Southeast Minnesota Fishing Report – December 19th, 2014

FARIBAULT AREA

Ice deteriorated quickly in this area and some large holes have opened up. Once the ice firms up again, look for suspended crappies over 30 to 35 feet on French Lake or 20 to 24 feet on Cedar Lake. Cedar also was producing northern pike in shallow water, and Lake Mazaska is worth hitting for crappies in 15 feet.

Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341

RED WING AREA

Ice conditions became sketchy with the rain and warm weather, so fishing the backwaters wasn’t a safe option early this week. There has been plenty of open water action with most walleyes and saugers hitting orange jigs tipped with minnows or plastics below the dam from 4 to 30 feet.

Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334

WINONA AREA

There’s been more open water fishing than ice fishing on the Mississippi River after ice conditions took a hit with the warm weather. Walleyes are biting below the dams on the river and a few anglers have walked on the backwaters and set tip-ups for northern pike.  

West End Bait (507) 452-6241