Minnesota ice fishing

Check out all of the latest ice fishing conditions in Minnesota from local resorts and business’s. White Birch Resort is the only resort in the state that offers private hot tubs built in the decks of their luxury homes. To book a vacation for this winter visit www.whitebirchresort.net.

Preparing ice trails on Lake of the Woods; photo courtesy of www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com Few anglers are venturing out now that ice is forming on bodies of water throughout the state — very little information on fishing activity is available at this time. This is a good time for anglers to prepare their equipment and review the DNR’s Ice Safety Guidelines web page. For rules, regulations and other helpful information on fishing in Minnesota, consult the DNR’s Fish Minnesotaweb page. Consider attending the Hard Water Fishing Expo at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Nov. 17-19. Discover the latest ice fishing gear, and attend seminars and Q & A sessions with Ice Team professionals. [Northeast] [Northwest] [Twin Cities] [Central] [Southern] Northeast Minnesota Duluth – Lake Superior, St. Louis River and inland waters Fishing has been very slow this last week which is not unusual for this time of year. Water surface temperatures are dropping into the 30s with ice covering most bodies of water. Please note that none of the ice in the Twin Ports area is thick enough for ice fishing. Local anglers expect some fishable ice by the end of the month. Please remember no ice is ever 100 percent safe. It is important to check with area bait shops, resorts or guides before venturing out. This is the time of year to properly clean, organize and prepare your boat for winter storage. It is also a great time to clean, organize and prepare for the upcoming ice fishing season. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com Northwest Minnesota Baudette – Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River Ice stretches as far as the eye can see from the south shore of Lake of the Woods. All of the back bays are now frozen over. The Rainy River is covered in a skim of ice aside from a few areas with open water. The water temperature is roughly 33 degrees so the cold nights will help build ice. The spearing season began Nov. 15, and spearers are eager to head out onto Bostic Bay where measurements have shown 6 inches of ice in some areas. Walleye and sauger are staged along the south shore. They can be found at Pine Island, Zippel Bay, Long Point and Rocky Point. At the Northwest Angle, many areas have frozen over and some area residents who are very familiar with the lake are using snowmobiles to access the islands. Expectations are high since large schools of walleye were found in these areas just before ice-up. Before venturing out onto the ice, please check with a local resort or bait shop for the most up-to-date information on ice conditions. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com Detroit Lakes While ice has formed on most waters throughout the Detroit Lakes area, it is unsafe for travel. Most area lakes have roughly 3 inches of unstable ice at the shorelines, and a few remain entirely open. The recent pattern of cold days followed by a couple days in the high 30s will continue for a while so ice will probably not be accessible until after Thanksgiving. Please stay off the ice until there is a cold snap that lasts at least 5 to 7 days in a row. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com Central Region Isle/Onamia – Lake Mille Lacs The DNR has announced that walleye fishing on Lake Mille Lacs will open on Friday, Dec. 1 with no bait restrictions. Anglers may keep 1 walleye measuring 20 to 22 inches, or one longer than 28 inches. For more information on Lake Mille Lacs regulations, check out the DNR news release from Nov. 3. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com Minneapolis-St. Paul Area Stillwater – St. Croix River As of Nov. 9, limits of walleye and sauger were being pulled from the St. Croix River.  Anglers were also taking some huge white bass – these fish are always fun to catch! Just some of the many techniques turning fish include jigging raps, spoons, rapalas, jigs with plastics, and rigged minnows, especially in 18-34 feet of water. www.discoverstillwater.com Southern Minnesota Lanesboro – Southeast Bluff Country trout streams As of Thursday, Nov. 16, fisheries staff reported that most area streams and rivers were clear with a normal water flow. Please note that Whitewater State Park is closed for their firearms deer hunt this weekend, November 18 and 19. No one will be allowed in the park unless they are deer hunting and have the appropriate license. There were some amazing midge hatches on Sunday, Nov. 12, with fish being caught on midge adults, pupae and larvae patterns. Southeast stream trout maps are available under “Area Highlights” on the Lanesboro area fisheries web page. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales. Subscribe here to receive any or all of our reports by email.

 

Enjoying the fall colors in Minnesota

Minnesota resorts in Minnesota are in full swing of the fall season. With guests coming on the weekend mainly for the viewing of fall colors and fishing.

The walleye are biting as usual for the late September and October feeding frenzy. There has been a few boats out during the warm afternoon sunshine .

