Regional Fishing Reports

[Lee Borgersen]

Minnesota Fishin Reports


Report – Oct. 19, 2018
 

LAKE MILLE LACS
Fishing activity has been limited, mainly due to poor weather conditions. Once the winds calm, walleyes should be an easy catch with crankbaits on the shallow- to mid-depth rocks, especially during the evening hours. Muskies also should start to move onto the shallow rocks as water temps drop enough to get the tullibees up to spawn. For now, trolling on the north end sand breaks has been best.
Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811
Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS
Good numbers of walleyes were caught despite a lot of precipitation this past week. They are staging at various south shore locations in 20 to 29 feet and hitting a jig and frozen shiners. Strong walleye activity continues on the Rainy River with a jig and frozen shiners and some anglers also are trolling crankbaits. Sturgeon continue to have the feed bag on. At the Northwest Angle, limits of walleyes are being caught on jigs in 14 to 25 feet. Look to areas of current in neck down spots and outside of bays. The crappie bite continues strong, big pike are making their presence felt, and muskie trollers are boating good numbers of fish.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau (800) 382-FISH


LAKE MINNETONKA AREA
Lake Independence started kicking out walleyes in 15 to 17 feet on Lindy Rigs and minnows. On Minnetonka, minnows are producing walleyes just outside the channels in 15 to 18 feet in the late afternoon and in the channels at night. The channels are giving up crappies as well. Pike and largemouth bass remain active on the weed flats of Minnetonka. Muskie reports have been sporadic, but sucker minnows are turning a few in 10 to 12 feet on Minnetonka and Independence. Hunting reports have been light.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

LAKE VERMILION
Steady winds and cold have limited fishing opportunities since last week, but the few anglers going are catching walleyes. Trolling crankbaits over 6 feet in Pike Bay, leadcore and crankbaits in 20 to 25 feet in Daisy Bay, and a jig and minnow on the reefs in 25 to 30 feet has all produced fish. Muskie action continues to be best on top of the shallow rocks and points.
Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
The weather has really kept most people off the lake since last week. With some improved conditions, a jig and minnow will produce walleyes and perch on the points, shoreline breaks, and remaining weed edges.
Lake Winnie Resort Association

LEECH LAKE
Windy weather has again limited angling pressure since last week. When people can get out, walleyes are being taken with minnows on the points and deep humps in Walker Bay. Perch reports have been best in 9 to 12 feet in the Narrows, Sand Point, Agency Bay, and Cedar Point. Muskie action continues to be best on the shallow rocks with sucker minnows or rubber baits. Waterfowl hunters have started to see more divers moving in.
Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505
Shriver’s Bait Company (218) 547-2250

RAINY LAKE
The weather hasn’t been very good to get out and fish. But those that find windows of opportunity are finding walleyes, pike, and crappies at varying depths around submerged structure. Crappies are also being caught in the west end of Black Bay and up into the Rat Root River. Bird hunters are flushing more grouse as the cover has been coming down, but the weather hasn’t been very cooperative.
International Falls CVB (800) 325-5766

RED LAKE
Reports have been limited due to a lack of people venturing out in the wind, rain, snow, and cold. Hunting action also has been limited, again due to the weather.
Mort’s Dock (218) 647-8128

Twin Cities Metro
NORTHEAST METRO
A jig and minnow is turning walleyes on the 10- to 22-foot points and structure of the St. Croix River. Muskies are hitting sucker minnows in less than 10 feet at Bald Eagle Lake, Forest Lake, and White Bear Lake. Look for sunfish in 8 to 12 feet on Big Marine Lake and Powers Lake, bass on Demontreville Lake, and northern pike in the weeds of Powers and Tanners Lake.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO
Sucker minnows continue to produce northern pike on the 14- to 18-foot weedlines of Steiger Lake and Wasserman Lake. Big sucker minnows remain the best option for muskies off the reefs, carp trap, and swimming beach areas of Lake Waconia. Waconia also is giving up a few walleyes each evening in 16 to 20 feet. Waterfowl activity has slowed and an abundance of wet fields and standing corn has limited pheasant hunting success.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

