Houston's fishing report

[Lee Borgersen]

                      Houston's fishing report

Today at 4:51 a.m.

 
In case you didn't know, spring has sprung. Now is the time to get a head start on spring cleaning so we as anglers can make time for more important things, like fishing! In the area, there have been several reports of ice deteriorating. Remaining ice is dangerous and should not be trusted.

 
Lake Superior has been very busy with anglers this last week. Hundreds of boats have flocked to the lake for some early spring salmon fishing. Trolling Dipsy Divers with a variety of bright-colored flashers and spoon baits has been productive. Stickbaits also continue to turn an occasional fish. Once a fish is located, stick to the area to seek out others.

Shorecasters continue to fish the North Shore, casting out for Kamloops rainbows as well. Another popular option continues to be the stream fishing on the tributaries. North Shore streams and Wisconsin streams are all fishable. Floating indicators (bobbers) over a variety of flies and egg patterns with a couple sinkers has caught a few fish.

St. Louis River fishing has yet to get started but should be an option in the coming days. Look to see anglers trying their luck at lake sturgeon (catch and release only) and panfish on the river. Other river opportunities are available if you're willing to travel. The Rainy River has been open for several weeks, however the Big Fork and Little Fork rivers have broken free, making for tough fishing.

Area inland waters are still transitioning from ice to open water, but some lakes are ice-free. It will be a few weeks until docks are in at public accesses. Panfish will start to move up to the shallow bays in the coming week, as temperatures rise. Now is a good time to re-spool summer rods and work on boats and motors.

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.