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Author Topic: REGIONAL FISHING REPORTS  (Read 1936 times)

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Offline Lee Borgersen

  • AKA "Smallmouthguide"
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 :fishing:  Minnesota regional Fishing Reports for April 5, 2019

                         :Fish: :Fish: :Fish: :Fish: :Fish: :Fish:



Great Eight

LAKE MILLE LACS        

Resorts have closed their accesses so there hasn’t but much activity on the lake. A few people were walking on the south end bays for crappies, but the bite has slowed.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Some anglers are still ice fishing with portable houses on the south shore and northern pike action remains hot in 12 feet with live sucker minnows or deadbait on quick strike rigs. Auger extensions are needed. On the Rainy River, boat ramps at Birchdale and Frontier are open. More open water on the river daily and big walleyes are being caught. Jigs tipped with a minnow or plastic are working, as is trolling crankbaits with success. There’s been plenty of sturgeon caught as well. At the Northwest Angle,  a few people are still ice fishing for walleyes, sauger, northern pike, and perch in 14 to 22 feet.

Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau (800) 382-FISH   

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA    

With the exception of some channel areas, you could still get on most lakes as of Tuesday morning. Some shorelines have deteriorated, but most were still intact as of Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been enough people fishing to gather any reports – most anglers seem content waiting for open water.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

LAKE VERMILION

There really hasn’t been anyone on the lake over the past week. There’s water coming over the dam and that has compromised main lake ice conditions. 

Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

Fishing pressure continues to be very minimal with limited access options throughout the lake. There’s still a lot of main lake ice, but the few people venturing out continue to report deep pockets or areas with significant slush so travel of any type is difficult.

Lake Winnie Resort Association                   

LEECH LAKE

Many anglers have been walking out and some shorelines are getting soft, but ATVs were being used on some access areas early this week as well. Perch reports have been good in 4 to 8 feet off Sand Point, Pine Point, and Agency Bay Narrows. Tullibee reports also have been decent off Stoney Point in 25 to 35 feet, and Shingobee Bay is giving up a mixed bag of panfish.

Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

Shriver’s Bait Company (218) 547-2250

RAINY LAKE     

Ice fishing pressure continues to be non-existent, even though lake conditions would allow anglers to get out. Most people have been focusing on the Rainy River walleye bite over the past week. Boats are launching from Nelson Park at Birchdale and some big walleyes have been caught, but the best fishing is still to come.

International Falls CVB (800) 325-5766

RED LAKE

The shorelines and main lake ice conditions remain good, but there hasn’t been anyone on the lake looking for crappies.

Mort’s On Upper Red (218) 647-8128

JR’s Corner Access (320) 290-3838

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO

High water conditions continue to prevent anglers from getting boats on area rivers. Ice fishing options also have ended with most shorelines no longer favorable to access area lakes.

Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO

The ice fishing season has come to an end with marginal ice and open shorelines now common throughout the area. With warm weather in the forecast late this week, the ice is expected to deteriorate quickly.

Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA

A few people were walking out last weekend, but most shorelines have now deteriorated to the point that ice fishing likely won’t be an option or advised by this weekend.

Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255

ANNANDALE AREA

There’s still plenty of main lake ice, but it is starting to show signs of a spring thaw. The shorelines also have busted open, many channels have open water, as does anything with current moving through a lake. The ice fishing season has ended.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE AREA

Some shorelines and access areas are getting beat up so anglers are walking on area lakes. Look to West Battle Lake in 10 to 15 for sunfish and 15 to 20 feet for crappies. Hit Rush Lake and Wall Lake for crappies and sunfish in 15 to 20 feet. Tullibees continue to be found suspended over deep water at Mollie Stark Lake and Clitherall Lake.

Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA

Most anglers in the area have packed up their gear for the winter. Most of the accesses on area lakes are still in decent shape, but the ice is starting to pull away from the shoreline on some lakes. Some jumbo perch are being caught off Diamond Point and the Cameron Park area on Lake Bemidji.