SOUTH METRO
Prior Lake continues to give up walleyes on minnows in 5 to 15 feet, but fishing pressure has been limited due to the weather. Hunters are reporting good numbers of ducks and geese in the area and most are shooting a mixed bag of ducks as well.
Prior Lake Bait & Tackle (952) 447-6096

Statewide
ANNANDALE AREA
Pleasant Lake and Clearwater Lake are giving up a few walleyes on minnows in 15 to 25 feet. Large sucker minnows have produced a muskie or two on Sugar Lake in 12 to 14 feet. Work the remaining weedlines on Lake John, Granite Lake, Sugar, and Clearwater for bass and northern pike. It was a slow pheasant opener, but hunters are seeing decent numbers of puddle ducks.
Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE AREA
Muskie action has been good with large sucker minnows in the 10- to 20-foot weeds of West Battle Lake and Clitherall Lake. Northern pike also are hitting sucker minnows in 15 to 20 feet on Otter Tail Lake, South Turtle Lake, and West Battle. Walleye reports have varied, but some fish are coming from 18 to 25 feet on Otter Tail, West Battle, Rush Lake, and Fish Lake. Look to Stalker Lake, Donald Lake, and South Turtle for largemouth bass in 10 to 14 feet. Sunfish are being found in 10 to 14 feet on Elbow Lake, Clitherall, West Battle, and Fish. There has been some new ducks moving in, but hunters are seeing better numbers of geese.
Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA
With the cold, windy, snowy weather this past week, there sure hasn’t been many folks out on the lakes. But the walleye bite has been good on Lake Bemidji, Big Lake, Lake Plantagenet, and Turtle River Lake for those braving the elements. Jigs and minnows are producing fish in 12 to 30 feet on these lakes. Look to Bemidji for large pike and muskies by slow-trolling large sucker minnows. You’ll still find bass along the remaining green cabbage and crappies have now set up over deep basin areas.
Dick Beardsley Guide Service (218) 556-7172

BLACKDUCK AREA
Fishing reports have been limited due to poor weather. Once it improves, a jig and minnow should produce walleyes on lakes such as Blackduck and Island in 10 to 12 feet or so. Grouse reports have improved quite a bit with the rain and wind knocking most of the leaves down. Duck hunting also has been pretty good with a few more mallards and ringbills moving in.
Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636

CASS LAKE AREA
Redtail minnows are turning walleyes on the main basin of Cass Lake in 20 to 30 feet. Walleyes also can be had with minnows on the 10- to 20-foot weedlines on Pike Bay Lake or in Allen’s Bay on Cass. Numbers of jumbo perch are being caught on the west side of Pike Bay or the Star Island area and Allen’s Bay on Cass.
Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831
 
CHISAGO AREA
Hit the channel between Chisago Lake and South Lindstrom Lake for panfish in 6 to 10 feet. Crappies and sunfish also are being caught in front of the A-Frame on Chisago or the bays on North and South Center lakes. A few walleyes are being taken with a jig and minnow on the bars and rocks of North Center, South Center, Chisago, and Green Lake. Standing corn is limiting pheasant hunting success, and waterfowl reports have been minimal as well.
Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA
Crankbaits or jigs and minnows are producing smallmouth bass in the deeper holes of the Mississippi River and Pine River. Look to Serpent Lake, Rabbit Lake, and Clearwater Lake for a few walleyes in most hard-bottom areas over 30 feet or more – jigs and minnows are working best. Crappies are suspended over 30 to 50 feet at Bay Lake and Clearwater. There’s been some new ducks moving into the area including decent numbers of ringnecks and a few bluebills.
Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

DETROIT LAKES AREA
Muskie fishing remains strong with sucker minnows in 5 to 15 feet of water on Big Detroit Lake, Lake Sallie, and Pelican Lake. You’ll find walleyes in 20 to 25 feet of water and hitting minnows at Big Detroit and Lake Melissa. Panfish action has been limited.
Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248
DULUTH AREA
Large sucker minnows continue to produce muskies on the St. Louis River in 8 to 10 feet of water and Island Lake in 10 to 15 feet of water. The Highbanks area on Fish Lake continues to kick out crappies in 15 feet as well. The wind and rain has eliminated a lot of cover so grouse hunting should start to improve if the weather allows hunters to get out.
Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

