Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing Report – March 30, 2018
Great Eight
LAKE MILLE LACS
Some tullibees and the occasional jumbo perch are being caught off the deep structure in 30 feet or more. Isle Bay and Cove Bay started producing a few crappies, but the majority of them have been on the small side. Snowmobiles remain the best mode of transportation throughout the lake.
Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811
Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430
LAKE OF THE WOODS
Some anglers are on the ice and others are in boats on the Rainy River. Some ice roads remain in good shape, while others are deteriorating. Call ahead to the resort you plan on using. Ice fishing for walleyes is similar to last week with better reports coming from 18 to 24. Good numbers of big pike are being caught in shallower water with live suckers, big smelt, or hot dogs. Rainy River spring fishing has begun. Birchdale is open to boats with the open water line moving west more every day. Initial reports have been good and should continue to improve. At the Northwest Angle, walleyes and sauger are hitting in 17 to 19 feet during morning/evening hours or 21 to 25 feet during the day.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau (800) 382-FISH
LAKE MINNETONKA AREA
Sunfish are being caught on Medicine Lake in 8 feet and Lake Independence is giving up crappies over 26 feet. Hit Carson’s Bay and the North Arm in 13 to 16 feet or Black Lake in 8 to 10 feet on Lake Minnetonka for a mixed bag of panfish. The shorelines are getting soft and some accesses are pulling away, so ATVs are now the best means of travel.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227
LAKE VERMILION
Fishing reports continue to be light, mainly due to a lack of anglers. Deep snow and slush on the lake, as well as thick ice conditions continue to limit people’s ability to get around and look for crappies. If you do travel the lake, a snowmobile will be your best option.
Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430
LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
Perch are being caught on the main lake structure in 16 to 18 feet, and pressure has been limited. Snowmobiles continue to be needed for travel and many resorts are no longer allowing ice road access.
Lake Winnie Resort Association
LEECH LAKE
Travel conditions continue to be difficult throughout the lake with deep snow, slush, and minimal roads limiting where you can get to. Perch action has been particularly slow, and some tullibees continue to be found suspended over 30 feet or more off Stony Point.
Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505
Shriver’s Bait Company (218) 547-2250
RAINY LAKE
Walleye anglers continue to focus on Sand Bay where they are getting a walleye bite early in the day over 20 to 28 feet. A few crappies also have been in the mix. Tip up fishing for big northern pike has been decent around the mouth of Black Bay. Most people have now turned their attention to the Rainy River. The launches near International Falls will be open soon, allowing for early open water walleye fishing – call ahead for daily ice conditions on the river.
International Falls CVB (800) 325-5766
RED LAKE
There hasn’t been enough people on the lake to gather any type of fishing reports. The north end is likely the best option for a few crappies, but the number of people looking for them has been minimal, despite good ice conditions.
Mort’s Dock (218) 647-8128
Twin Cities Metro
NORTHEAST METRO
Significant rain on Monday took its toll on many accesses. The few people fishing have been walking out and reports have been poor for panfish anglers. There has been quite a bit of boat traffic at Pool No. 2 on the Mississippi River where some bigger walleyes have been reported to be caught on jigs and minnows.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421
WEST METRO
Sunfish are hitting on Lake Susan in 10 to 12 feet and Hydes Lake in 10 to 16 feet. Pillsbury Reef and Center Reef on Lake Waconia are producing a mixed bag of panfish in 10 to 14 feet. A few crappies are coming off Wasserman Lake in 10 to 16 feet and Whaletail Lake in 10 to 14 feet. Most accesses were in good enough shape early this week for ATV use.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022
SOUTH METRO
Look to the north end of Prior Lake, from Sand Point to the north, for sunfish and crappies in 7 to 10 feet or 22 to 25 feet. Many accesses on local lakes have deteriorated, but foot travel or ATV use remained an option on most early this week.
Prior Lake Bait & Tackle (952) 447-6096
Statewide
ALEXANDRIA AREA
Crappies and sunfish are hitting on Reno Lake in 10 feet and Smith Lake in 14 to 20 feet. Crappies continue to be found suspended over 25 to 28 feet on Lake Le Homme Dieu and Lake Darling. ATVs are now being used on most lakes as some accesses have started to pull away from shore.
Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255
ANNANDALE AREA
Some trucks were being used early this week, but watch the accesses as they were starting to deteriorate. Crappie and sunfish reports remain favorable in 8 to 15 feet on Lake Sylvia, Cedar Lake, Clearwater Lake, Union Lake, Sugar Lake, Limestone Lake, and Maple Lake.
Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297
BATTLE LAKE AREA
Sunfish are being found in 8 to 12 feet on Fish Lake, Stalker Lake, and Rush Lake. Tullibee reports continue to improve with fish being found suspended over 30 to 40 feet on Mollie Stark Lake. Crappies also remain suspended over 20 to 25 feet on West Battle Lake and Dead Lake. Some trucks were being used early this week, but ATVs or snowmobiles are the better travel options on most lakes.
Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596
BEMIDJI AREA
This area received more snow this week, so travel on most lakes is still limited, and there are very few people fishing as a result. The accesses are still in pretty good shape on most lakes. Those that are out are catching perch and some tullibees on Lake Bemidji and Lake Plantagenet in 30 feet or more. Look to Wolf Lake and Gull Lake for panfish in 12 to 20 feet.
Dick Beardsley Guide Service (218) 556-7172
BLACKDUCK AREA
Perch continue to be caught on Blackduck Lake and Round Lake, but depths vary from 12 to 20 feet one day to 8 to 15 feet the next. Pimushe Lake and Gull Lake are the area’s best bets for crappies and bluegills in 16 to 20 feet or 10 to 15 feet. Trucks were still an option on area lakes early this week, you just have to watch for slush pockets in some areas of certain lakes.
Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636
BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA
Look to Nisswa Lake, North Long Lake, and Cullen Lake for sunfish in 6 to 12 feet. Crappies are hitting best early and late each day at North Long, Gull Lake, and Round Lake in 10 to 18 feet. The north end of Gull also is producing tullibees over 30 to 40 feet. Most accesses are holding up, but ATVs or snowmobiles might be your best means of getting around by this weekend.
S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010
CASS LAKE AREA
Perch are being found on the shallow weed/sand areas on the north side of Star Island, Allen’s Bay, and west side of Star Island on Cass Lake in 6 to 8 feet. Eelpout continue to be caught on Cass, some remain deep and others have moved shallower. Crappie reports have been slow with a few fish coming off Wolf Lake or Dick’s Bay and Allen’s Bay on Cass in 16 to 18 feet. Look to Stony Point and the point off South Cedar Island for tullibees on Cass. Snowmobiles are the best travel option on area lakes.
Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831
CHISAGO AREA
Look to South Center Lake for sunfish and crappies in 6 to 12 feet. North and South Lindstrom lakes continue to give up a mixed bag of panfish in 8 to 10 feet, as is the Nelson’s Island area on North Center Lake in 8 to 12 feet. Chisago Lake and Big Green Lake are producing panfish in less than 12 feet as well. Some accesses are now beat up, while others remain in good shape – walking or ATVs are recommended on area lakes.
Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334
CROSBY AREA
Fishing reports have been limited, but there hasn’t been a lot of people heading out. The north end of Clearwater Lake is giving up some crappies over 30 to 40 feet. Sunfish and crappies are being caught on the north end of Crooked Lake in 10 to 18 feet, while Little Rabbit Lake is producing crappies and a few sunfish in 24 to 28 feet. Look to Huntington Pit and Section Six Pit for trout in 8 to 25 feet. Trucks are being used on most lakes, but some accesses are beat up on others where ATVs are a better option.
Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912
DETROIT LAKES AREA
Rock Lake started giving up crappies in 10 to 12 feet, while Floyd Lake, Lake Melissa, and Deadshot Bay have been best for sunfish in 10 to 15 feet. Tullibees are being found suspended over deep water at Sybil Lake and Long Lake. Access conditions vary from one lake to another, so ATVs or snowmobiles are the best travel options.
Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248
DULUTH AREA
Anglers fishing from shore in the French River and Stony Point areas of Lake Superior were catching Kamloops on spawn sacs and Looper Bugs or nightcrawlers floated off bottom. Ice anglers were finding a few crappies in 15 feet at Fish Lake. Many access have started to pull away so depending on the lake, ATVs or foot travel are now the only options.
Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094
EAST CENTRAL MN
Fishing pressure has been light, but a few crappies are being taken on Green Lake, Blue Lake, and Little Elk Lake in 14 to 17 feet. Sunfish action has been slow, and trucks were still being used on most lakes early this week.
Tales and Trails Sport Shop (763) 856-3985
FAIRMONT AREA
The shorelines have pulled away far enough on most lakes to prevent people from getting out. The few going are using planks and walking out. Budd Lake is producing crappies in 14 to 16 feet.
Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225
FARIBAULT AREA
Most shorelines are in good shape and there isn’t much of an issue getting around on area lakes with an ATV. With that stated, angling pressure has been extremely light over the past week. The only bite worth noting, and even that hasn’t been real consistent, has been taking place on Cannon Lake for yellow perch in 8 feet.
Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341
GRAND RAPIDS AREA
Look to Little Cutfoot Sioux Lake and Big Splithand Lake for crappies and sunfish in 20 feet. Bass Lake is producing sunfish in 6 to 16 feet, and Jay Gould Lake is giving up perch in 10 to 13 feet. On Tioga Bay on Lake Pokegama, crappies, sunfish, and perch are hitting in 13 to 26 feet. The deep mud on Bowstring Lake is kicking out a mixed bag of panfish and tullibees are being found suspended over deep water on Ball Club Lake and Big Cutfoot Sioux Lake. Trucks were being used throughout the area early this week.
Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281
GREY EAGLE AREA
Sunfish have started hitting in the 8-foot weeds on the northwest end of Maple Lake. On Big Swan Lake, you’ll find sunfish in 8 to 10 feet and suspended crappies over 15 to 20 feet. Long Lake, by the Hub Supper Club, continues to produce sunfish in 8 to 10 feet and crappies in slightly deeper water. ATVs are being used on most lakes.
Nancy’s Bait & Tackle (320) 285-2405
HACKENSACK AREA
Crappie reports have picked up on Birch Lake, Pleasant Lake, Portage Lake, Mule Lake, Moccasin Lake, and Webb Lake in 16 to 22 feet early and late each day. Look for sunfish in 14 to 18 feet on Mule, Birch, Pleasant, and the bays on Woman Lake. Most accesses are holding up, with ATVs and snowmobiles being your best travel options.
Swanson’s Bait and Tackle (218) 675-6176
LONGVILLE AREA
Sunfish are hitting on Big Boy Lake, Lake Inguadona, Mable Lake, Girl Lake, and Woman Lake in 4 to 12 feet. Crappie reports have been best after dark on Long Lake and Widow Lake over 30 to 35 feet. Although this area received about 10 inches of snow early this week, it was settling fast so truck and ATV use should be options this weekend on most lakes.
The One Stop (218) 363-2252
McGREGOR AREA
Crappies and sunfish are being caught on Lake Minnewawa and Big Sandy Lake. You need to do a lot of hole hopping and focus on the early morning and evening hours in 12 to 16 feet. Trucks continued to be used on most lakes early this week, but ATVs might be a better choice heading into this weekend as some accesses have started to deteriorate.
Willey’s Sport Shop & Spirits (218) 426-3382
PARK RAPIDS AREA
Height of Land Lake, Sixth Crow Wing Lake, and Tamarack Lake are giving up bluegills in 8 to 12 feet. Crappies continue to be found over 20 to 28 feet on Big Mantrap Lake. Look to Fish Hook Lake for a few sunfish in 10 to 12 feet and some crappies in 18 to 24 feet. Accesses on most lakes are holding up, but snowmobiles and ATVs are being used by anglers.
Delaney’s (218) 732-4281
Smokey Hills Outdoors (218) 237-5099
PERHAM AREA
Crappies and sunfish remain active in 8 to 15 feet on Dead Lake, Rush Lake, Lake Marion, Big Pine Lake, Star Lake, and Little McDonald Lake. Lakes such as Little Pine, Long, and Loon continue to provide decent tullibee action over 40 to 60 feet. Most anglers are now using ATVs on area lakes.
Gene’s Sport Shop (218) 346-3355
RED WING AREA
Water levels have rose slightly and water conditions have dirtied a bit, so the walleye bite on the Mississippi River has been slower. The best walleye and sauger action early this week was happening below the dam in 20 to 25 feet with a jig and minnow. Anglers are walking on the ice in Baypoint Bay for northern pike and panfish near the docks.
Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334
SAUK CENTRE AREA
The north end of Lake Osakis continues to give up sunfish and crappies, on grass shrimp, in 16 to 19 feet. The northwest corner of Maple Lake is producing sunfish in 10 feet, while Long Bridge Lake is giving up sunfish and crappies in 14 feet. With many accesses starting to deteriorate, ATVs will be the best travel option by this weekend on local lakes.
Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155
STAPLES/LITTLE FALLS AREA
Lake Shamineau and Fish Trap Lake are giving up crappies in 10 to 15 feet during low-light periods. Look to Platte Lake for sunfish on the 8- to 10-foot weed flats. Trucks were being used on area lakes early this week, but that could change by the weekend if it gets warm enough to minimize shoreline ice.
Da Fishin’ Hole (320) 631-0056
STARBUCK AREA
Sunfish continue to be caught on the Glenwood end and the Priest Point area on the Starbuck end of Lake Minnewaska in 10 to 14 feet. Little Mary Lake, Rachel Lake, and Pocket Lake are giving up sunfish in 9 to 12 feet. ATVs continue to be used on area lakes, but some accesses are getting beat up.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239
