MN: Ice-fishing options remain in a few areas, but they are limited Issue: 15

Big Six

LAKE MILLE LACS

The ice fishing season has ended now that the shorelines have
started to pull away and there are cracks that have opened up on
the lake. There’s plenty of ice on the main lake, but it’s also
showing signs of a spring thaw.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

www.johnsonsportside.com

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

www.terrysboatharbor.com

LAKE OF THE WOODS

There hasn’t been much for ice fishing over the past week, but a
few anglers were on the lake earlier this week. This area got some
rain last week so the Rainy River got stirred up and the walleye
bite has slowed. Bright-colored jigs are best for making a few fish
bite.

Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau

(800) 382-FISH

LEECH LAKE AREA

There were people fishing on the ice early this week and there’s a
chance you could get on this weekend if it doesn’t get too warm.
Call ahead for up-to-the-minute ice conditions later this
week.

Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA

The small lakes are ice-free and the bigger lakes are about
three-quarters open. The crappies haven’t started to show up in
their traditional spring spots and likely won’t until the water
warms.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

RAINY LAKE

Anglers continue to use ATVs and the walleyes are biting early and
late in the day near Birch Point in 28 to 30 feet. In the Rainy
Lake City area, walleyes and pike are hitting in 10 to 12 feet. It
looks as if you should be able to ice fish through this
weekend.

Loon’s Nest (218) 286-5850

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

You could probably find a place to get on the lake this weekend if
you looked hard, but the shorelines and access points are opening
so there hasn’t been much activity.

Nodak Lodge (218) 665-2226

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO

Small lakes are open and there isn’t much ice left on the bigger
bodies of water. The open-water panfish bite has been slow and
river fishing has been difficult.

Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO

The small lakes are open and a handful of anglers have started to
fish open water. The traditional spots haven’t started to produce
panfish, but look to the culverts and shallow bays to start holding
fish as the water warms.

Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

www.intownemarina.com

Statewide

BATTLE LAKE

There was some ice fishing taking place early this week, but it was
not recommended. The shorelines are open beyond repair on most
lakes and there are gaps of open water on some of the small
lakes.

Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA

There’s too much ice to fish open water and not enough to safely
walk on. The shorelines really opened quickly last weekend putting
an end to the ice fishing season. The creeks are open so there
should be some suckers in them soon.

Bluewater Outdoors

(218) 444-BAIT (2248)

BLACKDUCK AREA

Shorelines have opened far enough to end the ice fishing season.
There’s plenty of ice on most lakes but people can no longer get on
it.

Timberline Sports and Tackle

(218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

It’s time to look at the traditional open-water spring panfish
spots. Small, shallow bays, channels, and docks on area lakes will
be the first spots to hold crappies and sunfish.

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

DETROIT LAKES

There was some ice fishing early this week, but the shorelines on
most lakes have started to pull away. By this weekend, most fishing
opportunities will likely have come to an end.

Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA

Ice fishing has come to an end, but the Kamloops bite remains
strong in front of the French River, Lester River, and Sucker
River. Guys fishing from shore and in boats are doing well and
there has been some lake trout caught by boat fishermen as
well.

Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

ELY AREA

Ice fishing is winding down quickly as the shorelines have started
to deteriorate. Farm Lake and Garden Lake were producing a few
crappies last weekend, but it’s best to call for ice conditions
heading into this weekend.

The Great Outdoors (218) 365-4744

GRAND MARAIS AREA

There’s water atop the ice, but shorelines haven’t started peeling
away. Lake Saganaga is giving up walleyes in 14 feet, as is South
Fowl Lake in four feet. A few steelhead have showed up at the
mouths of the rivers.

Buck’s Hardware (218) 387-2280

GRAND RAPIDS AREA

For the most part, ice fishing has come to an end. The smelt have
started to run on Lake Pokegama and there is some open water
panfish action at the “hot pond” area of the Mississippi
River.

Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281

RED WING AREA

The landings closed on Monday throughout the Mississippi River due
to high water. Fish were biting, but boats weren’t allowed.

Ike’s Bait and Tackle (651) 388-2111

Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334