EAST CENTRAL MN
Look for walleyes on Green Lake in 14 to 20 feet during the day or in less than 10 feet at night. A jig and minnow continues to work best. Ducks and geese are being shot, especially in flooded crop fields, which are numerous after all the rain.
Tales and Trails Sport Shop (763) 856-3985

FAIRMONT AREA
Jigs tipped with minnows or plastics are producing walleyes on Tuttle Lake in 4 to 6 feet during the day. There is some evening walleye action with minnows and plastics in the channels between lakes George, Hall, Budd, and Sisseton. Anglers fishing from shore on Budd, Sisseton, and George are catching panfish as well. The pheasant season started on a slow note, and even though duck numbers appear good, an abundance of water has them spread out.
Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

FARIBAULT AREA
Anglers fishing from shore by the bridge on Cannon Lake are catching perch on minnows. Crappies also are being caught with minnows on Roberds Lake and French Lake over 15 to 17 feet. Duck numbers are limited, but there are geese being shot. Pheasant reports from opening weekend were limited.
Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341

FERGUS FALLS AREA
Minnows are producing walleyes and crappies in 11 to 13 feet on Anna Lake. Work the remaining, green weeds for panfish on Norway Lake, Turtle Lake, and Fish Lake. There’s been a push of new ducks and geese into the area including ringbills and redheads.
Little Chief Outpost (218) 998-5050

HACKENSACK AREA
A jig and minnow is producing walleyes in 20 to 25 feet on Woman Lake, Ten Mile Lake, and Pine Mountain Lake. Look for suspended crappies over 20 feet or more on Birch Lake, Mule Lake, and Pleasant Lake. Sucker minnows are triggering muskies in 6 to 14 feet on Little Boy Lake and Lake Wabedo. Grouse hunting has improved with the leaves knocked down, while geese, puddle ducks, and some ringbills are keeping waterfowl hunters busy.
Swanson’s Bait and Tackle (218) 675-6176

ORTONVILLE AREA
When the weather is calm, allowing anglers to get out, perch are biting in the Hartford Beach area on the north end of Big Stone Lake in 11 feet. A few walleyes also can be had along the shorelines of Big Stone during the evening hours. Despite a lot of standing corn, pheasant hunters are seeing birds. Waterfowl hunters are shooting a mixed bag of ducks with more divers in the mix this past week.
Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

PARK RAPIDS AREA
The few anglers heading out are catching walleyes in 25 to 30 feet on Big Sand Lake, Long Lake, and Fish Hook Lake. Large sucker minnows are producing muskies off the rocks and deep points of Big Mantrap Lake. Grouse hunting has improved since the leaves came down and a few diver ducks have moved into the area.
Delaney’s (218) 732-4281
Smokey Hills Outdoors (218) 237-5099

SAUK CENTRE AREA
You’ll find suspended crappies over 25 to 30 feet and sunfish in 8 to 12 feet on the north end of Lake Osakis. The north end of Sauk Lake continues to produce walleyes on minnows in 6 to 12 feet and Maple Lake is kicking out sunfish on most shallow weed edges. Waterfowl hunters continue to find good numbers of geese, mallards, and wood ducks in the area.
Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155

WILLMAR AREA
Fishing reports have been limited due to the weather. Anglers fishing from shore with minnows are catching perch on Big Kandi Lake and a few walleyes on Lake Minnetoga. Shore fishing by the culverts on Ringo Lake has produced some walleyes as well. Waterfowl and pheasant reports have not been good.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA
Walleyes continue to be caught with minnows or plastics on jigs along the shorelines of Lake Shetek, Lake Sarah, Rock Lake, Current Lake, Wood Lake, and Goose Lake. The pheasant opener went well as hunters found pockets of birds despite a lot of standing corn and wet fields. Duck and goose hunting also is going strong with a mixed bag of puddle and diver ducks being shot.
Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880

