Despite extreme cold temperatures earlier this week, some anglers continued to head out and catch fish. Much milder temperatures have arrived and anglers are excited to fish outside of shelters once again!
Please remember 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.
Happy New Year!
BAUDETTE/WARROAD – LAKE OF THE WOODS & THE RAINY RIVER
While the bitter cold temperatures earlier this week slowed the bite a bit on Lake of the Woods, some nice walleye and sauger were taken. Most fishing took place in 22-29 feet of water. Anglers with portables also took fish from 10-17 feet of water early and late in the day. The key has been to jig one line and deadstick another line. On the jigging line, use a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head or tail. Also consider an aggressive lure such as a lipless crankbait with rattles to attract and catch fish. On the deadstick, use a live minnow on a demon, plain hook or ice jig set a foot off the bottom. While ice conditions are very good overall, ice conditions vary on the main lake. Up at the Northwest Angle, good numbers of walleye along with some large northern pike and jumbo perch are being reported. The Rainy River is frozen and was giving up lots of nice walleye bite before the deep freeze. A jig and a minnow worked well for walleye and sauger. Ice thickness varies on the Rainy River so it is important to work through a resort or outfitter.
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. Anyone venturing out onto the ice needs to 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
Recent cold temperatures have alleviated much of the slushing issues. The ice is in great shape and ranges from 8-16 inches thick in most areas. Sleds, 4-wheelers and side-by-sides remain the best modes of travel. While few anglers headed out during the frigid temperatures and high winds earlier in the week, those that did caught panfish in the weeds and over the deeper basin areas. Walleye were pulled from the shoreline breaks in 14-22 feet of water. The time to fish is the last couple hours of the day and into the dark after sunset.
Contact the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce for more information.
ISLE/ONAMIA – LAKE MILLE LACS
Anglers are pulling good-sized walleye from Lake Mille Lacs despite recent cold temperatures. Some areas of slush and water remain near shore where cracks have developed, and ice thickness can vary greatly. Resorts are working hard to plow out the ice roads and accesses, as well as some new roads to fishing hot spots. The local snowmobile club has been out clearing and grooming trails for the weekend.
During the winter months, 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.
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