Minnesota WEEKLY FISHING UPDATE – DECEMBER 31, 2021

Nice numbers of walleye, perch and panfish are being caught by anglers throughout the state. Most reports indicate that glow and brightly colored spoons and jigs tipped with lively minnows are the key to success. Low light hours are often mentioned as peak periods for fishing. As of Jan. 1, anglers may once again fish the open waters of designated trout streams in Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona counties.

While this week’s cold temperatures have caused ice to build rapidly, anglers must continue to use extreme caution when venturing out. Ice is never 100% safe, and 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.

Northeast Region Walleye anglers are catching lots of quality walleye on Ely area lakes. Set lines and jigging lines with a minnow head are working well, especially during evening hours. In the Duluth vicinity, the inland lakes are giving up nice numbers of walleye during low light periods and on overcast days. A medium-size sucker minnow or large chub on your tip-up line should work well when set 6 inches to 1 foot off the bottom. Get more details about fishing in Northeast Minnesota.

Northwest Region Walleye and perch anglers are pulling lots of nice fish from 12-18 feet of water on lakes in the Bemidji and Detroit Lakes vicinities, and on Leech Lake. Spoons and minnow are turning the majority of fish.  Lake of the Woods is giving up lots of nice walleye and sauger.  Gold, green and glow colored tackle have worked best this week. Get more details about fishing in Northwest Minnesota.

Central Region Walleye are active on Lake Mille Lacs, with fish coming from 26-29 feet of water during the day, and shallower during evening hours. Pink and green UV jigs and rattling spoons are working well. Much of the lake now has 11-13 inches of ice. Get more details about fishing in Central Minnesota.

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area No information is currently available on fishing in this region of the state, however a variety of ice fishing programs will be offered in the Twin Cities over the next few weeks. Get more details about fishing in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area.