[Lee Borgersen]

  Regional fishing Reports

3/30/19

LAKE MILLE LACS        

Snowmobiles and ATVs were being used early this week, but it’s worth noting that most resorts have shut their accesses down for the season. So definitely call ahead before making the trek. Fishing activity has been light, limited to some crappie action in the south end bays.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS

For those still ice fishing the south end early this week, walleye action has been good in 15 to 31 feet. Northern pike action has been excellent with many fish over 40 inches caught this week. Auger extensions are needed, however. Call ahead to resorts for ice fishing options going into this weekend. The Rainy River was opening up just to the east of Birchdale on Monday and it’s happening quick. A strong current is helping eat up the ice, so there could be more boat options soon. At the Northwest Angle, walleyes, sauger, and jumbo perch are coming from 14 to 22 feet. This time of year, call ahead to resorts for daily ice information.

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

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA   

A few people have been walking on area lakes, but fishing pressure has been very light. Basically, the top six inches is honeycombed and soft with solid ice beneath it. The shorelines also have deteriorated so accessing some lakes has become more difficult.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

LAKE VERMILION

The lake has a lot of water and some slush on top of it. There’s been a few anglers using ATVs in search of crappies, but crappie success and fishing pressure has been extremely limited over the past week.

Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

Fishing pressure continues to be light with limited access options throughout the lake. Most resorts have shut their roads down so call ahead going into this weekend.

Lake Winnie Resort Association                   

LEECH LAKE

There is still quite a bit of slush in spots and some shorelines have started to pull away, but ATVs were being used early this week. That may change by the weekend so call ahead. Tullibees were being found suspended off Stony Point and other deep-water locations. Perch reports have improved off Sand Point, in the Narrows, and in Agency Bay over 9 to 12 feet. You still have to do some sorting, but better numbers of jumbos were being caught.

Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

Shriver’s Bait Company (218) 547-2250

RAINY LAKE    

Anglers aren’t reporting much as lake conditions aren’t that good for traveling. A few die-hards that are getting out are having limited success for walleyes and crappies. An alternative might be to look for an open launch on the Rainy River this weekend. The ice is opening up, and launches will be open soon if the mild weather continues.

International Falls CVB (800) 325-5766

RED LAKE

Activity throughout the lake remains minimal, although you could still get on the ice early this week. Crappie and perch reports continued to be non-existent.

Mort’s On Upper Red (218) 647-8128

JR’s Corner Access (320) 290-3838

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO

There were still some lakes in good enough shape to walk on early this week, but very few people were heading out. The shorelines have started to open so that might come to an end by this weekend. River fishing also has been put on hold due to rising and high water levels on them.

Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO

A handful of people were walking on a few lakes last weekend, but that has since ended. Many shorelines and accesses have busted loose or opened enough to prevent anglers from getting on any longer.

Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

Statewide

ANNANDALE AREA

Crappie and sunfish action has picked up in less than 10 feet on Lake Sylvia, Clearwater Lake, Sugar Lake, Granite Lake, and Maple Lake. Many accesses and shorelines are starting to get beat up so walking out will likely be the best option by this weekend.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE AREA

Crappies are being caught in 15 to 20 feet and sunfish are being found in 10 to 15 feet on West Battle Lake, Rush Lake, and Walker Lake. Look for suspended tullibees over 30 feet or more on Mollie Stark Lake and Clitherall Lake. Most shorelines and accesses have started to deteriorate so walking on area lakes is now the best option.

Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA

The snow has settled and melted a lot on area lakes and for the first time in weeks there are people back out fishing. Snowmobiles, ATVs, or walking are your best bets for getting around. There is plenty of ice to support trucks, but there is still a lot of slush under that top layer of ice and avoid going close to any snow banks on the lakes. Perch and some tullibees are being caught on Lake Bemidji in 30 feet or more. Jigging spoons and minnow heads or waxworms are turning the majority of fish.

