Huston's fishing report

[Lee Borgersen]

   Houston's fishing report


Apr 2, 2017

 
We are off and into open-water thinking mode. As most know, the season for game fish has been closed — unless you target panfish or rough fish, or fish Lake Superior and tributaries. Another option is to travel to find fishable waters like the Rainy River, Mississippi Pools, etc.

We have been organizing our inventory and packing away ice gear. A couple of quick tips: Charge electronics every eight weeks throughout the off-season, use fuel stabilizer mixed in with gas in augers before storage, air out portables and throw in mothballs and dryer sheets to deter rodents.

 
Inland lakes are still mostly ice-covered with dangerous ice conditions. We should see ice-out on most inland waters in the near future. Look for shoreline opportunities to catch some panfish once we have ice-outs. Warmer shallow waters with live bait will do the trick.

The St. Louis River is now transitioning nicely into open water and will be ready for early season panfish in the very near future.

Stream trout fishing has been a popular angling opportunity, especially at the Brule River in Wisconsin. Drifting flies with indicators has been a good tactic. Look for deeper holes and structure.

Lake Superior is still seeing shore anglers trying their luck at Kamloops rainbows from shore using long rods, spawn or wax worms and weighted bobbers. Anglers are also taking to the open water in boats and trolling up coho salmon with Shad Raps or spoons. The occasional lake trout is also being caught near shore.

Jarrid Houston of South Range is a fishing guide (houstonsguideservice.com) on Minnesota and Wisconsin inland waters, the St. Louis River and, in winter, on Lake Superior.