Anglers are enjoying some great fishing action throughout the state! Please remember that temperature, snow cover, currents, springs and rough fish all affect the stability of ice which could be two feet thick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away. It is important to check ice depth at least every 150 feet--please exercise caution and check ice depth often. According to the Minnesota DNR, 4 inches of new, clear ice is the minimum thickness recommended for travel by foot. A minimum of 5 inches of new, clear ice is recommended for snowmobiles and ATV's, and at least 8-12 inches of new, clear ice is advised for cars and small trucks. Items recommended for checking ice thickness include an ice chisel, ice auger, cordless drill and a tape measure. Anglers heading out onto the ice should also carry ice claws and a long rope, and wear a floatation device and ice cleats. Check out the Minnesota DNR's Ice Safety web page before heading out, and consult with a local bait shop and lakeside resort for the most current ice conditions.
The fishing season for walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass remains open through February 24, 2013. Smallmouth bass, however, are catch-and-release only from September 12 through February 24. The winter season for lake trout within the BWCA runs December 29, 2012 through March 31, 2013--outside of the BWCA, January 12-March 31. The winter season for stream trout in southern Minnesota is catch-and-release only, running January 1 through March 31, 2013. The season for stream trout in lakes runs from January 12 through March 31, 2013.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
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Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Walleye fishing has been best during early morning hours on Sand Bay. Northern pike anglers are taking the most fish around Rainy Lake City. For walleye, hit 30 feet of water using a jig and minnow; for the pike, try a large minnow on a spinner rig at the shallower edges. While anglers are starting to hit areas farther east on Rainy Lake now that ice conditions have improved, there haven't been any reports of large catches yet. The National Park Service has staked and opened most snowmobile trails, but some on-land portages remain closed since more work and additional snow are needed. Outside the park, groomers have been able to hit Big Falls and have cleaned up the trails' connection to the east. 1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Conditions have been perfect for ice making, and if temperatures remain similar to last week there should be an ice road by the middle of January. Lake Kabetogama is in great shape for four-wheeler and snowmobile traffic as is evident by the many groups of ice shacks that have appeared. Walleye action has been good, with anglers finding fish in the 24-28 feet of water. The best presentation has been a small jig tipped with a fathead or shiner minnow. Northern pike spearing has slowed somewhat, but anglers are having lots of success using small suckers and a tip-up. Pike are coming from a variety of depths so expect some fast action. While cold temperatures have helped improved conditions, you must still be very cautious when traveling in these areas. 1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
The ice continues to grow, and most area lakes now have at least 10 inches of ice, some lakes having ice up to a foot thick. Please remember that ice is never 100% safe, especially where there are currents and water flows through choke points such as between islands. Please exercise caution and check ice thickness often. Northern pike anglers are having the most success. Suckers fished along weed edges and rocky points have produced pike up to 15-pounds recently, with spearers have managed to take pike weighing up to 20-pounds. Most walleye have been on the smaller side, but that should change as more areas become accessible as travel becomes safer. Some good crappie and bluegill action has been reported by anglers using small minnows or tiny jigs and spoons tipped with waxworms. Trout season is now open for lakes within the Boundary Waters, and the season will open for lakes outside the Boundary Waters on January 12. 1-800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
1-800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
In the Boundary Waters, the trout season is officially underway and those trekking in are being rewarded with wonderful catches. Trout stamps are sold at most bait and tackle shops, as well as online at the Minnesota DNR website. On Duncan and Daniels lakes, the lake trout are coming through the ice on spoons tipped with a minnow head, tail or cisco. The trout continue to school in depths of 25-50 feet of water. Next week, the trout season will be open on all Cook County lakes so grab your auger and enjoy some great fishing action! Walleye anglers are taking fish from clear waters on jigs and rapalas tipped with shiners or chubs. The best action has been along the weed edges on Twin and Kimball lakes near the Gunflint Trail. On Pike Lake, outside of Grand Marais and north of Lutsen, some walleye are being pulled from roughly 20 feet of water on jig and minnow combinations. The northern pike bite on Homer Lake, just off The Grade (US Forest Service Roads 153 and 165), has been exceptional in 20-30 feet of water.
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
Anglers are enjoying great action throughout the Grand Rapids area. Walleye fishing on Pokegama Lake has been good with several nice walleye being reported. Anglers fishing for crappies and bluegills are having success on Big and Little Splithand, Rice and Bass lakes, as well as in the Tioga Beach area of Pokegama Lake. Several nice northern pike have been reported, along with lots of pike in the 6- to 12-pound range.