Dick Beardsley Guide Service (218) 556-7172

BLACKDUCK AREA

Snowmobiles and ATVs are being used on all lakes, but there are some slush pockets to avoid. Blackduck Lake and Round Lake are producing perch and some crappies in 8 to 10 feet. Look to Gull Lake and Pimushe Lake for bluegills in 15 to 20 feet of water.

Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Anglers are walking on most lakes, and there is quite a bit of slush on the bigger lakes. Sunfish action has been good on most lakes in 10 to 12 feet, while crappies remain active in the Highway 371 Bay of North Long Lake, Cullen Lake, and Lake Edwards in 18 to 24 feet.

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

CASS LAKE AREA

Jumbo perch remain active during midday hours on Pike Bay Lake and in Allen’s Bay or the Star Island area on Cass Lake in 7 feet – bigger spoons are turning bigger fish. Snowmobiles are being used on most lakes, but the top layer of ice gets soft during the middle of the day. Avoid any snow piles or snow-packed areas.

Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831             

CHISAGO AREA   

There were some limited ATV options early this week, but walking out is the suggested option on area lakes at this point as most accesses were deteriorating. Sunfish and crappies are being caught in the channel area and south end of Chisago Lake. North Lindstrom Lake and the Dinner Bell area on South Lindstrom Lake were giving up panfish in 6 to 10 feet as well.

Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA

Find pockets of green, standing weeds and you should find crappies and bluegills on Bay Lake, Black Hoof Lake, and Rogers Lake in 7 to 12 feet. Milford Lake is producing sunfish in 14 to 17 feet, and rainbow trout are being caught on Huntington Pit over 80 feet or more with spoons and waxworms. There’s no issues getting on area lakes, but there is a top layer of ice/slush that gets soft during the afternoon hours, which makes it more difficult for ATV use.

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

DETROIT LAKES AREA

Look to Height of Land Lake, Big Detroit Lake (under Long Bridge), and Lake Melissa for suspended crappies and sunfish over 15 feet. Tullibee action has picked up on Long Lake and Star Lake – look for suspended fish over deep water. There’s still quite a bit of slush on most lakes, so track vehicles remain the best travel option.

Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA  

The shipping season has begun on Lake Superior, which means shifting ice and open water in spots, and that’s put an end to ice fishing opportunities on it. Conditions on the inland lakes are poor with a lot of slush and some shoreline separation beginning, so fishing pressure has been minimal.

Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

EAST CENTRAL MN

Anglers are walking on area lakes and dealing with slush on most. Look to Blue Lake and Green Lake in 12 to 14 feet for a mixed bag of panfish. Overall, fishing pressure has been light.

Tales and Trails Sport Shop (763) 856-3985

ELY AREA

Crappie action has picked up South Farm Lake, Farm Lake, Fall Lake, and Bass Lake in over 20 to 25 feet. Hit Burntside Lake with white tubes in 30 to 50 feet of water for lake trout. The deep humps on Burntside and Snowbank Lake are holding eelpout. Splake have been hitting flashy spoons at Hanson Lake and Tofte Lake in less than 15 feet of water. Lake conditions have improved, the slush is gone, so trucks and ATVs are being used throughout the area.

Arrowhead Outdoors (218) 365-5358

FAIRMONT AREA

Ice conditions have deteriorated a lot since last week. The shorelines have pulled away and pockets of open water are noticeable on some lakes. Other lakes were already about half open early this week.

Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

FERGUS FALLS AREA

There’s a bit of slush in some spots, but lake conditions have improved. ATVs were being used on most lakes early this week, but some accesses are starting to deteriorate. Wall Lake started giving up sunfish and crappies in 8 to 10 feet. Look for suspended tullibees over deep water on Pebble Lake. The 12-foot weed edges on Anna Lake are producing crappies, while Norway Lake is giving up sunfish and a few crappies in less than 6 feet.

Little Chief Outpost (218) 998-5050

GRAND MARAIS AREA

Salted minnows or waxworms are turning rainbow trout and splake on Mink Lake in 15 to 20 feet. On Trout Lake, rainbow trout are hitting in 12 to 15 feet, as are lake trout over 20 to 35 feet. Anglers have been walking on most lakes and dealing with some slush.

