Friday, May 8th, 2026

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Friday, May 8th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Steve Carney

Steve Carney: Keeping it simple on the Minnesota fishing opener

Minnesota’s fishing opener 2026 is finally here this weekend, and most of us are gearing up for a great few days. The water temperatures have been lagging behind, so I expect we’ll be presenting some simple strategies and keep things on the slow side. Here are some thoughts on our impending May 9 opener.

Steve Carney: Keeping it simple on the Minnesota fishing opener Read More »

Steve Carney: Spring crappie fishing… when docks and shorelines shine

Recent up-and-down weather has made shore fishing for panfish a hit-and-miss affair in Minnesota. One day it’s 80 degrees followed by two days in the 40s or low 50s. Because of these temperature fluctuations, I’m finding that the panfish move in for a day or so, then retreat quickly to deep water.

Steve Carney: Spring crappie fishing… when docks and shorelines shine Read More »

Steve Carney: Tips for Minnesota’s May 9, 2026 walleye opener

It’ll be hard to predict the success for the May 9 opener, still more than two weeks out, as our fickle weather recently has been so incredibly inconsistent. One step forward and two steps back.
By late last week, ice on the larger lakes had just about disappeared, though it seems the ice-out overall in north country has trended on the late side.

Steve Carney: Tips for Minnesota’s May 9, 2026 walleye opener Read More »

Steve Carney: Early spring conditions on Lake Traverse

April and May on western Minnesota’s Lake Traverse is always a great option for multiple sportfish species well before the inland (May 9) fishing opener.
I have been fishing this fine lake for 35-plus years, and it has undergone many changes, some good, some not so good. I just returned from my first spring day trip there with mixed results.

Steve Carney: Early spring conditions on Lake Traverse Read More »

Steve Carney: Springtime gusto on Minnesota’s remarkable Rainy River

Things have opened up on the Rainy River in northern Minnesota and the crowds have descended.
This is one of the most unique fisheries in the Midwest, and it’s a great fishery to bag a true trophy walleye. Get ready to join the crowds. Here are some tips for fishing the Rainy.

Steve Carney: Springtime gusto on Minnesota’s remarkable Rainy River Read More »

Steve Carney: Keys to incredible April walleye fishing on the Missouri River

April on the Missouri River is my favorite time of the open water season. This is when the spawn gets going – during these first few weeks of the month.
Things on the river radically change when the water temperatures reach 44 degrees, meaning the male walleyes head to the rip-rap, rock areas, and congregate in big numbers. Large females also roam the spawning areas but mostly at night.

Steve Carney: Keys to incredible April walleye fishing on the Missouri River Read More »

Steve Carney: Think ahead to open water; and concerns of low water levels

The ice fishing season has been long and productive in Minnesota, and I am spending most of my time preparing for the switch from ice to open water.
Three months on the ice was enough although it was a great season with super ice conditions. But it’s time to make the transition! Here are some of usual tasks that I tackle at this time in mid-March.

Steve Carney: Think ahead to open water; and concerns of low water levels Read More »

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