Lots a MN. fishing reports

[Lee Borgersen]

Metro Fishing Reports
Metro Area Fishing Report - December 14, 2012
Posted on Thu, 13 Dec 2012

ANNANDALE AREA
There was some fishing taking place before last weekend’s snowfall, but 10 to 12 inches of snow put a quick end to most options. There hasn’t been a lot of people checking the ice and those who have are reporting slush where ice existed and pockets of open water on the big lakes.
Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA
The small lakes have a skim of ice with snow sitting on top of them. The big lakes remain open and were ice-free when the snow arrived last weekend so they should be in better shape once they lock up. One cold snap should allow for some foot travel on select bays and lakes.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

NORTHEAST METRO
Ice has taken hold along the shorelines and parts of several small, shallow lakes, but there was still plenty of open water in this area. It’s going to take another stretch of cold weather before ice fishing is an option here.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle                    (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO
There hasn’t been anyone fishing, but most lakes are starting to cover with ice. The good news is that most lakes were ice-free prior to the measurable snowfall last weekend. With continued cold look for anglers to start walking on a few of the area’s smaller lakes soon.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022
 

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North West Fishing Reports
Northwestern Minnesota Fishing Report - December 14, 2012
Posted on Thu, 13 Dec 2012

ALEXANDRIA AREA
Six inches of snow fell here last weekend and the ice held up pretty well, but slush has developed. With some caution, you should be able to find a lake to walk on this weekend. Early reports indicate a few walleyes and panfish coming off Lake Osakis in 20 feet and Little Mary Lake is producing sunfish in less than 12 feet of water.
Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle       (320) 763-3255

BATTLE LAKE
Ice depths vary from two to six inches, some open water exists on the big lakes, and there is snow sitting on top of the ice so there hasn’t been a lot of people fishing. Blanche Lake and the north side of Rush Lake are giving up a few panfish and walleyes in 16 to 18 feet. On Ellingson Lake, sunfish started hitting in 15 feet.
Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

DETROIT LAKES
This area only received two inches of snow so most lakes have five to eight inches of ice. Shiner minnows are producing walleyes in 18 to 20 feet at Severson Lake, Little Detroit Lake, and Lake Melissa. Look for these lakes to produce crappies in slightly deeper water as well.
Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

PARK RAPIDS AREA
You’ll find up to eight inches of ice on the small lakes and very little snow so the ice is shaping up nice – you still have to watch the big lakes. The small lakes such as Straight and the Crow Wing Chain are producing bluegills in 10 to 12 feet. There’s some spearing taking place on area lakes, which has been good for numbers of eating-sized pike.
Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

PERHAM AREA
There’s very little snow and four to eight inches of ice on most lakes so ice conditions are in good shape. Walleyes are hitting spoons or setlines and shiner minnows in 12 to 18 feet at Little Pine Lake, Big Pine Lake, and Rush Lake. Panfish reports have been limited as most anglers are keying on walleyes.
Gene’s Sport Shop (218) 346-3355
 

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North East Fishing Reports
Northeastern Minnesota Fishing Report - December 14, 2012
Posted on Thu, 13 Dec 2012

DULUTH AREA
This area received six inches of snow slowing the ice-making process. At best, most small lakes have four inches of ice so the limited fishing options that existed have been put on hold until the ice thickens.
Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

GRAND MARAIS AREA
Most small lakes have four to six inches of ice, but ice depths aren’t as favorable on the bigger bodies of water with pockets of open water. Look to Elbow Lake for perch in six feet and to Homer Lake for walleyes in 12 to 15 feet – jigs and minnows on setlines are working best. There hasn’t been much angling activity on the other lakes as of early this week.
Buck’s Hardware (218) 387-2280

PINE CITY AREA
Anglers were getting out on three to five inches of ice on many of the bays and small lakes. But after last weekend’s snow event dumped over 10 inches of snow on the area, there hasn’t been anyone on the lakes. Reports of slush and varying ice depths have limited activity.
Tall Tales Bait & Tackle (320) 629-8995
 

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North Central Fishing Reports
North Central Minnesota Fishing Report - December 14, 2012
Posted on Thu, 13 Dec 2012

LAKE MILLE LACS
Most of the lake is ice-covered, but there is snow sitting on top of it. Most fishing opportunities are limited to the bays such as Isle, Cove, and Wahkon where six inches of ice seems to be common, but caution is advised in and beyond those areas. Fishing reports have been limited as anglers are just starting to fish the bays.
Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811
www.johnsonsportside.com
Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430
www.terrysboatharbor.com

LAKE OF THE WOODS
Permanent houses are being pulled on the lake along marked roads with nine inches of ice reported in most areas. It’s very important to utilize resort information and their roads as you access the lake on ATVs or snowmobiles. Water clarity is good and walleye action has been consistent in 15 to 22 feet.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau
(800) 382-FISH www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