Buck’s Hardware (218) 387-2280

GREY EAGLE AREA

Anglers are walking out on most lakes, but the shorelines on anything with a north end access are starting to pull away. The northeast corner of Long Lake by the Hub Supper Club, Lady Lake, Pine Lake, and Hunter’s Bay on Big Birch Lake continue to produce panfish in shallow water. Anglers heading a bit out of the area to Pillager Lake are catching tullibees on freshwater shrimp.

Nancy’s Bait & Tackle (320) 285-2405

HACKENSACK AREA

Bluegills are hitting in 8 to 12 feet at Birch Lake, Pleasant Lake, Ten Mile Lake, and Child Lake. Look for suspended crappies over 14 to 18 feet on Webb Lake, Stoney Lake, and Birch. There is layer of slush on area lakes, but ATVs were being used without many issues early this week.

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

LONGVILLE AREA

Lake conditions have improved and ATVs are the best travel option right now. Lantern Bay on Woman Lake and the north bay on Mule Lake are giving up crappies and sunfish in less than 9 feet. The perch bite on Woman also has picked up, some sorting is involved, but you can put together a bunch of nice fish near Government Point in less than 12 feet.

The One Stop (218) 363-2252

MORA AREA

Crappie and sunfish action has picked up quite a bit this week on Knife Lake, Ann Lake, Mud Lake, and Fish Lake in 5 to 7 feet. Most shorelines were in good shape early this week, but walking out is suggested.

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

ORTONVILLE AREA

The shorelines on Big Stone Lake have busted loose and the accesses have started to pull away as well. By this weekend, there likely won’t be any shot of getting on the ice.

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

PARK RAPIDS AREA

Anglers are walking out or using snowmobiles on area lakes. Sunfish are biting on Fourth Crow Wing and Sixth Crow Wing lakes in 8 to 10 feet or Fish Hook Lake in 8 to 14 feet. Look to Big Mantrap Lake for suspended crappies over 20 to 25 feet.

Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

Smokey Hills Outdoors (218) 237-5099

RED WING AREA

Water levels on the Mississippi River were still rising early this week and there is a lot of debris floating on it. Staying off the river until the water recedes is advised and could be mandatory by this weekend.

Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334

RICHMOND/ST. CLOUD AREA

Most shorelines are deteriorating fast so even walking out might not be an option by this weekend. On the Sauk River Chain, water levels have risen several feet and some flooding has started to occur as well.

Channel Marine and Sports (320) 597-5975

SAUK CENTRE AREA

The 10- to 12-foot weeds on the north end of Lake Osakis continue to produce sunfish and crappies. Fairy Lake is kicking out sunfish in 10 to 12 feet, as is the east shore and northwest corner of Maple Lake in 10 to 15 feet. Look to Long Bridge Lake for sunfish and crappies in 14 feet. Accesses were intact and ATVs were being used early this week on all lakes.

Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155

STARBUCK AREA

A few anglers are fishing the Glenwood end of Lake Minnewaska and catching sunfish in 12 to 14 feet. The northeast bay on Reno Lake was giving up a mixed bag of panfish in shallow water. There was water and some slush on top of the ice, but most accesses remained favorable for walking out early this week.

Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA

Early this week, most shorelines were holding up, there was quite a bit of water on top of the ice, but people were walking on some lakes. Look to Diamond Lake and Nest Lake for crappies in 16 to 20 feet. Foot Lake was giving up crappies in 12 to 15 feet and Big Kandi Lake is producing perch in less than 6 feet.

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

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

Perch action has picked up in 5 to 8 feet on Bloody Lake, Fox Lake, and Lake Shetek. Lake Lac qui Parle continued to give up crappies in 6 to 12 feet. Some shorelines and access areas are starting to open or get beat up so walking out will likely be the only option this weekend.

Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880

[glenn57]

  this report gives me a great feeling there will be plenty of good ice up north next weekend.

tanks Lee!!!!!!!!!!! you da man!!!!!!!!