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Lots of fish are being pulled from Lake of the Woods. Saugers are outnumbering walleye on the south end of the lake. Most houses have been placed over 25-31 feet of water. During morning and evening hours, walleye action has been best in depths of 15-20 feet, especially when using gold, red or glow red colors. Use a plain hook for your deadstick. Ice conditions are improving, and most resorts with access roads are now allowing 1/2-ton vehicles. Ice at Four Mile Bay is measuring roughly 13-inches, and there is approximately 16-inches of ice where resorts are traveling. Please be safe and stick to resort ice roads. Up at the Northwest Angle, good numbers of nice-sized walleye and saugers are coming from 20-30 feet of water. Both mud and reef fishing has been productive. Whitefish, crappies and northern pike has also been active. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Ice is growing on lakes in the Bemidji area have after consecutive nights of below-zero temperatures and daily highs struggling to rise into the single digits above zero. Most lakes now have at least ten inches of good ice, with Upper Red Lake having roughly 15 inches of ice. Walleye anglers on Upper Red Lake have been finding walleye moving further out from shore into 9-12 feet of water. Anglers may want to keep moving until they are getting bites or at least until they see walleye moving through on a regular basis on their sonar. Crappie anglers are finding fish on the edges of the deep holes in 25-35 feet of water in most lakes. The crappies are usually suspended several feet off the bottom, so electronics have been helpful to get their presentations at the same level as the crappies. Sunfish usually like the deep edge of the weeds or mud flats in less than 30 feet of water. Sunfish will often stick tight to the weeds or close to bottom where they can feed on insects. Licensed anglers are allowed to fish two lines during the winter in Minnesota. Many anglers like to watch their main line with sonar and fish for walleye or panfish, putting out a tip-up baited with a larger minnow for northern pike, bass or larger walleye on their for their second line. 1-800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
The fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish has been very good this week, with lots of walleye being taken. The shore drops from 12-18 foot depths are giving up the majority of walleye. The main lake bars and humps have also been good when fishing 14-18 foot depths. Jigging spoons and minnow heads are the best presentations at this time, especially from 1:00 p.m. until dark. Perch are biting well on sunny days. The west side perch bite is 8-12 feet deep, and the main lake perch bite is 18-25 feet deep. Small minnows and waxworms have been best. Northern pike have been aggressive, and tip-up anglers have been catching large pike in the same locations as the perch. Set your tip-ups 3 feet off the bottom and using 4- to 6-inch suckers or large shiners for the most action. Ice conditions are generally good. Most ice measures 13- to 15-inches thick with very little snow cover. As always, ice moves and there are some ice heaves--check with your resort to verify the safest paths to travel. At the river, Tamarac Bay has been good for travel due to 12 inches of ice. Highbanks has a three-mile road leading to the north humps and travel is good. Beckers and McArdles are running out by the River Bar. Dixon Lake is going out of Third River. Denny's and Nodak Lodge have roads out to Horseshoe and Bena bars. Tamarac has a road throughout the bay. Again, please check in with the resort where you will access the lake prior to travel.
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
The fishing has been absolutely phenomenal, with limits taken from three area lakes by anglers and spearers most days this week. The walleye bite on Walker Bay has been incredible, with nearly all anglers taking their limits each day. Rainbows and shiners are producing the majority of fish, and large jigging spoons with lots of flutter seem to work best, especially during evening hours. The panfish bite has been strong, with lots of nice-size fish being reported. Crappie anglers are also taking limits of fish. Northern pike spearers report lots of fish. The ice is now 9- to 12-inches thick on most of Walker Bay on Leech Lake. Many of the smaller area lakes have ice measuring 10- to 15-inches thick. Smaller vehicles and four-wheelers are traveling out onto the ice on most area lakes. Those planning to drive out must ensure that the ice is thick enough for the vehicle that you are driving. Fortunately, the small amount of snow and current temperatures are building ice quickly. The lack of slush has also been a plus. 1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comHackensack
Good numbers of nice-size crappies are being pulled from many area lakes. Birch, Webb and Stony lakes have all been producing some nice fish. Small crappie minnows have been best for a large meal; for some true "slabs," use small- to medium-sized fatheads. Once the stars come out, tie on a glow jig and keep it glowing! Sunfish have been less active, although fish are being taken by anglers using waxies on a fast-falling, small jig. 800-279-6932
Park Rapids
1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
The bite over the holidays and into the New Year has been excellent in the Detroit Lakes area. Crappies, sunfish, perch, walleye and northern pike are all being taken. Ice conditions are great due to cold temperatures and a lack of snow. While there is enough snow for snowmobile travel on the lakes, ATV travel has been difficult. Some anglers are drive vehicles out now that ice thickness ranges from 12- to 16-inches on most area lakes. Walleye have been biting in 16-34 feet of water and relating to sharp the breaks off the weedlines. Suckers and shiners on dead sticks or tip-ups have been working best. Fatheads or rainbows on jigs or jigging spoons have also been productive. Most fish have been tight to the bottom. Perch are relating to similar structure. Crappies seem to have two primary patterns: suspended off sharp breaks or hanging in the deep basin mud areas. Jigs, jigging spoons, small minnows, waxworms and plastics are all working well. Be sure to set your presentation 1- to 2-feet above the fish you are marking. Sunfish are still active in and above the weeds. For the most fish, use waxies, pieces of nightcrawler or plastics on small jigs. Northern pike action is best close to healthy weed growth when using large minnows under bobbers or tip-ups. 1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Late last week, ice ranged from 6-12 inches thick on Otter Tail Lake, and anglers were bringing out their fish houses. Four-wheelers remained the best mode of travel. Fish were biting in 20-30 feet of water. All accesses were open. As always, please consult with an area bait shop or resort for the most current conditions, and remember that ice is never completely safe. 1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comGlenwood
As of December 21, ice thickness measured 7-10 inches on Lake Minnewaska. Four-wheelers are hauling some larger houses out onto the lake. Walleye action has been good, with jigs and fathead minnows worked during late afternoon hours in 12-15 feet of water being best. There have also been some reports of crappie and sunnie action on Little Mary Lake. Anglers must continue to use extreme caution when venturing out onto the ice.
