This week’s snowstorm kept many anglers off the lakes, but those that did head out reported nice numbers of walleye and panfish. Effective presentations included jigging spoons with minnows, and minnows on deadsticks, especially during early morning, late afternoon and evening hours.
Please note that this week’s heavy, thick snow has affected ice conditions on many lakes, resulting in slush pockets and making travel difficult. In addition, the insulating factor of the snow will inhibit ice development, leaving inconsistent ice thicknesses. Anglers must use caution and check ice thickness often when venturing out. Working with a resort or outfitter that is knowledgeable of current ice conditions is recommended.
Please rememeber that 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.
Please remember that what is left on the ice will end up in our lakes next year. Please do your part to keep our waters clean by properly disposing your trash and other forms of waste. Learn more about the Keep it Clean program.
Before dropping a line, brush up on Minnesota’s rules, regulations and other helpful information for fishing.
BAUDETTE/WARROAD – LAKE OF THE WOODS & THE RAINY RIVER
Anglers are pulling a mixed bag walleye, sauger, eelpout, jumbo perch, northern pike, tullibee and even some sturgeon from the south end of Lake of the Woods. Most fishing is taking place in 22-28 feet of water. Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head or tail have provided the most consistent bite. A live minnow on a plain red hook or small ice jig has been effective for the deadstick. Ice conditions are good but vary across the south shore. Please note that ice cracks are developing so travel carefully. Some areas of the Rainy River are now accessible to anglers with walleye and sauger being taken on jigs and minnows. Since ice conditions vary on the lake and river, anglers should continue to work with area resorts or outfitters for travel on the ice.
Contact Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau for more information.
BEMIDJI AREA LAKES
Anglers are pulling fish from the shoreline breaks in 12-18 feet of water on Lakes Bemidji and Plantagenet. Jigging spoons and minnow heads or live minnows on a deadstick have been very effective for walleye and perch. Productive times are early and late in the day but the windows are fairly short. The walleye bite on Upper Red Lake remains very good, especially on the east side of the lake. For panfish, check out Gull, Midge and Rabideau lakes. The best crappie action has been during early morning, late afternoon and evening hours. Anglers should note that more than a foot of snow has fallen recently so slush is developing underneath the snow that covers the ice. This could have a big impact on travel on the lakes. Current cold temperatures should help turn the slush to solid ice. Anyone venturing out onto the ice needs check ice thickness and conditions often. Learn more at Dick Beardsley’s fishing video(opens in new window).
Contact Visit Bemidji for more information.
DETROIT LAKES AREA LAKES
Thick snow on Detroit Lakes area lakes has left slushing issues but the current cold temperatures should firm up areas of slush and help build ice. Most area lakes have 8-12 inches of ice. A few lakes, however, had thin ice prior to the heavy snowfall so more time is needed for ice to build before ice fishing is an option. These lakes include Cormorant, Rose, and Long in Vergas. Anglers report that walleye are coming from 14-22 feet of water along the shoreline breaks, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Crappies can be found suspended in the deeper holes. Bluegills are holding in the shallower weeds and over the deeper muddy-bottom areas. Northern pike has been good for those using tip ups and big minnows in the shallow, green weed areas on the flats.
Contact the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce for more information.
FISHING CONDITIONS IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA
ISLE/ONAMIA – LAKE MILLE LACS
On Dec. 21, measurements showed roughly 9 inches of ice on Lake Mille Lacs. Heavy snow on the ice, about 1 foot, had slowed ice development. Most anglers were using snowmobile for travel on the lake.
As of Thursday, Dec. 1, anglers are allowed to keep one walleye measuring between 21-23 inches or one walleye longer than 28 inches on Lake Mille Lacs. To learn more, visit the DNR’s Lake Mille Lacs fishing regulations page(opens in new window).
Contact the Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council for more information.
Comments