Dick Beardsley Guide Service (218) 556-7172

BLACKDUCK AREA

Ice conditions remain favorable, shorelines are intact, and snowmobiles or ATVs were being used early this week. Blackduck Lake, Island Lake, and Round Lake are giving up perch in 7 to 12 feet. Crappie action is limited to a few fish off Blackduck and Round, but bluegills are going on Gull Lake in 10 to 15 feet.

Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

You’ll find crappies in 5 to 10 feet and sunfish as shallow as 3 to 6 feet on North Long Lake, Pelican Lake, and Nisswa Lake. Main lake ice remains strong, but some shorelines have started to deteriorate so fishing options could change by this weekend.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League  (218) 829-7010

CASS LAKE AREA

Perch remain active on Pike Bay Lake or the Star Island area of Cass Lake in 7 feet, but the size of these fish has diminished. Grace Lake started giving up bluegills and Portage Lake is kicking out crappies. You’ll find tullibees over 35 feet or more on Cass. Snowmobiles and ATVs were being used early this week, but the shorelines are starting to bust loose so that might not be an option by this weekend.

Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831             

CHISAGO AREA   

Fishing options have become limited now that most shorelines have pulled away enough to prevent anglers from getting on area lakes. There’s still plenty of main lake ice, but getting to it has become nearly impossible.

Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA

Main lake ice remains intact, but getting on it has become difficult. As a result, most ice fishing options will likely be ended by this weekend. If you do a find a lake to get on look for sunfish and crappies in any shallow weed areas.

Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

DETROIT LAKES AREA

Height of Land Lake, Lake Melissa, and Lake Ida are giving up sunfish in 12 to 15 feet and crappies over 15 to 20 feet. Star Lake and Long Lake continue to produce tullibees, which are suspended over deep water. Some accesses are starting to get beat up, while others remain intact. It depends on the lake, but foot traffic or ATV use should be a go this weekend.

Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA  

A handful of anglers continued to walk on a couple of lakes last weekend, but that might not be an option any longer. Most shorelines on the inland lakes have busted loose and the ice is reported as soft. The rivers and creeks are flowing and the ice has blown out from the shoreline on Lake Superior. This has allowed anglers to fish from shore in the Lester River area for Kamloops and coho salmon. The bite is just starting and should only get better over the next week.

Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

EAST CENTRAL MN

The shorelines and access areas have now deteriorated enough that getting on area lakes has become difficult. A few anglers were walking out early this week, but fishing pressure has been limited.

Tales and Trails Sport Shop (763) 856-3985

ELY AREA

Early this week, the shorelines and accesses remained intact, the snow is off the lakes and ATVs were being used. You also need to avoid any current areas, which have started to open. Crappie action remains strong during the morning hours over 20 to 25 feet at Fall Lake, Garden Lake, South Farm Lake, and Birch Lake.

Arrowhead Outdoors (218) 365-5358

EMILY AREA

Anglers continue to use ATVs or walk on area lakes with some shorelines more beat up than others. Fishing pressure has been very limited, despite the fact that you could still get on most lakes without any issues early this week.

Redding Sports and Spirits (218) 763-2191

FAIRMONT AREA

With the exception of some floating ice on a couple lakes, most are wide open. Lakes George, Sissiton, and Budd are among those that are already ice-free, so look for those to start providing open-water crappie action soon.

Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

FARIBAULT AREA

Ice fishing is no longer an option with the shorelines now open quite a ways on area lakes. Some lakes have stretches of open water as well. Anglers have started fishing for panfish below the dams and slack water areas of the Cannon River.

John’s Bait & Tackle (507) 332-6787

FERGUS FALLS AREA

Anglers are limited to walking on area lakes and they are encountering a top later of slush and water before they hit solid ice. Tullibees are being found suspended over deep water at Pebble Lake and Jewett Lake. Panfish reports have been sporadic with some fish coming off Norway Lake and Anna Lake in shallow water.

Little Chief Outpost (218) 998-5050

GRAND MARAIS AREA

Fishing pressure has dropped way off now that trout season is closed. There’s been some limited walleye reports coming off the border lakes such as Saganaga, but there isn’t a lot of people ice fishing at this point. The streams are starting to bust loose and a few anglers have found some steelhead, but most seem to be staged outside the rivers.

