Few fishing reports are available as anglers put away their ice fishing gear and wait for the open water season to begin. While the late ice panfish bite has been very good, the warm temperatures and strong sunshine have taken a toll on the ice, making lake access difficult. The forecast calls for temperatures reaching 50 degrees throughout Minnesota on Saturday. Please consult with an area bait shop or resort for the most current conditions before traveling.
Please note that ice conditions can change rapidly. Anglers must use extreme caution when heading out onto the ice, and check ice thickness often. Life jackets are highly recommended.
Learn more about ice safety.
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2021-2022 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows. Stream trout: April 17; walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass (catch-and-release) and lake trout: May 15; muskie: June 5. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. Before dropping a line, brush up on Minnesota’s rules, regulations and other helpful information for fishing.
BAUDETTE – LAKE OF THE WOODS & THE RAINY RIVER
Ice anglers continue to do well on Lake of the Woods, but some areas are no longer accessible due to ice heaves that have formed. Please call ahead for most current conditions before traveling. Good numbers of fish, along with some nice 28-33 inch walleye are being caught this week. Lures with some noise such as jigging spoons or small lipless crankbaits with rattles are working well in 24-32 feet of water. Gold, glow, glow red, pink and green have been ideal colors this week. On a deadstick, use a colored hook with a live fathead minnow. Large northern pike being caught on tip-ups with a quick strike rig and either a live sucker or large dead baitfish set in 5-15 feet of water.
Up at the Northwest Angle, large walleye continue to be reported. If the fish turn finicky, try downsizing your presentation and add some noise. Most of the walleye are coming from depths of 22-31 feet. Some large northern are being caught by pike anglers using tip-ups, and a few walleye anglers. To view current conditions on Lake of the Woods, check out the many Lake of the Woods web cams(opens in new window).
Contact Baudette – Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce for more information.
DETROIT LAKES AREA LAKES
The lake ice is very sloppy but should improve this weekend as temperatures drop below freezing again. While there is plenty of ice for late ice panfish and tullibee, accessing the ice may be an issue. For panfish, concentrate on the shoreline weed areas. Anglers must travel with extreme caution and check the ice often.
Contact the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Anglers are asked to fish lakes and rivers close to home, and practice social distancing. Learn more about safer ways to travel at Explore Minnesota’s COVID-19 Information page.
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