Outdoors Weekly Fish Tales Archive

April 11, 2008

Anglers: Please note that ice conditions can change very quickly during the spring. And as usual, reports are sporadic this time of year. Please call the numbers below for an up-to-the-minute report.

ANNANDALE - B.J.'s Bait & Tackle, Bill, west side of Clearwater Lake, between the two public accesses, www.bjsbait.com (320-274-3730) We are looking forward to open water now. The shop is closed until April 19th.

BATTLE LAKE - Ben's Bait & Tackle, Josie, Junction of Hwy 78 and 210 (218-864-5596) We had over a foot of snow last week, but prior to that, anglers were still driving out. They were getting tullibees on Star and Pickerel Lakes. The accesses weren’t in the greatest conditions, so a lot are now switching to 4 wheelers, especially after the snow. Call for the latest reports for a particular lake as things are changing fast this time of year.

BEMIDJI - Bluewater Bait & Sports, Mark Cook, 1 mile north of the Hwy 2 & 71 Intersection, www.bluewater-bait.com (218-444-2248) Panfish hitting on Pimusch, and they are picking up a few on Grace. The reports have been good for Big Lake for both perch and crappies. Anglers are starting to go 4 wheelers now, especially with all the snow we have been getting, it will really weigh down the ice.

BLACKDUCK - Timberline Sport & Tackle, Carl Adams, Junction of Hwy 71 and Blackduck Lake Rd. (218-835-4636) ) Our ice conditions were pretty good, and then we got a bunch of snow. Anglers are going out still, but now on 4 wheelers and snowmobiles. Mobility is the key, as they are punching a lot of holes and moving around to stay on the fish. URL, the fish are biting really well, they are getting some crappies and a lot of walleyes in between.

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA - S&W Bait and Tackle - Home of Nisswa Guide League, County Road 77 just west of Highway 371, www.sandwbait.com (218-829-7010)

CHISAGO CITY - Frankie's Live Bait and Marine, Brad, Corner of Hwy 8 and CR 77, www.frankies.net (651-257-6334) The bite is still on, if you can get out on the ice. Anglers are walking out on the lakes. When you get out, anglers are getting limits of sunnies in a short amount of time. Call the shop for the latest reports on where they are still getting out.

CROSBY - Oars-N-Mine Bait and Tackle, Jesse Williams, 22640 Hwy 6 N (218-546-6912) Crappie action has been good in shallow water and along weed edges in the evenings, as well as a more sporadic bite throughout the day on some lakes in the area. Small plastics have caught the majority of fish, although minnows and waxies have produced fish as well. Bluegills have been extremely cooperative wherever there are green weeds, sometimes as shallow as 4-5 feet of water. For the sunfish, Marmooskas, Diamond Jigs and other small finesse jigs have worked when loaded with eurolarvae. If possible, sight fish for the bigger ‘gills. The ice on the lakes is holding up fine, although shoreline ice is going fast. We would recommend ATV/foot travel only.

CROSSLAKE - Holiday of Cross Lake, 35610 Cty. Rd. 66 Crosslake, Lee (218-692-2708) Anglers, the diehards, are still getting out on the ice, getting some crappies on Little Pine and Mission. Some were out getting whitefish on the Whitefish Chain Lakes with Swedish pimples tipped with waxies.

DULUTH - Fisherman's Corner, Scott, 7 miles north of Miller Mall on Hwy 53, www.fishycorner.com (218-729-5369) Still getting out on the lakes inland, some of the shorelines are getting sketchy, but guys are finding ways to get 4wheelers out. The crappies and gills are still biting well on Fish Lake. Lake Superior has been pretty steady, guys catching coho and loopers. The rain will loosen up the rivers a little bit. Anglers have started trolling out there too and doing well.

DULUTH - Marine General, 1501 London Road, on the edge of Lake Superior, www.marinegeneral.com (218-724-8833) We are launching and trolling on the big lake, with lots of coho and loopers being caught, and catch and release on the steelhead. And shore casting is going on now too. The rivers should be roaring now with all the rain we had this week, and it might be fishable by the weekend. Stop in for the latest and to see what depths they are fishing as it is changing.

ELY-Babe's Bait and Tackle, 451 W. Sheridan St., Ely, MN, first business on the left as you are entering town of Ely from the west on Hwy 169, www.babesbait.com (218-365-6930) Area lakes are still sporting 24-30" of ice and are safe for travel in most areas. As always, it pays to be prudent and check the ice thickness on that water which you intend to travel. Good trips with a mixed bag of pike and perch, to crappies and walleyes are to be had. Minnows and jig and waxie combos seem to be the route to take. Try fishing the 15-30' depths, working your bait 1-3 feet off the bottom.

FOREST LAKE - Mikes Bait on 8, Rich, 1/2 mile east of 35 on Hwy 8 (651-464-5150) A few anglers were able to get out last weekend and get some fish, but the rain has really softened up the ice around the shorelines and it is looking like the end of the ice fishing season. We are gearing up for summer fishing now as the ice pulls away from the shorelines. Look for some early shore action to happen soon.