Buck’s Hardware (218) 387-2280

GREY EAGLE AREA

The shorelines on area lakes have pulled away enough that anglers can no longer get on the ice. A few anglers have been using creative means to get on a couple lakes, but that will likely end by this weekend as well.

Nancy’s Bait & Tackle (320) 285-2405

HACKENSACK AREA

A few accesses are starting to get beat up, but ATVs were being used on most lakes early this week. Bluegills are being caught on Birch Lake, Pleasant Lake, Mule Lake, and Broadwater Bay on Woman Lake in 8 to 12 feet of water. The better crappie reports have been coming from 15 feet of water or deeper on Birch, Pleasant, the north side of Webb Lake, and Stoney Lake.

Swanson’s Bait and Tackle (218) 675-6176

LAKE KABETOGAMA

Shoreline ice varies from 6 to 12 inches with some areas opening up a bit more. On the main lake, there’s still 18 to 24 inches of ice with a little slush on top. Crappies have begun to hit in Lost Bay, Ash River and other traditional staging areas. Perch action has been hit or miss over deep mud.

Gateway Store (218) 875-2121

MORA AREA

The shorelines have now pulled away enough that ice fishing is no longer an option on any lake. The anglers going out last weekend also reported that the ice was getting soft.

Jerry’s Sport & Bait Shop (320) 679-2151

ORTONVILLE AREA

The south end of Big Stone Lake, by the bridge, is open in a small stretch. There’s still a lot of main lake ice, but it’s getting soft and the shorelines have started to open. By this weekend, it’s likely that you won’t be able to walk on the lake.

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

PARK RAPIDS AREA

Third, Fourth, and Sixth Crow Wing lakes continue to produce sunfish on the 8- to 12-foot weedbeds. Look for crappies on Boulder Lake and Big Mantrap Lake over 20 to 25 feet. The shorelines and accesses have started to bust loose a bit, but ATVs or walking out are still options and should be this weekend if it doesn’t get too warm.

Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

Smokey Hills Outdoors (218) 237-5099

PERHAM AREA

With the shorelines deteriorating, ice fishing options have become limited. There was still a few anglers heading out early this week, but with warm weather expected, getting on any lake could be difficult by this weekend.

Gene’s Sport Shop (218) 346-3355

RED WING AREA

Water levels on the Mississippi River were still rising early this week, but it was expected to crest mid-week. Boat ramps remained closed and it looks like it might be another week before the river again becomes accessible.

Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334

RICHMOND/ST. CLOUD AREA

Ice conditions continue to deteriorate fast. Anything with moving water is starting to open and poor shoreline conditions have prevented anglers from getting on other lakes. The ice on most main lake areas is starting to look poor as well.

Channel Marine and Sports (320) 597-5975

SAUK CENTRE AREA

As of Tuesday morning, anglers were walking on Fairy Lake and Maple Lake and using ATVs on Lake Osakis. The shorelines are deteriorating fast so getting on by this weekend could be difficult. The north side and southwest corner of Fairy is producing sunfish in 10 to 12 feet, the east shore of Maple is giving up sunfish in 10 to 14 feet, and the north end of Osakis continues to kick out crappies and sunfish in 10 to 12 feet.

Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155

STARBUCK AREA

Anglers are waiting for the marinas and bays to open now that ice fishing is no longer an option. The shorelines on area lakes have busted loose and main lake ice is starting to show of a spring thaw as well.

Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA

The shorelines have started to open and main lake ice is getting soft. A few anglers were walking on some lakes early this week and catching panfish.  With warm weather expected, those might not be options by this weekend so call ahead. Foot Lake, Long Lake, Green Lake, and Big Calhoun Lake have seen some activity for panfish in shallow water.

J&J Hwy. 71 Bait and Tackle (320) 235-4097

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

Most lake edges have opened enough to put an end to the ice fishing season. Main lake ice also is deteriorating and with warm weather expected this week, the ice could go out quickly.

Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880
« Last Edit: April 04/05/19, 03:16:57 AM by Lee Borgersen »
Proud Member of the CWCS.
http://www.cwcs.org

Member of Walleyes For Tomorrow.
www.walleyesfortomorrow.org

              Many BWCA Reports
http://leeslakegenevaguideservice.com/boundry_%2712.htm

If you help someone when they're in trouble, they will remember you when they're in trouble again

Offline Lee Borgersen

  • AKA "Smallmouthguide"
  • Pro-Staff
  • Master Outdoorsman
  • *
  • Posts: 15328
  • Karma: +40/-562
  • 2008-2011-2018-2019 2020 Fish Challenge Champ!
    • Lee's Lake Geneva Guide Service

 :fishing: Regional Fishin Reports fur .. Da Region?  :scratch: ER what ever :crazy:



 :reporter; 4/10/19



Great Eight


LAKE MILLE LACS
       

There’s still a lot of main lake ice, although most reports indicate that it is getting soft and honeycombed. Some shorelines remain intact and others have started to pull away – most resorts have shut down their accesses. There was some limited action for tullibees last weekend, but fishing pressure continues to be fairly light.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Good walleye and northern pike ice fishing has been reported, but most have put away their ice fishing gear and are focused on the open water bite on the Rainy River.  Back bays will be open soon and big pike will be the target – walleyes are open through April 14 and pike season open continuous. On the Rainy River, boat ramps are open from Baudette to Birchdale and the river is open in front of resorts at Wheeler’s Point with access predicted to open any day. Many big walleyes are being caught via jigging with a minnow or plastics and some are trolling crankbaits with success. There’s been a lot of sturgeon in the mix – sturgeon are catch and release through April 23, with the keep season starting April 24. At the Northwest Angle, a few anglers are still ice fishing and catching walleyes in 14 to 22 feet. This time of year, call ahead to resorts for daily info and ice conditions.

Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau (800) 382-FISH
   

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA   


Many small bays are starting to open, but the lakes and larger bays remained ice covered early this week. Basically, the ice is not in good enough shape to get on and there’s too much of it to fish open water.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

LAKE VERMILION

Any areas with moving water have started to open and some shorelines have busted loose quite a bit. There’s still a lot of main lake ice, but fishing action has been nonexistent.

Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

A lack of access options and deteriorating shorelines has meant very limited perch fishing over the past week. Resorts have shut things down for the season so it’s tough to get on.

Lake Winnie Resort Association                   

LEECH LAKE

There was still quite a bit of activity last weekend for tullibees and perch, but a lot of anglers reported that the shorelines are getting rough and main lake ice is getting soft. If you can get on the ice, the bite should be good, but many people stated that it was risky early this week.

Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

Shriver’s Bait Company (218) 547-2250

RAINY LAKE    

The lake still has plenty of ice, but fishing on it seems to no longer be much of a draw. Most anglers are fishing the Rainy River, accesses are open, boats of all sizes are being used, and the walleye and sauger action has been good.

International Falls CVB (800) 325-5766

RED LAKE

Ice fishing remained an option early this week, but there hasn’t been enough people on the lake to garner any type of report.

Mort’s On Upper Red (218) 647-8128

JR’s Corner Access (320) 290-3838

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO

After Monday’s warm weather, many lakes are now ice-free. The ice that does remain is limited, rotten, and going out quickly. A handful of anglers have started fishing from shore for crappies, but success was limited early this week.

Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO

The small lakes are now mostly open and any remaining ice throughout the area is limited. Monday’s wind and warm weather chewed away at the ice and seemed to eliminate most of it.

Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

SOUTH METRO

Lakes such as Crystal, O’Dowd, and Spring are open or close to being ice-free. Even the ice on the bigger lakes such Prior is melting fast. A few anglers have tried some of those traditional spring crappie spots, but the fish hadn’t shown up as of this writing.

