With the new day comes new hope for that trophy catch.
The weekend forecast shows statewide highs in the 50s and 60s for most of Saturday and Sunday, plus a chance of snow in northern Minnesota as we head into Monday morning. In other words, classic spring in Minnesota.
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.
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.
Anglers are asked to fish lakes and rivers close to home, and practice social distancing. Learn more about safer ways to travel at Explore Minnesota’s COVID-19 Information page.
BAUDETTE – LAKE OF THE WOODS & THE RAINY RIVER
Ice fishing is over on Lake of the Woods. Once the back bays are free of ice, anglers will find lots of large northern pike. Remember, the pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and on the Rainy River. The walleye season runs through April 14, then resumes May 15 for the Minnesota Fishing Opener. To view current conditions on Lake of the Woods, check out the many Lake of the Woods web cams(opens in new window).
On the Rainy River, five boat ramps are open, offering access to 42 miles of open water for fishing. River fishing has started out strong, with good numbers of walleye and some nice trophy-size fish reported. The most productive presentation has been a 3/8- to 1/2-ounce jig tipped with a minnow or a plastic. Please remember that the walleye season is catch-and-release only on the Rainy River and in Four Mile Bay through April 14. Sturgeon fishing has also been strong. Due to lower-than-normal current, a 3-ounce no-roll sinker with a sturgeon rig (18-inch snell with 60-pound test and a 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook) and a bunch of crawlers, frozen emerald shiners or both is perfect for catching these monsters. The sturgeon catch-and-release season runs through April 23. Anglers will want to check out the Virtual Emo Walleye Classic(opens in new window) held April 10-11 on the Rainy River. Learn more about fishing the Rainy River at Spring Fishing on the Rainy River has Begun!(opens in new window)
Contact Baudette – Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce for more information.
BENA – LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
The ice is going out in a hurry and well ahead of schedule. The shorelines and moving water areas were ice-free last weekend and any ice that remained on Tuesday morning was soft, rotten and expected to be completely gone by mid-week or for sure by this weekend.
Contact the Lake Winnie Area Resort Association for more information.
DETROIT LAKES AREA LAKES
Recent high winds have caused the remaining ice to break up and become saturated on lakes throughout the Detroit Lakes area. Expect many of the smaller, shallower lakes to be ice-free by the weekend. Area lakes are roughly three weeks ahead of the average ice-out this year. Excellent panfish action is just around the corner!
Contact the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce for more information.
FISHING CONDITIONS IN NORTHEAST MINNESOTA
INTERNATIONAL FALLS – RAINY LAKE & THE RAINY RIVER
The Rainy River boat launches downstream from International Falls are open and the fish are biting! River fishing started out strong, slowed down with cold weather earlier in the week, and is picking up again going into the weekend. The water is clearing and water temperatures are on the rise.
Contact the International Falls, Rainy Lake and Ranier CVB for more information.
DULUTH – LAKE SUPERIOR, ST. LOUIS RIVER AND INLAND WATERS
Lake Superior anglers reported some of the most spring boat traffic they’ve ever seen. The influx of anglers combined with a few days of April showers means fishing may be on the tougher side this weekend, but not insurmountably so. Most anglers have been struggling to catch fish with the amount of near-shore traffic, but the fish are biting in more solitary areas. Those that are finding success have a good formula dialed in. The most productive technique will remain trolling the upper water column with a bait that resembles a smelt, both in size and color, since the smelt are getting closer to their spawn. Offshore planer boards are a good way to comb the water, while the best bait continues to be the hot-colored stick baits long lined behind your planer board.
Stream fishing is off to a good start for most anglers willing to stand in cold running water. Fish have been responding well to small spoons, stonefly nymphs and X-legs. The fish are on the move so you’ll run into fish when remaining in one spot. While stream anglers need to be patient, when the fish move in the bite can be spectacular! Please be courteous to other anglers as the rivers can be very busy this time of year.
Most of the ice has melted on the St. Louis River. A couple anglers have tested the waters in boats to minimal success. Sturgeon season closes April 14, so this is nearly your last opportunity to catch rough fish such as panfish and sturgeon. However, it won’t be long until the crappies are biting fast and furious.
Waterfowl and amphibians have begun their annual return to the inland lakes of Northeast Minnesota, which means spring panfish season is not far behind. Fishing areas that hold timber and other structure will be best, but the water still needs time to warm up a bit more before the season really gets underway.
Contact Visit Duluth for more information.
GRAND RAPIDS AREA LAKES
Fishing reports will resume once anglers can safely fish the open waters of area lakes.
Contact Visit Grand Rapids for more information.
FISHING CONDITIONS IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA
ISLE/ONAMIA – LAKE MILLE LACS
The Mille Lacs Messenger called ice out on Mille Lacs Lake(opens in new window) on April 7, about two weeks earlier than typical. A few stretches of slush remain on the lake’s southwest side but broadly speaking Central Minnesota is now firmly in open water season.
New fishing regulations have been enacted for walleye fishing on Lake Mille Lacs this year. Learn more about Lake Mille Lacs fishing regulations(opens in new window).
Contact the Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council for more information.
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