Outdoors Weekly Fish Tales Archive

May 2, 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) The ice went out totally last Thursday; some of the shallow bays have a few crappies in them. The crappies are mostly staged off the ledges, in about 16 feet of water. The water level is about normal for this time of the year.

BATTLE LAKE - Ben's Bait & Tackle, Josie, Junction of Hwy 78 and 210 (218-864-5596) With all the snow we got last week, it has made the ice conditions a bit weird. Nobody is traveling out on the ice anymore, not even by foot, but the snow will set us back on ice out. There are a few spots on Molly Stark that you might be able to fish from shore. Also, look for the ice to be out a little earlier then other lakes on Ottertail and Rush where the rivers run.

BEMIDJI - Bluewater Bait & Sports, Mark Cook, 1 mile north of the Hwy 2 & 71 Intersection, www.bluewater-bait.com (218-444-2248) Last week's snow has put a damper on things, we are still planning our crappie tourney for the 3rd, but the ice may not cooperate. It will be a game time decision on whether or not we cancel it, so call in or stop by to check it out. Otherwise, most people are in limbo right now given the current ice conditions.

BLACKDUCK - Timberline Sport & Tackle, Carl Adams, Junction of Hwy 71 and Blackduck Lake Rd. (218-835-4636) ) With last week’s weather, it didn't help the ice going out. We are hoping the ice goes out before the opener... things are going to be close.

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) Guys have been going out and doing well on Chisago, North Center for sunnies and crappies. In general the fishing has been good. They have been hitting the shallow mud bays, where the water has been warming up quicker, in 4 to 6 feet of water.

CROSBY - Oars-N-Mine Bait and Tackle, Jesse Williams, 22640 Hwy 6 N (218-546-6912) Waiting for the ice and snow to melt away completely has most of our fishermen waiting at home. The few that are going out have been checking the creeks, channels and bays for signs of crappies with limited success. The fish were just starting to move in when the cold hit and now there are very few fish being caught, although the forecast makes the rest of this week look promising. The best bite has been rough fish on the Mississippi with crawlers, of which most has been taking place from shore. Look forward to a great week!

CROSSLAKE - Holiday of Cross Lake, 35610 Cty. Rd. 66 Crosslake, Lee (218-692-2708) Ice conditions around the Crosslake area - Most small lakes are open or have just a little ice on them. Larger lakes Like Edwards, Mission and Horseshoe have ice, they are a third or so ice covered and could be open by the weekend depending upon the weather. Whitefish Crosslake and the Chain remain ice covered with a little 10’ to 30’ of open water along shore. The only open water on the chain is around the Bait Box Channel. The water has not warmed enough to bring the crappies in to the shallows to spawn.

DULUTH - Fisherman's Corner, Scott, 7 miles north of Miller Mall on Hwy 53, www.fishycorner.com (218-729-5369) Fishing continues to be good in the area. Outside Duluth the smelt are beginning their run. Lake trout fishing has been good; the bigger fish are coming on the bottom. From Duluth to Two Harbors, fishing has been good for the loopers and steelhead in the streams and rivers. For coho, stick baits have been the best or small spoons without a lot of action. Fishing close to the surface for them has been the key right now as the water temps are still very cold.

DULUTH - Marine General, 1501 London Road, on the edge of Lake Superior, www.marinegeneral.com (218-724-8833) Lots of people out in the streams taking fish, steelhead and loopers. Guys in the streams are using bright string and spawn. Guys have been having success trolling for coho between Duluth and Two Harbors, trolling with small sticks and bombers. They are running 8 to 10 feet down in about 80 feet of water. Shore lines, guys are using crawlers off the bottom. A few smelt might start this weekend, but probably about a week away for the really run.

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) Believe it or not but here it is the end of April and there are still some folks out there ice fishing. Only a few are venturing out, but they are catching some nice crappies and perch. We are not saying that the ice conditions are considered safe; on the contrary all caution should be exercised. Wear a PFD and carry ice picks.Fall Lake is the top choice, in the bays, near weedy bottom, in 9-20 feet of water. Many areas of the Kawishiwi River are navigable for small boats and canoes.

FOREST LAKE - Mikes Bait on 8, Rich, 1/2 mile east of 35 on Hwy 8 (651-464-5150) The lakes are all open, they have been getting the crappies and sunnies in the shallows, and the inlets and outlets. Mainly look for the dark muddy bottoms. They have been using flu-flus with minnows or waxies, in anywhere from 4 to 10 feet of water.

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) The ice is about half off the lakes. There is a little bit of shore fishing in some of the bays, that’s about it. We have a lot of new items up for the season for people to look at, and we still have our bargain table out. We will be already to go with bait for the opener, so stop by and get 'em.

HACKENSACK - Swanson's Bait & Tackle, Jim Tuller, Hwy 371 on the north end of Hackensack, www.swansonsbait.com (218-675-6176) If you don't have your boat ready yet, now is the time. The ponds are opening up and a few of the really small lakes are getting close. A little rain and wind and the ice will go out quickly. It looks like the DNR is gearing up for walleye stripping on Woman Lake, the dock is in and rumor has it that the net has been set. If you have never been out there to see that, it is well worth the time. Hopefully the next report will be of open water fishing but with Minnesota weather you never can be sure!

