Minnesota WEEKLY FISHING UPDATE – FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Many anglers refer to this time of year as the “dog days” of winter. While walleye fishing typically slows, panfish and other species remain active and offer a hot bite. The most successful anglers drill lots of holes away from the crowds, stay mobile and hole-hop until an active school of fish is located. Downsizing your presentation can be very helpful this time of year. Low light hours continue to be best for active fish.

Anglers must remember that ice conditions can vary greatly from one lake to another, and on the same body of water. It is extremely important to wear a life jacket, bring along an ice pick and rope, and tell someone where you plan to travel. Learn more about ice safety.

And before dropping a line, take time to brush up on Minnesota’s rules, regulations and other helpful information for fishing.

Northeast Region Recent cold fronts have slowed the bite for a number of species, but many savvy anglers have turned their attention to species that aren’t as affected by changes in weather. Around Ely, anglers report lots of success with lake trout, rainbow trout and splake. In the Grand Rapids area, anglers are catching lots of tullibee. Duluth’s inland lakes are producing some walleye during early morning and late afternoon hours. Get more details about fishing in Northeast Minnesota.

Northwest Region Despite recent cold fronts, anglers continue to take decent numbers of walleye and panfish in the Bemidji and Detroit Lakes areas. On Leech Lake, anglers have had success with walleye and perch. Lake of the Woods continues to produce nice numbers of walleye. Resorts and outfitters are moving their fish houses often to stay on top of concentrations of fish. Fishing remains best during low light hours. Get more details about fishing in Northwest Minnesota.

Central Region Many anglers have turned their attention to the hot panfish bite. Mobility is key and downsizing your presentation can be very helpful this time of year. Small jigs tipped with minnows, waxworms or plastics are working well. On Lake Mille Lacs, walleye anglers continue to take fish when hole-hopping until active fish are found. Most of the walleye are full of perch due to the strong perch population so presentations should require very little effort for the fish — dead-sticks with minnows work best. Get more details about fishing in Central Minnesota.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area Fishing information is currently not available, but a variety of ice fishing programs will be offered over the next few weeks in the Twin Cities. Find out more. Get more information about fishing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area.