GREY EAGLE - Nancy's Bait & Tackle, Rex, 4 miles east of the Rock Tavern on Big Birch Lake, 4 miles west of Upsala (320-285-2405) Some anglers are still able to get out on the lakes with ATVs in the area. A few crappies and sunnies on St. Mary’s Lake, and the north end of Long by the supper club and Maple. Buck Lake by Bertram they have been getting some nice sunnies. People are getting fish wherever they are going; it’s just a question of getting out on the ice now. The shorelines are softening up, but the middle of the lakes are in good shape still. Call or stop in for the latest area info.

HACKENSACK - Swanson's Bait & Tackle, Jim Tuller, Hwy 371 on the north end of Hackensack, www.swansonsbait.com (218-675-6176) Crappies and sunfish are active. Inguadona Lake has been hot. Crappies are biting on the far end of the lake (opposite the access) in the evening and the sunnies are entertaining anglers during the day by the mouth of the river. Be careful around rivers and some of the public accesses now. The sun is powerful, river openings are getting bigger and the accesses getting the sun are just starting to get soft. Plan on bringing the 4-wheeler for the next trip. Pleasant Lake has also seen some panfish action. Evening has been best with some scattered Crappies and Sunnies during the day. The fish are moving shallower now as it is warming. Try 8-14 feet of water, some have reported the fish only 2-3 feet below the ice. The perch bite on Leech is still going strong, and will get better as we get closer to ice-out. The flats around Goose Island and the East shore of Sucker Bay have been two good spots. Most of the fish are in 10-14 feet, some have found them as shallow as 6 feet. There has been some activity on Sand Point and Pine Point but no confirmed success stories yet.

KABETOGAMA-NAMAKAN - Gateway Store, Phil Hart, US Hwy 53 & Co Rd 122, 30 miles south of Int'l Falls-Canadian border, kabfishingreport.com (218-875-2121) Crappie action on Kabetogama, Namakan and Sand Point has improved as temperatures have risen. Walleye and pike action in the border lakes remains spotty with northern pike being the most active. Jig head and minnows still the favorite presentation for pike and walleye. We look for crappie action to improve as the ice deteriorates. You might check the Voyageurs National Park website for portage conditions before planning your trip.

LAKE OF THE WOODS - Area Tourism Bureau, Denelle Hovde , near Junction of Hwy 11 and Hwy 172 in Baudette, www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com (1-800-382-FISH) Fishing is in full swing here at Lake of the Woods. There is over 40 inches of good ice on the lake, now's the perfect time to take advantage of the late ice and head up to Lake of the Woods. The Rainy River is open past Birchdale and the landing has been plowed, so big boats are now able to get out. Anglers have been catching large number of walleye, mostly in the 16-18 inch range but the bigger fishing are starting to show up as well.

LEECH LAKE - Anderson's Resorts, Tim, www.andersonsleech-lake.com (1-800-516-0077) Jumbo perch and tullibies are all the talk up here on Leech Lake. Perch are hitting on almost anything. Try between Ottertail and Goose Island, Stony for the tullibies. Accesses are getting pretty rough, so break out the four-wheelers and come have fun. Behind Bear Island can be the best spot on the lake for jumbo perch this time of year. Miller Bay is giving up some slab crappies - if you can get into them you will never forget it. Think spring!

METRO AREA EAST - Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle, Oakdale, Josh, www.blueribbonbait.com (651-777-2421) The ice on the area lakes is beginning to break up. I think we have seen the last of the ice fishing for the year. Some anglers are getting out on the river and getting some fish, but remember, on the St. Croix it is catch and release only for walleyes.

MILLE LACS LAKE – Chris Kuduk’s Guide Service, www.kuduksguideservice.com (320-630-1761) The shorelines are looking pretty iffy around the area. Anglers were getting out in Isle bay by using planks.

MILLE LACS LAKE - Malmo Market, Lynwood Elliott, State Hwy 47 and 18 East, NE corner of Mille Lacs (320-684-2295) Jumbo perch anglers having best luck on Red larvae or crappie minnows in 28-32 feet at the gravel to mud transitions. Two Mile, Flamingo and the Hennepin Island areas seem best. The big crappies down in Isle Bay have started. Anglers on the ice by 6 am are doing best. Crappie minnows key.

MILLE LACS LAKE – Johnson's Portside, Kelly or Steve, 1 mile north of Isle on Hwy 47 SE side of the lake, www.johnsonsportside.com (320-676-3811) Well, we are down to ATV and foot traffic only at this time. We are predicting an ice out around the 1st of May this year. The crappie action is hit and miss right now, with the best action coming in the Isle Bay area in 7 to 9 feet of water. Waxies and eurolarvae are the bait of choice. As for the perch bite, there has been some deep water action in about 25 plus feet of water in the Big Point area where some jumbos were caught on fatheads. We have heard a few perch reports from the shallow water.