www.glenwoodlakesarea.orgPine River
1-800-728-6926;
http://www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
Gull, Round and North Long lakes now have lots of small- to medium-size fish houses on them. Just last week, ice measured roughly 5-9 inches in most areas. Four-wheeler traffic has been pretty heavy on most area the lakes. Round Lake has been great for lots of fish, however, it is obvious the word has gotten out as the lake has been very busy. The best approach has been to fish the humps and points in 14-18 feet of water using a glow jig tipped with a minnow head. Gull Lake has been giving up walleye 14-30 feet of water depending on the day. One recommendation is to drill numerous holes so switching depths is easy. Lower South Long Lake is producing a good number of crappies. Rice Lake has been good for a decent number of panfish. For the most fish, use scud bugs tipped with euro-larvae. 1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comAitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
1-800-526-8342;
www.aitkin.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Many fish houses have been pulled onto Lake Mille Lacs. The roads are "plowed" and the ice conditions are generally good. Some resorts have weight restrictions and bridges in place--please be sure to check with your resort for the most current conditions before accessing the lake. Ice thickness is running 13- to 15-inches on average. As always, there are cracks and ice heaves. The walleye bite has been best in 20-23 feet of water, with fish coming from the rocks, gravel and mud during the day and at dark. Static lines (bobbers/tip-ups/dead stick/rattle reels) are producing more fish than jigging this week. Try a whole shiner on a glow jig such as a Demon, Gem-n-Eye or teardrop on one line, and a hawger spoon or swim jig with a piece of minnow on the other. The northern pike bite remains good in Wigwam and Cove bays, with suckers and shiners under a tip-up turning numbers of fish. 1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
A variety of fish continue to be taken from many area lakes. Walleye, northern pike and panfish are being pulled from Andrew, Norway and Florida lakes. Eagle and Green lakes are producing nice walleye and some crappies. Big Kandiyohi and Wakanda lakes are also producing nice walleye and perch. The best time to be out is during early morning and late afternoon hours, with depths of 15-30 feet of water recommended. Ice conditions in the Willmar Lakes Area have continued to improve! Approximately 12- to 16-inches of ice is being measured on most area lakes. 1-800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Area Lakes
651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
Anglers have been bringing their permanent houses out onto Lake Waconia over the last few days, and placing them at all the usual ice fishing holes. The ice is averaging 11- to 12-inches thick, and the quality is excellent. Anglers must still use caution, and watch for areas marked with lathe board and caution tape placed where springs are located. The bite has been excellent on Waconia Bay, with anglers taking lots of sunnies and perch during the day, and good numbers of crappies during evening hours. For the most fish, hit the weeds in 9-13 feet of water using waxworms during the day and crappie minnows at night. There have also been good reports coming from Pillsbury and Center Reef anglers working similar depths. Be sure to put a tip-up out with a small to medium sucker minnow for some amazing northern pike action. There has been an increase in walleye action on Lake Waconia, with anglers reporting several fish a night. Most walleye, however, are undersized, measuring 10- to 15-inches. 952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Ice conditions remain unstable on most lakes in this region of the state--no further information is available on hard water angling.
Winona- Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has open water in the main channel. Near the Corp of Engineers Lock and Dams, some anglers pursuing walleye are having success using jigs and live bait and minnows. In the backwater areas, a few spots have 2- to 3-inches of ice and the colder temperatures early in the week should result in 4- to 5-inches of ice by the end of the week. Some sunfish, crappies and perch are currently being taken on waxworms or spikes. In the near future, tip-ups will work well with sucker and shiner minnows. 1-800-657-4972;
www.visitwinona.com Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
1-800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comRochester -Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
The open water winter trout fishing season began January 1. While it is catch-and-release for brown trout and rainbow trout, the high quality fishing on area streams and rivers almost always makes for an exciting outing. Information on what is biting and where should be available for next week's report--please check back then! 1-800-634-8277;
www.rochestercvb.org Faribault Area Lakes
1-800-658-2354;
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
1-800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
1-800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville - Big Stone Lake
1-800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com 
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