The work of putting boats and getting them covered are in full swing right now. It good to get them covered at least before the leaves start falling. I have all the pontoons out and covered right now and thew ski boat.

Take a look at our fall specials we have rates as low as $30 per person. Visit http://www.whitebirchresort.net for more details.

Minnesota fall and winter getaways

Fall is here and going fast with the leaves falling on the grounds of White Birch Resort. The change of colors seems to be going fast as the rain today has made them drop pretty fast. I do not see any long lasting fall warm temps in the future so the winter is always on my mind.

Here at White Birch Resort in Northern Minnesota the season of fall is always busy. We are doing some landscape projects with replacing the damn on Blackduck River. The new layout of the river looks very impressive and should keep the water in the lake a lot better.

The other projects are always winterizing everything from the boats to golf carts and pool. We still have all the water toys out yet but they will be put away in a couple weeks.

To check out all of the Minnesota resort deals go to http://www.whitebirchresort.

Minnesota Fall Colors!

Minnesota Fall Colors are out in full effect and it’s a Beautiful Sight!  The Red Maple trees are glowing with colors and leaves are falling quickly with the weather change! So if your in the mood for some beautiful scenery, head to the Northwoods of Minnesota!

Minnesota Fishing Reports

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Twin Cities] [Central] [Southern]

Northeast Minnesota

International Falls – Rainy Lake & the Rainy River

Anglers are expecting an excellent walleye opener for Rainy Lake and the Rainy River. The ice has been off these waters for several weeks, and the water temperatures have continually risen. The walleye should still be somewhat shallow, foraging for baitfish. Try slowly-trolling a minnow and spinner near the rocky shorelines and weed beds this weekend and through early June. After that, the walleye will move to deeper water and structure due to the increase in water temperature and daylight. Rainy River anglers have been pulling in sturgeon during the spring catch-and-release season which will close next week. The tag season will begin on June 30, 2017. The sturgeon fishing has been great for anglers fishing downstream from a deep hole with several worms and enough weight to keep the presentation on the bottom. Generally, sturgeon will venture downstream from the deeper holes to scour the river bed for food. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Lake Kabetogama is ready for a great Fishing Opener this weekend! The rock markers and navigational markers are in, and the water levels and temperatures are nearly normal for this time of year so the fish should be very cooperative! And the forecast for the weekend is excellent, with temperatures in the high 50s and mid-60s, and partly cloudy to sunny conditions. Another positive indicator is that the previous DNR netting results show very healthy walleye, northern pike and bass populations, with good numbers of perch and sauger as well. Minnows will be a must this weekend, but you may want to bring along a few leeches as back-up. Die hard night crawler anglers will want to use a short rig with a smaller spinner. As usual over opening weekend, go shallow using a jig head or slip sinker combination. Shoreline and dock fishing is usually at its best early in the season. Such angling should be done with a slip bobber fished stationary or retrieved slowly. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely

The much anticipated walleye opener is just about here! Many Minnesota anglers rely on a jig and minnow presentation on opening weekend since this is a very effective tactic this time of year. Tailor your jig size to the depth you will be fishing. A ¼-ounce is fine for water less than twenty feet deep; use a slightly heavier jig when you drop below twenty feet. Set your jig near the bottom, not on the bottom, and don’t let out too much line so you don’t snag more rocks than fish.  Another very productive method this time of year is to troll or cast a crankbait. Fish really seem to key in on these larger profile baits as they are eager to put on some weight following the rigors of spawning. The new super lines and braids are really effective when it comes to long-lining crankbaits since there is virtually no stretch when setting the hook. Add a fluorocarbon leader of at least three to six feet the end and you’re set! Another tried and true method is using bottom bouncers with a spinner. Rig these with either a single hook for minnows, or a two or three hook setup for crawlers. Either way, they are probably the most effective way professional and neophyte anglers score big. Before heading out, take some time to check your wheel bearings, tires and running lights, and filling your tank with new gas. Always have your drain plugs out of your boat and live wells until you are at the launch ramp, and make sure you have a life jacket for everyone. To learn more about watercraft safety, required equipment and licensing, check out the Minnesota Boating Guide. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Grand Rapids