LAKE MINNETONKA - Wayzata Bait & Tackle, Tim or Bob, half mile west off I-494 on Hwy 12 (952-473-2227) The ice is starting to break up in the channels and shoreline. Anglers will be hitting the channels from shore this weekend.

NISSWA - Dave's Sportland Bait & Tackle, Jason, 2 miles south of Nisswa at the Intersection of Hwy 371 and Cty Rd 77, next to Schaefer's Foods, www.sportlandbait.com (218-963-2401)

LAKE OSAKIS – Buck Point Resort on the N.W. corner of the lake, Brad, 115 miles west of Twin Cities on I-94W, take Hwy 3 North out of Osakis to Hwy 10 West, www.lakeosakisresorts.com (320-859-2530)

PELICAN RAPIDS - Park Region Sport Shop, Lee Brenna, Intersection of Interstate 59 and 108 in downtown Pelican Rapids (218-863-5740) The snow last week may have put a damper on the remainder of the ice season. You can’t see where you are stepping. The extra weight of the snow will definitely put some extra pressure on the ice. Call the sport shop for the latest word on lake access.

RAINY LAKE - Rainy Lake Tourism, www.rainylake.org (1-800-FALLS-MN) Spring fishing on the Rainy River is in full swing. Plenty of walleye are being caught during the special border water season. Jigs and minnows are working in the morning with a heavier bite in the afternoon preferring colorful plastics. Anglers are also boating a fair number of sizeable sturgeons. Sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release only no tag is necessary. When the sturgeon season opens April 24th a tag will be required. The launches near International Falls are open with the best reports coming from the faster waters below the dam near the Ron Hall Access on Shorewood Drive. Down river launches are open to the county line. The ramps at Nelson Park in Birchdale are getting a heavy workout, other nearby accesses are at Pelland Junction to the east and Frontier to the west. If you have light equipment, you could carry in just below the Manitou Rapids near Indus or just above the Sault at Franz Jevne State Park. Some diehard hard water anglers continue to pull some nice walleye from Rainy Lake. Most have been heading further east and using jigs and minnows in the morning with the bite dropping off in the afternoon. Flocks of geese, smaller waterfowl and a handful of songbirds are making their way into the north woods. The spring migrations will be in full swing through April and May providing excellent birding opportunities. There is a birding guide available for the area, call 1-800-325-5766 and ask for a free copy of “Bogs to Rocks.” Many smaller mammals are becoming more active and wildlife watching will only improve as green leaves sprout in the forest.

RED WING - Ike's Bait & Tackle, Ken, 2109 Old W Main St, Red Wing (651- 388-2111) Things continue to go well up at the dam for the fishermen getting up there. The walleyes and sauger are still biting well on bright colored Ike’s hair jigs tipped with minnows. Covill is open now, but Baypoint is still iced up.

SAINT CLOUD - Stop Light Bait, 45 8th Avenue SE, St. Cloud (320-255-9689) Crappie anglers have been catching some fish on Grand, Pearl and Briggs Lakes. Sunfish anglers have reported catches on Sugar, Anne and Shamineau Lakes. Minnewaska and Lake Alexander would also be worth a try. Perch anglers are headed to Mille Lacs and Mayhew Lake should also be checked out. We have a new fresh supply of freshwater shrimp in stock. Our store will now be opening one-hour earlier everyday of the week. We will be open from 6:30 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday, 6 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday and 6 am to 5 pm on Sundays. Call us for the latest information.

SAINT PETER - Hermies Bait, Brad, 43539 French Hill Rd. St.Peter MN 56082 (507-931-6875) The ice is bad, guys aren’t getting out. Not much happening on the river either. The trout season opens up this sat., so a lot of people will be hitting the old rearing ponds.

SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA - Axel's Tackle Box, Axel, 2 blocks north of Hwy 60 on Hwy 13, next to Casey’s, on Lake Sakatah in Waterville, www.axelstacklebox.com (507-362-4444) Ice is going, going, almost gone on lakes here. There is a few you can walk on but be careful. Morristown dam area are open and make sure you bring your crawlers along for bait. Lagoon area on Tetonka should be opening soon. The store is in the transition period right now. Still taking orders for harnesses and spinner baits.

UPPER RED LAKE - White Birch Resort, Monte Sharbono, vacation@whitebirchresort.net (218-835-4552) The warmer days and the heavy snow that fell last week are beginning to take their toll on the ice. Most places are only letting out ATVs and snowmobiles now. The walleyes continue to bother the crappie fishermen. A few are finding the crappies still.

WACONIA - Mase's In Towne Marine, Cindy, corner of Lake and Elm, www.intownemarina.com (952-442-2096) In Towne Marine will be closed as of March 2nd until the ice is out.

WINNIBIGOSHISH – Walleye Visions, Tom Neustrom, 21622 Airport Rd, Grand Rapids www.mnfishingpros.com (218-327-2312) Call ahead to Fred's Bait, Highbanks, Nodaks, or McArdle's resorts before heading out on the ice. Ice conditions can change rapidly.