Prior Lake Bait & Tackle (952) 447-6096

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA

There were people walking on some lakes last weekend, but after Monday’s warm weather and wind, most anglers have put away the winter gear. Ice conditions were deteriorating fast early this week so it’s likely that getting on the ice won’t be a safe option this weekend.

Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255

ANNANDALE AREA

There’s a lot of open water around the shorelines of all lakes and anything with a channel or moving water has opened and started extending into the lakes. Much of the ice that remains looks pretty rotten so ice fishing has come to an end.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE AREA

A handful of anglers were walking out last weekend on a few lakes, but the shorelines and accesses have started to open enough that those might not be an option this weekend. The best bet is to call ahead and see how conditions have changed in the past few days.

Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA

There isn’t much to report as very few anglers continue to venture onto the ice any longer. You can still get on many lakes, but shoreline ice is pulling away and fishing reports have been limited.

Dick Beardsley Guide Service (218) 556-7172

BLACKDUCK AREA

Gull Lake is producing bluegills and perch in 10 to 15 feet, while Blackduck Lake and Island Lake are giving up perch and an occasional crappie in 7 to 12 feet. ATVs were still being used on area lakes early this week, so there should be some ice fishing options this weekend.

Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Anglers are walking on both ends of North Long Lake and catching sunfish and crappies in 5 to 10 feet. Most small lakes were seeing some foot traffic early this week, but many channels have opened. Ice conditions vary from lake to lake and some shorelines have deteriorated quite a bit, so plan on walking and checking the ice before you venture out.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

CASS LAKE AREA

There are patches of open water near any current areas, but the shorelines are holding up on most lakes. There hasn’t been anyone on Cass Lake or Pike Bay Lake over the past week, but people are heading to Big Lake for sunfish, crappies, and perch in 6 to 8 feet.

Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831             

CHISAGO AREA  

The shorelines have now opened enough that anglers can no longer get on any lake. The ice that remains is starting to turn black and some channels are starting to open as well.

Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA

The ice fishing season has come to an end as the shorelines have now pulled far enough away on area lakes to prevent people from getting on. There’s still a lot of main lake ice, but it’s also deteriorating, and any areas with moving water have started to open.

Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

DETROIT LAKES AREA

Most shorelines have started to bust loose, but people were walking out early this week for panfish on Height of Land Lake, Cotton Lake, and Deadshot Bay. Tullibees also were being found suspended over deep water on Long Lake. Ice conditions are changing rapidly and people are limited to where the shorelines are still allowing them to walk on.

Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA   

The inland lakes are not fishable with open shorelines and deteriorating ice throughout them. Anglers are fishing the mouths of the Lester and French rivers on Lake Superior for Kamloops with a few fish being caught, but success has been limited. The rivers and creeks are starting to move and with this weekend’s stream trout opener, there should be some brook trout in the creeks.

Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

EAST CENTRAL MN

The ice took a beating during last weekend’s rain and Monday’s wind and warm weather. The ice that remains continues to deteriorate, while most channels and shorelines have started to open.

Tales and Trails Sport Shop (763) 856-3985

ELY AREA

Most anglers are walking out as the shorelines are getting soft. You’ll find crappies in less than 15 feet on Hobo Lake and Bass Lake. The bigger lakes such as White Iron, Fall, and Birch are producing crappies over 20 to 30 feet.

Arrowhead Outdoors (218) 365-5358

EMILY AREA

There was enough ice to walk on last weekend on most lakes, but the few people going had to be creative to get on it due to open shorelines and access points. At this point, the ice fishing season has come to an end.

Redding Sports and Spirits (218) 763-2191

FAIRMONT AREA

The lakes are ice-free and some open water fishing has started. Anglers fishing from shore on Tuttle Lake, along the Minnesota/Iowa border, are catching walleyes in 4 to 6 feet with jigs and plastics or minnows. Crappies have yet to show up in their traditional, early spring locations.

Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

FARIBAULT AREA

Any ice that remained melted away on Monday and all lakes are now completely open. There hasn’t been much for open water reports at this point, but look to those, shallow spring spots for crappies as soon as the water begins to warm.

