Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA

There are still a few people fishing on the ice, but watch the
shorelines. Look to lakes such as Geneva, Mina, and Le Homme Dieu
in eight to 10 feet of water for crappies and sunfish. There is no
open water crappie action to speak of yet, but that could change
with a few more days of warm weather.

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

ANNANDALE AREA

You’ll still find a few anglers “sneaking” on the ice on a few
lakes. The shorelines are in pretty tough shape so extreme caution
is advised on all lakes in this area. Many of the channels and bays
have started opening up so look for the first open water crappie
action to start very soon on lakes such as Clearwater, Cedar, and
Sylvia.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

The ice seems to be holding up pretty well throughout this area
and the panfish bite remains strong. Look for crappies in eight to
20 feet of water and bluegills in four to 10 feet on Round Lake,
North Long, Nisswa Lake, Hubert, Pelican, and Gladstone Lake.

S & W Bait & Tackle (218) 829-7010

CROSS LAKE AREA

The shorelines are opening at a rapid pace making access on many
fisheries very difficult. Once you get on the ice it seems to be in
good shape. Crappies continue to be pulled through the ice on
Mission Lake and Pine Lake in 10 to 14 feet of water. Colored hooks
and rosy red minnows are producing bigger fish. Look for sunfish on
these same lakes in six to 10 feet of water.

Crosslake Holiday Sports (218) 692-2708

GRAND RAPIDS AREA

The ice fishing action is limited to just a few lakes, and
travel is not advised on many fisheries. Look for limited fishing
opportunities on Lake Pokegama and Bowstring Lake. The shorelines
really are starting to pull away so even getting on the few lakes
being fished has become very difficult. Use caution or wait for
open water in this area.

Rapids Tackle (218) 326-9838

LAKE KABETOGAMA

The best crappie reports are coming in from the early morning
and afternoon hours on Lake Kabetogama. Look for suspended fish
over 20 to 30 feet of water with minnows and small jigs. There are
some nice walleyes coming off Namakan Lake and Sand Point Lake, but
watch ice conditions on both fisheries. The best bet for crappies
is still the Ash River/Kabetogama Narrows area.

Gateway Store (218) 875-2121

www.gatewaygeneral.com