The much-anticipated stream trout opener is this Saturday, April 17! Minnesota is home to a wide array of quality trout streams, and the DNR offers a new StreamFinder tool to help anglers locate nearby waters. Additional information is available at Trout Fishing in Minnesota.
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.
Please remember to use extra caution on the water this time of year. To be prepared, check out 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.
OTTER TAIL AREA LAKES
As of late last week, most area lakes were wide open. The panfish remained in the same areas they were found late in the ice fishing season. Small hair jigs were recommended for both vertical jigging in deep water and bobber fishing in the shallows.
Rough fish, such as suckers and carp, are often overlooked but can offer a lot of fun, fast action. Crawlers and corn on a hook are all that is needed. Something is always biting; sometimes we just need to broaden our horizons.
Contact Otter Tail Lakes Country Association for more information.
BAUDETTE – LAKE OF THE WOODS & THE RAINY RIVER
Lake of the Woods is still covered in ice but there are big stretches of open water which are expanding daily. Lots of northern pike are being pulled from the shallows of the back bays in areas such as Four Mile Bay, Bostic Creek, Zippel Bay and the backwaters on the Rainy River. These areas are perfect for small boats. Up at the Northwest Angle, anglers are now able to get their boats from the mainland (Angle Inlet) to most area islands. The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River.
Sturgeon fishing remains very good in the holes of the Rainy River, with some fish also coming from the depressions in the rolling sand dunes. Due to lower current levels, use a 3-ounce no-roll sinker, 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. Local bait shops can provide guidance and the rigs and bait needed. Please note that the sturgeon season is currently catch-and-release. The harvest season opens April 24 and runs through May 7. Learn more at Sturgeon Fishing 101(opens in new window). 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.
BENA – LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
As of April 8, the ice was rapidly disappearing on Lake Winnibigoshish, far ahead of schedule. Anglers were expected to hit the open waters along the shorelines very soon.
Contact the Lake Winnie Area Resort Association for more information.
PARK RAPIDS
The ice is off most area lakes and springtime open water panfish action is heating up. As water temperatures rise, so will the fishing action. The easiest way to find the hot bite is to use a cooking thermometer to locate the warmest waters. Just drive to area lakes, stick the probe in the water and check the temperature from shore. Once you’ve found the warmest waters, you’ll likely find crappies and bluegills eager to bite. Contact the Park Rapids Lakes Area for more information.
DETROIT LAKES AREA LAKES
All Detroit Lakes area lakes are free of ice. Water temperatures had warmed to the mid-40s, but have since dropped due to the recent cold front and snowfall. Panfish are holding off the first breaks, waiting to move into spawning areas. For the best bite, look for the warmest waters where bait fish will be active.
Contact the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce for more information.
ISLE/ONAMIA – LAKE MILLE LACS
New fishing regulations have been enacted for walleye fishing on Lake Mille Lacs this year. A one-fish walleye limit will be in place from Saturday, May 15 through Monday, May 31, after which walleye fishing will be catch-and-release through Wednesday, June 30. Learn more about fishing regulations on Lake Mille Lacs(opens in new window). And check out the the Mille Lacs Web Cam page(opens in new window) for current conditions.
Contact the Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council for more information.
WILLMAR
As of late last week, area lakes were entirely free of ice. Anglers continued to catch crappies in the shallows of Andrew and Elkhorn lakes, as well as by the culvert on Foot Lake. Nest Lake continued to produce crappies and sunnies under the bridge and in the bay. Active crappie were also found near the dam on Florida Lake. Perch anglers reported success on Big Kandiyohi Lake.
Northeast Region
Anglers are already enjoying great panfish action on many inland lakes. At Lake Superior, the smelt run has begun. Trout and salmon anglers are also reporting lots of success.
Get more details about fishing conditions in Northeast Minnesota.
Northwest Region
The panfish bite has been good in the shallows, and will continually improve as water temperatures warm. For the most action, locate the warmest waters where baitfish gather.
Get more details about fishing conditions in Northwest Minnesota.
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