A life vest or flotation suit is highly recommended, especially this early in the season.
Panfish have been cooperating on the smaller lakes and bays, with bluegills and crappies the most targeted species. The Grand Rapids area offers lots of options for both species. Just a few of the lakes to consider are Big and Little Splithand, Little Bowstring, Cottonwood, Long, Little Turtle, Graves and Bass.
Walleye fishing has begun on some lakes at the mid-lake structure and shoreline breaks. Early and late in the day have been the best times to fish, but with a bit of snowcover, all hours of the day could be productive. The best approach has been to drill 6 to 8 holes and vary your depths slightly on the edges of the structure. When fishing a small hump, concentrate on points leading off the edges of the hump first, leaving the top. Lakes to target for walleye early in the season are Big Splithand, Big Winnibigoshish, Moose, Pokegama and Cutfoot. Two lines in the winter allows you use a two-fisted method that works very well. Jig in one hole with a spoon and minnow head, a jigging rap or a slab rap for active walleye. In the other nearby hole, use a dead stick with a plain hook and chub or shiner. www.visitgrandrapids.com
Central Region
Brainerd Area Lakes
Ice thickness ranges from 3-7 inches on most of the smaller area lakes. Gull Lake still has open water. Anglers that plan to venture out must be extremely careful.
Walleye action has been good on Round Lake, with some nice perch also being taken. Anglers fishing after dark are doing well when using shiners on the smaller area lakes. Crappies and bluegills have been responding well to spoons and plastics during midday hours. For the most panfish, works the weeds or basin areas of the lake. Northern pike are actively hitting light northern suckers. 218-825-0410; www.visitbrainerd.com
Isle/Onamia – Lake Mille Lacs
As of Dec. 17, ice built rapidly over the last week. Measurements show a range of 1.5-10 inches of ice throughout Lake Mille Lacs.
A lot of anglers are now hitting the south side bays. Anglers are asked to use extreme caution, carry spud bars and ice picks, and wear a flotation device. Always check with a bait shop or resort located where you plan to fish before venturing out.
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. The DNR offers further information about fishing regulations specific to Lake Mille Lacs.
Check out current ice conditions at the Mille Lacs Lake Webcams web page. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Stillwater – St. Croix River
Dozens of anglers are already ice fishing on the St. Croix River near Bayport, Minnesota. Most anglers this area for crappies. While there is no general weedline, and a lack of sunken islands and mid-lake reefs, deep basin fishing in depths of 30-plus feet is the norm. Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head will produce saugers and crappies, but whole crappie minnows under a bobber is best for crappie action.
Anyone who is unfamiliar with the river must check with a local bait shop for the most current conditions before venturing out. Remember that the current can be unpredictable and ice can change on a daily basis. Consider hiring a guide who is familiar with the river. 651-351-1717; www.discoverstillwater.com
Southern Region
Lanesboro/Preston – Southeast Bluff Country trout streams
As of Monday, Dec. 7, area streams were mostly clear with low water levels. Anglers were out fishing but no reports were provided. Very little snow covered the ground. Midges were hatching on the South Branch Root River within Lanesboro.
On Dec.15, Lanesboro Area Fisheries staff reported that anglers were fishing waters that were currently closed to angling, i.e. Gribben, Duschee, Trout Run, and South Fork Root River. They remind us that this jeopardizes the ability to maintain the current Town & Park catch-and-release season. Anyone with questions was asked to call or email their office at 507-765-7060 or lanesboro.fisheries@state.mn.us.
Please note that the stream trout catch-and-release season is open from through April 16, 2021 ONLY 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). It is also within the city boundaries of Chatfield, Lanesboro, Preston, Rushford and Spring Valley.
All designated trout streams in the seven counties of southeast Minnesota will open for catch-and-release angling on Jan. 1, 2021.
Check the Weekly Minnesota Stream Flow Maps for updates before you head out. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com
Ortonville – Big Stone Lake
Ice is forming on Big Stone Lake, but measurements on Dec. 15 were just under 6 inches on the old ice and roughly 5 inches under the small patches of snow. Anglers are starting to venture out onto the ice, but extreme caution must be taken. Please check with a local bait shop or resort for the must current conditions before heading out. 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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