Anglers are gearing up for a great Minnesota Fishing Opener! The forecast for this weekend calls for warm and sunny conditions so the walleye should be active and biting. Bring along jigs in an assortment colors and sizes, as well as spot tail shiners, rainbow chubs or fathead minnows. One-eighth ounce jigs are generally the best option. If the walleye are in depths greater than 15 feet, try switching to a one-quarter ounce jig. Many times slip sinker rigs will produce as well. Whether you use a shiner or a leech, make sure your leader length is 40- to 50-inches to allow the minnow to swim. Change baits often to offer the most natural presentation. Gravel points related to shorelines will be the best locations on most lakes in Itasca County. Anyone wanting to fish a river over the opener will find excellent options in the Grand Rapids area as the Mississippi and Bigfork rivers are full of walleye. Whether you drift or anchor, pay close attention to the holes and turns in the river. Also look for current breaks and reversals in flow that often attract walleye looking for forage in slower current areas. Rivers are great options for anglers without a boat since shore fishing can be excellent early in the season. Before heading out, plan ahead and gather all fishing necessities such as life jackets, sunscreen and a fishing license. It would also be wise to inspect your fishing poles, fishing line, trailer lights, and trailer bearings. And make a point of stopping at a local bait shop to learn where and when the fish are biting, and what presentations are working best.  www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette – Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

During this weekend’s Minnesota Fishing Opener, Lake of the Woods anglers will want to use a 1/4- to 3/4-ounce jig with a shiner or two. Another good option is to pull a crankbait through the shallows. While the water remains cold, this can be the key to getting bites on some outings. Northern pike activity is on the increase, and sturgeon fishing is on fire now that warmer temperatures have arrived. Please remember that the sturgeon catch-and-release season runs through May 15. Most walleye in the Rainy River are post-spawn, and some have already made their way back into the lake. There have been many reports of sturgeon anglers catching nice-sized walleye. Anglers traditionally catch good numbers of walleye on the Rainy River and at Four Mile Bay this time of year.  Up at the Northwest Angle, fishing should be excellent this weekend, especially at the “neck-down” areas and points. Anglers should use a chartreuse, pink, gold or glow colored jig tipped with a minnow for the most action. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

This is the weekend anglers have been waiting for: the 2017 Minnesota Fishing Opener! With the early spring, the walleye should be hungry and ready to bite! Some of the fish will already be moving out to their summer haunts so don’t be afraid to fish some of the mid-lake structure areas, as well as the shallows. Start on the shoreline breaks and emerging weedlines, and if the fish won’t bite, move to the mid-lake areas. A jig tipped with a minnow or leech is ideal early in the season. The water temperatures are in the low- to mid-50s so work the bait fairly slowly. Northern pike should be hitting hit just about everything, especially along the emerging weedlines. The bass season opens this weekend but it is catch-and-release only for the first two weeks. For fun bass action, use spinnerbaits in the shallows. Some of the best crappie and bluegill fishing also occurs early in the season. A small jig tipped with a small minnow, waxworm or plastic tail will almost certainly produce fish in the shallows. Bring the kids and create memories they’ll never forget! 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com

Walker – Leech Lake

We are counting down to the most anticipated day of the season for walleye anglers, fishing opener 2017! Here are some basic tips to help you keep your rods bent, and your landing-net wet this coming weekend on Leech Lake. Use a light 1/8-ounce jig with a shiner minnow during the day on opening day. A heavier jig and plastic combo can be fished a little more aggressively to search-out the active walleye. At night, try trolling with shallow-diving minnow baits since this presentation can result in large numbers of walleye, along with some trophy-sized fish. Concentrate on main-lake shoreline flats or points. Most walleye generally come from 6-15 feet of water early in the season. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Park Rapids

The panfish are on fire on just about every body of water. Large bluegills and crappies are feeding heavily and getting ready to spawn. Water temperatures are hovering around 56- to 59-degrees in most of the shallow areas, and in the low to mid-50s on the main lakes. Anglers will want to use small plastics, waxworms or crappie minnows under a small float in the shallows, especially near some kind of cover. Also use a light bobber with a slow “lob” to reduce bobber splash which can spook shallow fish. Try to sneak into the shallows with the trolling motor or idle in slowly, and avoid having the sun at your back so you cast a shadow onto the fish. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes

The weather in the Detroit Lakes area over opening weekend looks like it will be the best it’s been in years!  Walleye are about a month post-spawn, and crappies and sunfish are just setting up their beds. Water temperatures are in the mid-50s to low 60s, and warming each day. The warmer lakes, especially lakes with river inlets and outlets, are teeming with shiners. Expect the shiner bite to play a major role in locating early season walleye. Start shallow, such as depths of 5-8 feet, and work deeper to the first breaks off the shorelines to connect with active fish. The weed areas should also be holding active fish. As waters warm further, bring out the leeches and crawlers, as well as plastics and artificial baits. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Lakes Area

