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ANNANDALE AREA
While there are a few people still ice fishing, it isn't advised at this point. The shorelines have really opened and some of the smaller bays and channels are showing more open water than ice. Look for the shallow, open water crappie action to start very soon.
Little Jim's Bait (320) 274-5297
BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA
Shoreline ice conditions vary from lake to lake, but for the most part, you can still get on most of them. Crappies, sunfish, and perch continue to hit best on the Gull Lake Chain. As a general rule, look for active fish in 30 to 40 feet of water during the day and in 12 to 20 feet during lowlight periods. Other lakes producing panfish include Round, the Cullen Chain, the No. 371 Bay and Merrifield Bay on North Long, Pelican, Red Sand, and Hubert. The fishing pier area is open by Zorba's on Gull Lake so look for the crappies to show up very soon.
S & W Bait & Tackle (218) 829-7010
www.mnfishing.com
CALEDONIA AREA
The early reports for most trout streams in this area are poor. Water levels are up and there's been a great deal of flooding throughout the area. Opening weekend stream trout activity could be very limited as a result.
B & M Service Station (507) 725-3916
CHISAGO AREA
Bring a long plank if you plan on ice fishing in this area. The shorelines have really started opening, so there hasn't been many people venturing out. Those that have braved the current ice conditions are finding minimal success.
Frankie's Bait (651) 257-6334
CROSS LAKE AREA
Ice conditions vary in the area. You'll find some lakes with solid shoreline conditions, and others have opened as much as 20 feet. If you can get on the ice, you'll still find as much as 2 feet on most lakes. The best panfish reports are coming off Hay Lake, Upper Whitefish, and Clamshell Lake in 16 to 20 feet of water.
Crosslake Holiday Sports (218) 692-2708
PARK RAPIDS AREA
Some bluegills are hitting in about 12 feet of water on Fish Hook Lake. They're hitting waxies early and late in the day. Straight Lake is putting out some bluegills as well. There's good ice yet, but accesses are breaking up.
Delaney's (218) 732-4281
RED LAKE
Crappie action continues to be good during the evening hours in 8 to 14 feet of water. The problem here has been getting on the lake. Many access points are extremely muddy due to the rain and vehicles are consistently getting stuck.
Rogers Campground (218) 647-8262
RED WING AREA
The river has really risen due to the rain. So much so, that a no-wake zone has been implemented and many accesses may be closed soon. Call first to check on daily river conditions.
Four Seasons Bait Shop (651) 388-4334
