| Anglers continue to take lots of nice fish despite the extended period of unseasonably cold temperatures. Expect the bite to heat up this weekend as temperatures rise to 40 degrees in many areas of the state. Crappies and bluegills continue to offer the most consistent bite. Jigging spoons and minnow heads are working well for walleye — for crappies and large bluegills, downsize the presentation.
Ice anglers should still check ice thickness often since conditions can vary widely, even on the same body of water. Anyone heading out should wear a life jacket and have ice picks easily accessible.
ALEXANDRIA AREA LAKESPanfish action has been the most consistent for anglers fishing Alexandria area lakes, and the bite will continually improve through ice out. For good numbers of crappies and bluegills this weekend, hit the deepwater basins during the day, and check the adjacent structure, such as the sunken humps and islands, during low light hours. Small tungsten jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes have been best. Try to hold your presentation just above the fish and slowly work it towards them to trigger a bite. If you find a school of fish, please keep just enough for a fresh fish meal and return the rest as quickly as possible. Contact Explore Alexandria Tourism for more information. ISLE/ONAMIA – LAKE MILLE LACSSome Lake Mille Lacs anglers had lots of success last weekend despite the extreme cold temperatures. Good numbers of perch and walleye were reported, along with quite a few tullibee and eelpout. While this weekend’s Perch Extravaganza has been cancelled, two other tournaments will still take place on Lake Mille Lacs. Check out the Perch & Pout Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 20 at Hunters Point Resort. And don’t miss Fishing for Ducks, held Friday through Sunday, Feb. 19-21, out of Garrison. Lake Mille Lacs anglers may keep one walleye measuring between 21-23 inches, or one fish longer than 28 inches this winter. The DNR offers further information about fishing regulations specific to Lake Mille Lacs. Check out current conditions at the Mille Lacs Lake Webcams web page. C
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Northeast RegionNice numbers of panfish are being taken on downsized jigs tipped with spikes. Walleye, northern pike and bass anglers are having success using set lines at an outside perimeter. Get more details about fishing conditions in Northeast Minnesota. |
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Northwest RegionAnglers report lots of good-sized perch, crappies and bluegills, along with some walleye in the deeper waters. The most successful anglers are using jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head or dead sticks tipped with a minnow. Get more details about fishing conditions in Northwest Minnesota. |
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Central RegionPanfish action has been the most consistent, and the bite is expected to continually improve through ice out. For nice numbers of crappies and bluegills, use small tungsten jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes. Get more details about fishing conditions in Central Minnesota. |
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Minneapolis-St. Paul AreaCrappies are responding well to small jigs and small crappie minnows when actively jigged. The best approach is to drill a few holes along the deeper edge of the breaks to locate fish. Get more details about fishing conditions in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. |
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Southern RegionLots of perch, crappies and nice-sized bluegills continue to be reported. Jigging spoons and tungsten jigs tipped with spikes, waxworms or minnow heads are turning the majority of fish. Get more details about fishing conditions in Southern Minnesota. |
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