Fishing from shore on the Mississippi River / Melanie Grave
WEEKLY FISHING UPDATE – APRIL 22, 2021
A drop in water temperatures resulting from recent cold fronts have kept fish in deeper waters where temperatures are less erratic. For the most action this week, use small panfish jigs tipped with a crappie minnow or plastic under a bobber. As water temperatures rise, expect the bite to improve as fish move into the shallow, dark-bottom bays that warm first.
Anglers will want to start planning for the Minnesota Fishing Opener which takes place Saturday, May 15. And celebrate Mother’s Day on the water with your mom over Take a Mom Fishing Weekend, May 8-9. On April 28, women interested in learning more about fishing may attend a free Take a Mom Fishing webinar.
Please remember to use extra caution on the water this time of year due to cold water temperatures. Learn more at cold water dangers.
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
Lake of the Woods is now entirely free of ice. The walleye season remains closed through May 15, but the northern pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. The backwater areas and back bays where northern pike are spawning have been good for lots of large fish. Most anglers are taking a quick picture then releasing the fish to retain the health of the pike population.
On the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing remains excellent. The sturgeon catch-and-release season closes this Friday, April 23, and the harvest season begins Saturday, April 24! A 4- to 6-ounce no-roll sinker combined with a sturgeon rig (18 inch snell of 60 pound test line with a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook) and a bunch of crawlers, frozen emerald shiners or both is the ticket to success when fishing a hole in the river. Local bait shops and most resorts have all rigs and bait necessary to catch a monster fish. Learn more at Sturgeon Fishing 101(opens in new window). 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.
BENA – LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
Water temperatures remain cold on Lake Winnibigoshish, and have actually dropped a bit since last week. Few anglers have been venturing out, but the increase in temperatures and sunshine this Saturday should bring out more anglers.
Contact the Lake Winnie Area Resort Association for more information.
DETROIT LAKES AREA LAKES
Water temperatures in the Detroit Lakes area remain cool due to the recent cold front and snowfall. Most lakes continue to hover in the low to mid-40s. While some anglers are taking nice bluegills and crappies, most anglers are waiting until air and water temperatures rise once again.
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