Many of the shallow bays in lakes throughout Otter Tail Lakes Country have warmed to a point where the lily pads are thick and the fish have migrated out to deeper waters in search of spawning grounds. Wherever you find sunnies and crappies, expect them to bite. Soft plastics are generally best. Please be selective, and release the larger crappies and sunfish so they can continue to reproduce. And please check for weeds and any critters that might be hanging from your boat or trailer, and drain all of the water from your boat hull and live wells. Have a wonderful weekend! 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Pine River Area

Panfish are extremely active in waters throughout the Pine River area. Anglers will want to fish the shallow bays and inlets after warm days now that water temperatures are in the 50s. For the most action, use a small 1/32- to 1/16-ounce jig tipped with a minnow or plastic under a bobber. The walleye and northern pike should be on the first drop-off from the shoreline during this weekend’s opener. Look for walleye to be active in 8-20 feet of water. The best approach should be trolling the shallows after sunset, or pulling crankbaits or shallow-running stickbaits along the tops of the drop-offs.  For northern pike, pitch or troll crankbaits, or fish a jig and minnow presentation at the weedlines in 8-15 feet of water. With weekend temperatures in the mid- to high 60s, this should be a spectacular fishing opener!  800-728-6926; www.pinerivermn.com

St. Cloud

The 70th Annual Minnesota’s Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held on the Mississippi River. The public is invited to join 5,000+ area residents and visitors during the free Minnesota Fishing Opener Community Picnic in downtown St. Cloud at Lake George from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, May 12. The picnic will feature an array of activities, exhibitors, live entertainment by GB Leighton, a local craft beer gardens, free meal for all attendees, and scheduled remarks by Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith. 320-251-4170; www.granitecountry.com

Isle/Onamia – Lake Mille Lacs

The reef markers and docks are in on Lake Mille Lacs. The surface water temperatures are currently in the low to mid-50s. For the most walleye action, drop a leech under a slip bobber or try rigging with leeches. During morning and evening hours, hit the shallower reefs; during daylight hours, hit the deeper waters. Anglers expect a great walleye bite so plastic baits may also work well. Bass anglers will want to use plastics at the shallow water rocks. If the bass aren’t biting, move to the edges of the rocks in slightly deeper water. Northern pike should be very active, slamming sucker minnows and trolled spinnerbaits in the bays. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar

The Minnesota Fishing Opener this weekend should be excellent in the Willmar Lakes Area! The panfish are biting well, and the weather is expected to be nearly perfect. Shore anglers will want to hit Willmar, Foot, Eagle or Green lakes for some great panfish action. For the best crappie action, however, check Big Kandiyohi, Nest, and Diamond lakes. The surface water temperatures should be at roughly 60-degrees this weekend which should cause to the fish to bite even more! 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Hastings – St. Croix & Mississippi Rivers

The Mississippi and St. Croix rivers in the Hastings area provide excellent fishing opportunities, and often receive less pressure than the metro area lakes. The St. Croix River has been open for walleye and sauger fishing for nearly two weeks, with fish caught throughout the day by anglers rigging fathead minnows and nightcrawlers. The best approach for lots of keeper-sized fish has been to use a bow-mount trolling motor to drag a bait rig at .5- to .7-mph through 18-24 feet of water. Electronics are extremely helpful since you can easily mark fish over the sandy and rocky bottoms of the rivers. Expect to also pick up some sunnies, crappies, perch, white bass, and sheepshead. The water levels are up a bit, so travel cautiously and watch for floating debris. The surface water temperatures currently range from 52-degrees in the morning to almost 60-degrees in the late afternoon. 651-437-6775; www.visithastingsmn.org

White Bear Area Lakes

Crappies and sunnies are very active in 4-8 feet of water on White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes. The most successful anglers are using crappie minnows and wax worms with flip bobbers and mini might jigs. This weekend, look for northern pike and bass in depths of 8-12 feet of water. 651/653-5122; www.ExploreWhiteBear.org

