Walking back from the DQ in Glenwood I enjoyed the sun setting.
You, too, can participate in the 73rd Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener! On Saturday, May 15, anglers throughout the state can join the fun during a virtual statewide fishing derby via FishDonkey. This friendly competition runs from 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m., with competitions for adults and children.
The Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener helps kicks off the summer travel season, celebrates our state’s great outdoors and recreation opportunities, and supports small and local businesses across our state. Fishing contributes $2.4 billion annually to Minnesota’s $16.6 billion tourism industry.
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. Go prepared by reading 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
Northwest Region
Lake of the Woods and Rainy River anglers are enjoying lots of sturgeon action. An increase in panfish action on other area lakes and rivers is expected as temperatures warm this weekend.
FISHING CONDITIONS IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA
BAUDETTE – LAKE OF THE WOODS & THE RAINY RIVER
Most anglers fishing Lake of the Woods are concentrating on the great sturgeon and northern pike action. 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. Most of the pike are coming from the backwater areas and back bays where fish are spawning. For the most action, use dead bait on a quick-strike rig under a bobber, spoons, spinner baits or crank baits. Since the pike are in the midst of their spawn, please take a quick picture and return the fish to the water so the pike population remains healthy for years to come!
The sturgeon harvest season opened April 24 and sturgeon in excess of 70-pounds have been pulled from the Rainy River. A 3- to 5-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 still-fishing a deeper hole in the river. Local bait shops and most resorts have all rigs and bait necessary to catch a monster fish. The harvest ends Mays 16.
Up at the Northwest Angle, the lake is completely free of ice and resorts are preparing for the May 15th fishing opener. There are many ways to access Northwest Angle resorts including the LOW Passenger Service, charter boat shuttle service from the south end, and float plane service out of Baudette and other locations.
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
Water temperatures remain in the low to mid-40s on most bodies of water in the Detroit Lakes area. Warm temperatures in the forecast should cause the water and bite to heat up over the next few days. Expect the crappies and sunnies to be active in the shallows. For the most action, look for shallow green weeds in the bays and along the northern shorelines in 4-12 feet of water depending on the weather and water clarity. Fish small jigs tipped with small minnows, wax worms or plastics roughly halfway down to trigger active bites. Casting, jigging and baits under bobbers are all working well.
Contact the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce for more information.
OTTER TAIL AREA LAKES
Fishing has been decent but warm temperatures are in the forecast so the bite is expected to improve nicely! Panfish continue to stage just outside of spawning areas, with depths of 8-12 feet holding lots of fish. The best technique is pop a small hair jig under a bobber into the weeds. Vegetation can be the key to success. Rough fish are running in the rivers and are always fun to catch. A crawler on a hook with a weight is all that is needed.
Contact Otter Tail Lakes Country Association for more information.
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