Recent warm temperatures have caused ice to thaw and refreeze on many lakes, and this can lead to very unstable ice conditions. Anyone considering a trip out onto the ice must first check with local bait shops and resorts for the most current ice conditions. Anglers heading out are asked to carry ice claws and a long rope, wear a floatation device, and check ice depth often. Anglers are also encouraged to wear ice cleats to reduce the risk of falling and being hurt while drilling holes with a gas or propane powered auger.
Most lakes in the state are free of snow, and this often works in an angler's favor since extra light helps fish see your bait better. For the more light sensitive species, such as walleye and crappies, fish during morning and evening hours, as well as after dark on lakes with extremely clear ice. The ice has been so clear that anglers and skaters can see items at the bottom, including anchors and fishing lures!
The fishing season for walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass remains open through February 26, 2012. Smallmouth bass, however, are catch-and-release only from September 12 through February 26. The winter season for lake trout within the BWCA runs December 31, 2011 through March 31, 2012--outside of the BWCA, January 14-March 31. The winter season for stream trout in southern Minnesota is catch-and-release only, and runs from January 1 through March 31, 2012. The season for stream trout in lakes runs from January 14 through March 31, 2012.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
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Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
1-800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org
Kabetogama
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, good hardwater conditions are being reported for all ice enthusiasts, including anglers, spearers, and skate skiers--with a bit more snow, traditional cross-country skiers and snowmobilers will also be happy! The northern pike have been cooperating, with live decoys and light northern suckers working well for spearers and anglers. Anglers are also having success with the walleye at the typical ice fishing hot spots which are reported to have roughly 8-10 inches of ice. The best approach has been either a shiner or fathead chub on a lightweight tear drop, peeper, ant or similar jig worked in depths of 26-30 feet of water. Lake Kabetogama does have a few ice ridges, one near Spunge Island, and one with noticeable ridges out in front of the east end resorts. While caution is still necessary, sleds and wheelers have been moving around easily. 1-800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com
Ely
As of December 19, ice conditions were great throughout the Ely vicinity. Anglers were connecting with walleye on many lakes using lindy slick jigs and northland buckshot spoons tipped with a small minnow or minnow head. Chubby darters were turning some of the larger walleye, with fish weighing up to 7-pounds! Try working the drop-offs in 10-22 feet of water. And large pike are coming through the holes--spearers and bait anglers using ciscoes or suckers are both taking fish. 1-800-777-7281; www.ely.org
Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
1-800-648-5897; www.lakevermilionresorts.com
Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
As of December 19, Gunflint Trail lakes were reported to be free of snow and described as an ice skater's paradise. The ice on Seagull was so perfect last weekend that people were skating among the islands. While the ice was solid, skaters could see all the way through to the bottom of the lake, viewing rocks and even anchors and fishing lures! Anglers who ventured out onto Caribou Lake, located outside of Lutsen, caught some nice-sized northern pike just off shore on ice jigs and tip-ups. Please note that recent warm temperatures have resulted in open water on the west ends of Seagull and Saganaga lakes. Parts of Gunflint, Clearwater, Mountain and Arrow lakes are also open--please use extreme caution. www.visitcookcounty.com
Grand Rapids
www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
On Lake of the Woods, many groups are reporting 50-100 fish a day. The best action is still taking place during morning and evening hours, however some anglers are taking fish during the day. The saugers are averaging 13-15 inches in length, and the walleye are roughly 13-19 inches long, with larger slot fish and trophy-sized fish mixed in. The best approach has been to use a jig or favorite jigging spoon tipped with a minnow. Some of the larger fish are hitting dead sticks under a bobber as well. Pink, gold, and glow-in-the-dark red are good colors to start with. Northern pike anglers are having lots of success tip-up fishing and spearing in Baudette Bay, Zipple Bay, and in the Bostic Creek area. Water clarity has been amazing and it is likely a factor in the recent angling success on Lake of the Woods. Depths of 22-24 feet have been best. Anglers report roughly 14-16 inches of ice just outside of Pine Island. As always, please be safe and check with a nearby resort or bait shop for the most current ice conditions before heading out. 1-800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Bemidji
Clear, solid ice continues to slowly build on area lakes. The ice is so smooth in some areas that people have been out ice skating on the lakes. Most lakes have at least 8 inches of ice, with ice on the shallow lakes generally thicker than ice on the deeper lakes. Many anglers are using ATV's to access the lakes, and a few lakes are supporting light vehicle travel, including Upper Red. Fishing has been very good for walleye on many of the larger lakes. Most of the action has been along the shoreline break, but anglers are starting to have success out on the humps on the larger lakes such as Winnibigoshish. Soon there will be enough ice for vehicles to access most areas of the lakes. The clear ice magnifies the sunlight, which can spook some fish when there is movement and noise above them, especially in shallow waters. The best bite for light sensitive species such as walleye and crappies is during morning and evening hours, as well as after dark. Stained water lakes tend to have a better day bite than lakes with extremely clear water. The ice is actually clear enough to allow weeds in many lakes to continue growing, which means species like perch, northern pike and sunfish may still be using those weed beds. Ice cleats that fit over most boots are almost a necessity to stay upright--take short steps to avoid a nasty fall on the ice! 1-800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com
Cass Lake
1-800-356-8615; www.casslake.com
Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish
On Lake Winnibigoshish, the south side of the lake has 9 1/2-11 inches of ice from Stumps to Moxey, then back to Bena Bar at Big Musky. Measurements on the west side of the lake show 9 1/2-12 inches of ice up through the Sugar Bar area. Tamarack Bay and the Third River area have ice that measures 11-13 inches thick. Most anglers continue to access the lake by ATV. Fishing has been good. Northern pike are coming from 5-10 feet of water in the Third River area, the Mississippi area and at the Bowans Flats. The main lake bars are giving up a decent number of walleye in depths of 14-23 feet on the top portions of the drops. The shoreline drops are also working in similar depths. Perch action has been spotty, with fish coming from the weeds in 5-8 feet of water, as well as from or the other way in the basin areas at depths of 25-30 feet. For the most up-to-date information on ice conditions, please check with resorts closest to where you plan to access the lake. www.lakewinnie.net
Walker - Leech Lake
As of December 17, anglers were reporting some great hard water fishing. Many area lakes had 6-10 inches of nearly perfect ice. On Leech Lake, Walker Bay ice measured 5-7 1/2 inches. Some of the smaller area lakes had 7-10 1/2 inches of clear ice. Nearly all spearers were taking limits of northern pike, and catching a variety of panfish while enjoying amazing views of the natural world under the ice! Lots of sunnies and crappies are being reported on area lakes. And on Walker Bay, anglers report quite a few walleye, perch and pesky eelpout. Expect area resorts to have most of their spear houses and sleeper fish houses out on the lakes prior to Christmas. Please use extra caution and check ice thickness often when exploring new fishing locations. 1-800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com
Park Rapids
Late last week, ice ranged from 4-9 inches thick, however it was not consistent and required extreme care. Walleye were especially active in the larger bodies of water. Most of the fish were hitting live shiner minnows or buckshot rattle spoons tipped with a minnow head in depths of 16-22 feet. Evening hours were best due to the lack of snow on the ice. Crappie anglers were reporting solid catches in depths of 12-18 feet which is slightly deeper than usual. Bluegills have been mixed in with the crappies. Northern pike action has been very good, with lots of nice fish and a few true trophies reported. While live minnows are working well, frozen ciscoes and sucker minnows have been very productive and you don't have to worry about keeping them alive. Hang one on a new predator rig and when the flag goes up, set the hook! Anglers are encouraged to wear ice cleats to remain safe when walking and especially when drilling holes with a gas or propane powered auger! 1-800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com
Detroit Lakes
As of December 22, area lakes average 10-14 inches of ice. The ice is very clear, with no snow cover. Little Detroit, Sallie, Melissa, Cotton and some of the smaller area lakes are getting the most attention, and a small "city" of permanent houses has already developed on Little Detroit Lake. Several lakes have shoreline ice ridges that anglers must contend with at the lake access points. Anglers report a great panfish bite in the weeds, especially on Little Detroit. Good walleye action has been reported during early morning hours, as well as the hour just before dark in 15 feet of water or less. Buckshot rattle jigs and Swedish pimples tipped with minnow heads have been out-producing the bobber bite--gold, silver, chartreuse, and pink have been the most productive colors. 1-800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Walleye and large perch continue to bite on Otter Tail Lake. Most of the fish are coming from 10-30 foot depths at the shoreline breaks, sunken islands and humps. Lots of panfish are being pulled from the smaller area lakes. West Battle and Rush lakes are giving up quite a few crappies and walleye. All accesses are open and ice piles are constantly being knocked down--check with a local bait shop or resort before heading out to learn where the weak spots and ice heaves are located. 1-800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com
Pine River
1-800-728-6926; http://www.pinerivermn.com
Whitefish Chain of Lakes Area
www.whitefish.org
Brainerd Lakes Area
1-800-450-2838; www.explorebrainerdlakes.com
Aitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
1-800-526-8342; www.aitkin.com
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
At the time of this report, anglers were accessing the south end bays by foot and ATV. Officials report that the main lake was still unstable and anglers should remain close to shore. Please be sure to check with a local resort for the latest conditions. Walleye and perch action has been good on Lake Mille Lacs. 1-888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com
Willmar
Fishing has been excellent, with fish being reported on all area lakes! Big Kandiyohi and Wakanda lakes have been producing many walleye. Eagle, Green, and Diamond lakes, as well as Long Lake near Hawick have also reported several walleye, with perch and crappies being taken. Most lakes have approximately 4-8 inches of ice. Please note that all area lakes have some weak spots, including ice heaves and open water, and travel by foot is the only option at this time. 1-800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Recent warm temperatures and wet conditions have led to unstable ice conditions on some lakes in this region of the state--no further information is available.
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
The channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes has roughly 7 inches of ice at the time of this report. Anglers are reporting good fishing action. A good crappie bite is being reported on Little Green Lake. Crappie and walleye anglers are doing well in Dinnerbell Bay at night, catching sunnies during the day. And walleye have been active during evening hours on North Center Lake near Nelson Island. 651/257-1177; www.chisagolakeschamber.com
White Bear Area Lakes
The areas near the VFW, Ramsey and Belair accesses on White Bear Lake are giving up crappies and perch. The ice in this area is averaging 6 inches. Anglers are catching walleye and northern pike on Bald Eagle Lake, where the ice measures roughly 6 inches on the north side of the lake, and roughly 9 inches at the access. 651/653-5122; www.ExploreWhiteBear.org
Waconia
952/442-5812; www.destinationwaconia.org
Southern Minnesota
Ice conditions remain unstable on most lakes in this region of the state--no further information is available.
Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
1-877-525-3248; www.lakecitymn.org
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
1-800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com
Rochester -Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
1-800-634-8277; www.rochestercvb.org
Faribault Area Lakes
1-800-658-2354; www.visitfaribault.com
Albert Lea
1-800-345-8414; www.albertleatourism.org
Fairmont Area Lakes
1-800-657-3280; www.fairmontcvb.com
Ortonville - Big Stone Lake
1-800-568-5722; www.bigstonelake.com
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