LEECH LAKE
As of Tuesday morning, most of the main lake had a skim of ice, Walker Bay remained open, and the bays such as Kabekona, Shingobee, and Steamboat had two to three inches of ice. Anglers were getting on a handful of small lakes in the area, with limited fishing success reported.
Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

RAINY LAKE
Six inches of ice has taken hold in Sand Bay, but there are pockets of open water on the main lake. Anglers are just starting to venture out so walleye action has been slow, but spearing and angling for northern pike has improved.
Loon’s Nest (218) 286-5850

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
Seven inches of ice is pretty common on most of the lake, there’s more in some areas, and ATVs are being utilized although you do have to watch for a few cracks that have developed. Spearing has been decent and perch reports are favorable in eight to 13 feet. You’ll find a few walleyes mixed in as well.
Lake Winnie Resort Association                  www.lakewinnie.net

BEMIDJI AREA
Most lakes have four to seven inches of ice on average and they are favorable for walking or in some cases ATV travel. Early fishing reports indicate a decent walleye bite on the nine- to 14-foot breaks of Lake Plantagenet. Spearing has been OK on some lakes, while crappies are being pulled from Bad Medicine Lake and Lake Puposky.
Taber’s Bait (218) 751-5781

BLACKDUCK AREA
Most lakes average five to eight inches of ice, but you’ll find thicker ice in some areas. This region only has about one inch of snow on the lakes so there aren’t any issues with getting around. Anglers are catching walleyes and perch in 10 to 20 feet on Blackduck Lake and Island Lake. Some of the area’s small lakes also are kicking out panfish.
Timberline Sports and Tackle
(218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA
The big lakes are starting to freeze, although some pockets of open water remain. Most lakes have three to six inches of ice, but it varies so you need to watch where you’re going. Round Lake is producing walleyes in 20 feet during the morning and evening hours. On North Long Lake, northern pike are active in less than 10 feet, while crappies and walleyes are being pulled from 17 to 20 feet.
S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League      (218) 829-7010

CROSBY AREA
Ice depths before last weekend’s storm ranged from one to six inches, so slush has developed, but people are walking out and fishing. Black Hoof Lake, Perry Lake, and several other small lakes are producing panfish and northern pike. Look for foot traffic to begin on the bigger lakes such as Rabbit and Serpent as soon as this weekend.
Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle                     (218) 546-6912

EMILY AREA
Most lakes have about five inches of ice and although there’s snow on top of it, people are walking out. Fishing reports have been limited with an occasional crappie report coming off Eagle Lake and Molten Lake as anglers just recently started fishing.
Redding Sports and Spirits                     (218) 763-2191

GRAND RAPIDS AREA
This area received about three inches of snow so the ice is in good shape, with the exception of the big lakes. The small lakes have seven to nine inches and most are providing good spearing. Look for crappies and walleyes in 20 feet at Bowstring Lake and crappies in 18 to 20 feet at Splithand Lake. Bass Lake, Sylvan Bay on the Mississippi River, and Splithand are giving up bluegills in six to 18 feet.
Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281

HACKENSACK AREA
The small lakes have four to six inches of ice, but there hasn’t been much fishing activity taking place. Fortunately, this area missed out on the majority of snow so ice depths should keep improving and fishing pressure is expected to increase by the weekend.
Swanson’s Bait and Tackle                     (218) 675-6176

RED LAKE
The lake now has eight to 10 inches of ice so ATVs are being used. Limits of walleyes have been coming out of seven to 10 feet on jigging spoons or plain hooks and minnows. Several big pike have been caught by walleye anglers as well.
Mort’s Dock (218) 647-8128

ST. CLOUD/EDEN VALLEY AREA
With the exception of a few open spots on some of the bigger lakes, ice has taken hold. There is snow sitting on top of it so anglers have been cautiously checking ice depths around the area and most of them hope to be walking on select lakes this weekend.
Mike’s Bait and Tackle (320) 453-2248
 

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South Central Fishing Reports

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South East Fishing Reports
Southeastern Minnesota Fishing Report - December 14, 2012
Posted on Thu, 13 Dec 2012

FARIBAULT AREA
Most lakes capped with ice Monday night so they weren’t impacted by last weekend’s snow. There’s a good chance a few of the small, shallow lakes could be ready for foot travel by this weekend if it gets cold and the wind doesn’t blow.
Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341

STARBUCK AREA
About six to eight inches of snow hit the area last weekend, ending most ice fishing options that existed. The exception has been on Lake Reno where anglers continue to walk out and catch walleyes during the evening hours in 12 to 14 feet of water.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle               (320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA
Between 12 and 15 inches of snow hit this area leaving ice conditions in poor shape. There was two to four inches of ice on many lakes prior to the snow so slush has developed and there really hasn’t been anyone checking the ice since the snow fell.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports
(320) 235-4097