Lake Waconia

It’s been over 2 months since the ice officially left Lake Waconia, and water temperatures are now in the upper 50s (mornings) to the low 60s (afternoons). With air temps in the 70s this weekend, lake water temperatures should remain above 60-degrees which is rare for opening weekend. With the higher water temperatures and earlier than usual weed growth, the typical fishing opener tactics may not work. It’s never a bad idea to try areas like the Rock Dock, Carp Trap (Peterson’s Creek on the northwest side of the lake), and Harm’s Point. But, if these aren’t producing walleye, consider the breaks off the reefs such as North, Kegs, Red’s or Anderson’s.  Slip bobber fishing should work well, but if you would rather be active, try jigging with a fathead or leech. Crappie fishing has been good for several weeks, with anglers taking lots of 10- to 11-inch fish, and some large fish. Depths of 12-15 feet of water in Waconia Bay have been best. As water temperatures rise, the shallow water bite should pick up, with crappies likely found around the reeds on the northwest side of the lake, at Pillsbury Reef/Old Camp Manakiki area, and the shallow weeds on the north end and around the marinas. The sunfish bite has been better than usual, and also on the increase. 952/442-5812; www.destinationwaconia.org

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro – Southeast Bluff Country trout streams

As of Wednesday, May 3, area streams and rivers were mostly clear with a normal water flow. There were reports of caddis on many of the streams. The annual Preston Trout Days celebration will be held May 19-21, with a wide array of entertainment including the Trout Days Grand Parade, street vendors, fishing contest for adults, street dance, car show, live music, performances, family activities, tractor pull, fish printing on T-shirts, and the 9-Hole Fishing Challenge at the National Trout Center. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

 

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.