John’s Bait & Tackle (507) 332-6787

HACKENSACK AREA

It’s likely there’s going to be people walking out this weekend on some lakes, but the shorelines are opening and accesses are getting beat up. Look for perch and some bluegills in the bays on Woman Lake in 6 to 10 feet. Bluegills also were going in less than 10 feet on Birch Lake, Pleasant Lake, Mule Lake, and Ten Mile Lake. Crappie reports have been best at Stoney Lake or the  north side of Webb Lake with some being found shallow and others suspended over deep water.

Swanson’s Bait and Tackle (218) 675-6176

LANESBORO AREA

Early this week, stream conditions were perfect for fishing and the bite has been going strong. With rain and snow in the forecast late this week, that could change so watch the weather. The small creeks have been kicking out numbers of brown trout and brook trout with spinners, streamers, dry flies, and nymphs all producing fish. Rainbow trout action has been good with similar presentations at Whitewater State Park.

Root River Rod Company (507) 467-2101

MADISON LAKE AREA

The lakes are completely ice-free and some open water fishing has started. Anglers are using boats and heading into Baker’s Bay on Lake Washington for crappies and sunfish over 14 to 20 feet. People fishing from shore are catching panfish at the culvert on the west end of Lake Francis, and look to the Sawmill Pond area of Big Jefferson Lake to start producing crappies.

Corner Bait (507) 243-4464

ORTONVILLE AREA

The south end of Big Stone Lake has some open water out from the bridge. The shorelines also have opened and the ice that remains on the main lake is black and melting fast.

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

PARK RAPIDS AREA

There’s still a lot of main lake ice, but the few people fishing last weekend reported black, honeycombed ice with some spots that were very thin and weak. The shorelines also have pulled away, putting an end to this ice fishing season.

Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

Smokey Hills Outdoors (218) 237-5099

PERHAM AREA

There were a few opportunities to walk on some lakes last weekend, but after Sunday’s rain and Monday’s warm temperatures, the ice fishing season has come to an end. The anglers going out last weekend reported open shorelines and soft, main lake ice.

Gene’s Sport Shop (218) 346-3355

RED WING AREA

The public ramps and accesses on the Mississippi River remain closed due to high water levels. The river was not expected to drop any this week and with measurable rain and snow in the forecast, conditions likely won’t improve.

Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334

RICHMOND/ST. CLOUD AREA

Shorelines continue to open farther into the lakes and much of the ice that remains is black and deteriorating fast. Any culverts, streams, or current areas also have opened large stretches of water on some lakes. There has been a few anglers fishing open water on the Sauk River Chain and catching catfish.

Channel Marine and Sports (320) 597-5975

SAUK CENTRE AREA

There was some ice fishing activity on a couple of lakes last weekend, but that has come to an end. The shorelines on most lakes have opened beyond repair and main lake ice appears to be deteriorating fast.

Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155

STARBUCK AREA

The Starbuck Marina on Lake Minnewaska is ice-free and although a few people have been fishing it, crappies have not shown up. Many bays or moving water areas are mostly ice-free, main lake ice remains throughout the area, and shorelines have now busted open.

Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA

There’s still quite a bit of main lake ice, but the shorelines, bridge areas, and culverts have opened enough that ice fishing is no longer an option. Anglers have started fishing from shore for crappies with limited success on a few lakes. The culvert on Ringo Lake has produced some crappies.

J&J Hwy. 71 Bait and Tackle (320) 235-4097

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

The majority of lakes are ice-free and those that aren’t are getting very close to being completely open. Anglers fishing from shore are catching crappies on Lake Sarah and Lake Shetek. Depending on the weather this week, crappies are expected to start biting on many lakes that traditionally produce them in the spring.

Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880
« Last Edit: April 04/10/19, 04:54:26 PM by Lee Borgersen »
Proud Member of the CWCS.
http://www.cwcs.org

Member of Walleyes For Tomorrow.
www.walleyesfortomorrow.org

              Many BWCA Reports
http://leeslakegenevaguideservice.com/boundry_%2712.htm

If you help someone when they're in trouble, they will remember you when they're in trouble again