WEEKLY FISHING UPDATE – MAY 12, 2022
The Minnesota Fishing Opener is almost here — the big day gets underway this Saturday, May 14!
Mother Nature may have forgotten about spring, making a rapid transition from winter to summer, but the recent onset of summerlike temperatures should bode well for anglers. Concentrate on the warm, shallow waters using a light jig and minnow in areas with gravel or rocks for the most action. A slow approach is recommended.
The fishing opener is a very busy time on the lakes. Please be patient and lend a hand if a fellow angler needs help at a boat launch or dock. Also, please do your part to maintain the health of Minnesota’s fisheries by practicing selective harvest.
The weather will be exceptional this weekend with temperatures in the 60s and 70s and mostly sunny skies.
Happy Minnesota Fishing Opener!
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2022-2023 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: Stream trout: April 16; walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass (catch-and-release) and lake trout: May 14; muskie: June 4. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, anglers need to be very cautious due to extremely cold water this time of year. Learn more about cold water dangers.
| NORTHWEST REGIONAnglers will want to start shallow this weekend, pitching jigs and minnows into areas with gravel or rocks. If fish aren’t biting in the shallows, work the first break in 10-12 feet of water. Lake of the Woods anglers should find plenty of prime open waters to fish, including the big body of water known as Big Traverse Bay. On the Rainy River, sturgeon action is so strong that some anglers have boated 30 fish a day! | |
| CENTRAL REGIONAnglers fishing central Minnesota lakes and rivers will find plenty of great open water options. Lots of post-spawn walleye will be holding on the shallow flats, and at the first drop-off out from stream inlets and outlets. A jig and minnow should be the best presentation when worked in 2-10 feet of water. Substitute a plastic if minnows are hard to find. Current cold water temperatures will require a slow and subtle approach. | |
 |
| NORTHEAST REGIONAnglers fishing lakes near Grand Rapids, Duluth and Grand Marais this weekend will want to slowly work a 1/8- or 1/16-ounce jig tipped with a fathead minnow. Depths of 4-12 feet along the shorelines should be ideal locations, especially where there are creek inlets with gravel or small rocks. Trout and coho salmon fishing is picking up on Lake Superior. Anglers report that area streams have a slower flow and are more fishable with some nice fish coming from the slack waters. | ||||
|
Comments