Minnesota fishing report

Excellent fly fishing opportunities in the Twin Cities; photo courtesy of Meet Minneapolis The panfish bite was spectacular until cold temperatures and wet conditions arrived this week. Expect the bite to heat up quickly once temperatures rebound. When they do, hit the shallow bays on the northern sides of the lakes where water temperatures rise more rapidly. Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2017/2018 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass and lake trout, May 13; muskie, June 3. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. For rules, regulations and other helpful information on fishing in Minnesota, consult the DNR’s Fish Minnesota web page.   [Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Southern] Northeast Minnesota Kabetogama The Fishing Opener is right around the corner. Voyageurs National Park has placed all the rock markers, and the lamplighters should be placing navigational marker buoys within the next week, well ahead of the opener. Rain is needed to bring water levels back up to normal for the opener. The northern pike season is continuous on Lake Namakan which is great for anglers that want an early start. Crappie fishing has been slow, but it is expected to pick up quickly as water temperatures warm. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com Duluth – Lake Superior and inland waters Conditions remain cool, wet and windy, and this has put a damper on fishing. On a positive note, this should slow down the spring spawning process which could help anglers on the fishing opener on May 13. If cooler water temperatures linger, fish (especially walleye and panfish) should remain in their typical spawning areas, making them easier to locate. Few anglers have been out on Lake Superior due to cold, damp and windy conditions, especially since these conditions can be dangerous. Even smelting has been relatively quiet. The waves, however, have been an amazing sight on the waterfront! Stream fishing has been fair with anglers reporting some nice catches of steelhead coming from the North Shore streams. Float indicators over a couple of sinkers and flies continue to be productive. The streams have a strong current so be careful. The St. Louis River is also off to a slow start. Water clarity is less than ideal, especially in the back, shallow bays where panfish action had been good. It may take several days for conditions to return to normal, but once they do there should be a flurry of crappie, perch and sunfish action. The inland lakes are the best bet for catching fish currently. Crappies have been active in roughly 10 feet of water in the shallow bays. A simple crappie minnow under a float has been best. Water temperatures in the shallow bays were running as high as 52 degrees a week or so ago, but now average about 47 degrees. Most public access docks should be in place. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com Grand Rapids Anglers have been fishing for sunnies and crappies on the smaller bodies of water where water temperatures are generally the highest. Panfish action has been best for anglers using slip bobbers with live bait options such as crappie minnows, waxworms, and nightcrawlers. Look for these fish to move from the deeper weed areas to the shallower emergent vegetation on warm and sunny afternoons. Water temperatures above 50 degrees have been best. Sucker fishing continues to be good with fish making their seasonal migration to their spawning grounds. Any stream or river has the potential for some great fishing action. Look for deep holes in the rivers, especially at the bends where the current has carved out the bank, and at bridges. For tackle, use a slip sinker, swivel, and a short leader to a #4 hook with a bunch of nightcrawlers. Perch fishing has been nothing short of spectacular. These fish can be found on the weedy sand flats extending into main lake basins. The best approach is a small 1/16- or 1/8-ounce jig tipped with a crappie minnow or a fathead. Most perch have been holding in depths of 3-9 feet.  www.visitgrandrapids.com Northwest Minnesota Baudette – Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River Lots of large sturgeon are being reported by Rainy River anglers. For the most action, work the holes using a 3-ounce no-roll sinker, 1- to 1.5-foot leader, and a circle hook loaded with frozen shiners and crawlers. Anchor just upstream of a deeper hole and pitch your sturgeon rig to the hole. Heavy equipment is preferred. Northern pike fishing has been good in the shallow bays of Lake of the Woods, and on the Rainy River. The best tactic is either a buzz bait or a frozen cisco. Up at the Northwest Angle, the ice is entirely off the lake. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com Bemidji Area lakes offered excellent crappie action late last week when temperatures rose into the 60s for a couple of days. This week’s cold, wet and windy conditions have put an end to the fast crappie action, with crappies retreating into deeper waters. A few days of warmer, sunny weather will draw the crappies back into the shallows. When they fish relocate, just toss out a small jig with a plastic tail or small minnow under a float.  On these cold, dreary days, check your gear and get your boat ready to go for the fishing opener on May 13! 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com Park Rapids Crappies and bluegill are in the process of setting up in the shallows to feed heavily before they spawn in a few weeks. They can be found suspended in the 10-20 feet of water in the colder lakes. In the shallow lakes and bays where water temperatures are in the 50s, begin in 5-8 foot depths. Anglers report some very nice fish coming in on minnows and small plastics under floats. Areas to concentrate on include those with downed trees, beaver lodges, or any kind of weed cover.  Boat canals and areas in front of inflowing creeks should also hold fish due to warmer water conditions. Suspend your baits well off the bottom. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com Detroit Lakes The panfish bite on most Detroit Lakes area lakes were great until high winds and cold temperatures moved in. These conditions have also limited the number of anglers heading out onto the lakes. Water temperatures currently range from the low to mid-50s. The fish seem to be moving in and out of the shallows with each change in weather. Once temperatures rise, work the warmest, shallow water areas with developing weeds. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com Central Region Glenwood Panfishing on Lake Minnewaska was excellent last weekend! Unfortunately, this week’s cooler temperatures and wet and windy conditions have taken a toll on all of the action. Once conditions stabilize and temperatures rebound, the fishing should heat back up. www.glenwoodlakesarea.org Isle/Onamia – Lake Mille Lacs While the weather was spectacular last weekend, temperatures in the 30s arrived Wednesday with snow flurries on Thursday. Water temperatures on Lake Mille Lacs have dipped back down to the upper 40s. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com Willmar Fishing was ideal last weekend in the Willmar Lakes Area. Large sunnies and crappies were pulled from the northern end of Green Lake, as well as near Saulsbury Beach. Panfish were also taken from the north end of Eagle Lake, the north shore of Diamond Lake, Willmar Lake, Foot Lake, Games Lake, Norway Lake and Nest Lake. For the most active fish in the springtime, concentrate on areas near moving water, the shallows, and the north sides of the lakes where the water tends to be the warmest. 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com Southern Minnesota Winona – Mississippi River/Lake Pepin The water is starting to heat up and anglers are catching walleye, crappies, perch and sunfish away from Lock & Dam 5A on the Mississippi River. 507-452-0735; www.visitwinona.com Lanesboro – Southeast Bluff Country trout streams As of Thursday, April 27, temperatures dropped low enough for snowflakes to be seen. Caddis were no longer seen, and streamers were a possibility. Caddis were visible on some streams a week earlier. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com Ortonville – Big Stone Lake The Walleye Season Opener greeted Big Stone Lake anglers with crystal clear water and lots of sunshine last weekend.  While conditions were very comfortable, they were not the best for fishing. It didn’t help that anglers had to rely on past knowledge of the best fishing spots at the beginning of the season. Fishing was slow at the beginning, but it didn’t take long for reports of walleye, white bass, and even some perch and crappie to come in.  The water was so clear, anglers remarked at how many fish they could “see,” including walleye, northern pike and perch.  All great indications of a healthy fishery. Water temperatures hovered around 50-degrees. Anglers having the most success used jigs or slip bobbers with a minnow or leech.  One group boated down the center of the lake with jigs and came away with two limits. 800-568-5722; www.bigstonelake.com   Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales. Subscribe here to receive any or all of our reports by email. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Dig the boat out for early spring fishin

Dig the boat out for early spring fishing.
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Last winter ice fishing for 2017 http://ow.ly/zNFA309MZbH

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Minnesota lake cabin with hot tub.
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