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) Lots of open water shorelines have curtailed the ice fishing season on the big lakes. The weekend’s snowstorms and cool evenings is expected to delay ice-out a few days. All indications are that the ice on Kab should be out on or before the week of opener, and Namakan should follow shortly thereafter. The smaller lakes surrounding the area may be open for panfish somewhat earlier. Ash River has opened into Sullivan Bay meaning Kab and Namakan can’t be far behind.

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) The Lake of the Woods area is gearing up for another fantastic summer season. Resorts are busy getting their fleets of charter launches ready for guests, and will be up and running for opening weekend May 10th. Call now to book your summer vacation at Lake of the Woods.

LEECH LAKE - Anderson's Resorts, Tim, www.andersonsleech-lake.com (1-800-516-0077) The ice is looking black and has pulled away from shore on Leech Lake. Most of the ponds are open, so hopefully a few more warm sunny says and we will have waves slapping the shore again! Enjoy this down time and work on your honey do list and come fish Leech this summer!

METRO AREA EAST - Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle, Oakdale, Josh, www.blueribbonbait.com (651-777-2421) The St. Croix is going right now, for some good open water action. The rough fish are biting like crazy.

MILLE LACS LAKE – Chris Kuduk’s Guide Service, www.kuduksguideservice.com (320-630-1761) We are getting the boats ready to go; we’ll be out fishing the channels and bays this weekend for crappies.

MILLE LACS LAKE - Malmo Market, Lynwood Elliott, State Hwy 47 and 18 East, NE corner of Mille Lacs (320-684-2295) Plan on spending opener on the north end sand this year. With a later ice out this will be the first part of the big lake to warm up. Expect some great opening weekend action on the North end sand this year. Have a great spring and hope to see you soon.

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) We are all getting geared up for the big 2008 opener on May 10th. Will the ice be out by then? I am guessing so. It's going to be tight though. My guess is that it's going to be a great spring bite. We are getting the shop ready for all anglers with all new tackle and a new line of sweatshirts and T’s. Remember, as of May 1st you will need a new fishing license. Can’t wait to see all the open water fishermen back for another great year.

LAKE MINNETONKA - Wayzata Bait & Tackle, Tim or Bob, half mile west off I-494 on Hwy 12 (952-473-2227) There was a good crappie bite last week while the weather was nice, in about 9 feet of water from shore with a jig and a minnow. But the cooler weather has the fish scattered about still. Once we get some nicer days again, look for them to get back in the bays. e are geared up for the walleye opener too. Stop in for your bait and get a few hot spot tips for fishing the lake for walleyes this season.

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) This spring’s ice out will go down in history as one of the latest. Some of the lakes are making progress but some lakes still had ice fishermen walking on them as of last week. There have been a few anglers hitting the open water at the Gull Lake narrows and from the sound of it there are even a few crappies in there. It should keep getting better as spring moves along and the water warms up. Time to dust off the fishing rods and reels, spool on some new line, and tie on that trusty crappie jig. Some of the smaller lakes and bays should open in the next couple of days. The bigger lakes could be ready about May 1. Over the last few weeks the fishing has been phenomenal for big crappies. We’ve even seen some 2 pounders caught and released. That is a serious slab. This big crappie bite should continue into the open water period. While we’ve been waiting we’ve been stocking the shelves here at the store. The new tackle is up and we’re ready to talk fishing so stop in on your way to the lake. I’ll keep you posted on the latest.

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) The ice is pulling away from the shoreline, but it is still out there. We are hoping that it is off by the opener… more next week.

PELICAN RAPIDS - Park Region Sport Shop, Lee Brenna, Intersection of Interstate 59 and 108 in downtown Pelican Rapids (218-863-5740) We had about 20 inches of snow last week... needless to say, we didn't make any head way on getting rid of the ice. Some of the smaller lakes with rivers flowing through them are about half open; the major lakes are not even close to being out.

RAINY LAKE - Rainy Lake Tourism, www.rainylake.org (1-800-FALLS-MN) Sturgeon fishing on Rainy River is the popular sport right now, although it is legal to fish northern pike and smallmouth bass as well. Some sizeable sturgeon have been pulled in, and according to most folks, promptly released. Weather has been quite a factor with late April snowstorms and some plunging temperatures. That has more of an effect on the anglers than the fish. Also, the Littlefork and Big Fork rivers have opened up releasing more sedment and debris into the Rainy, which is clearing a bit more with every day that passes.

RED WING - Ike's Bait & Tackle, Ken, 2109 Old W Main St, Red Wing (651- 388-2111) Last week it was a little slower with the weather. The river is flowing high and fast. Some guys are getting some crappies and sunnies in the backwaters and at Baypoint Park. Stop in the store for the latest report. We look for the walleyes to start to be active in Pepin for the opener.

SAINT CLOUD - Stop Light Bait, 45 8th Avenue SE, St. Cloud (320-255-9689) A few crappies were being caught last week at Briggs Lake and the Mississippi River. The cold temps have slowed down the fish and the fishermen. A few local anglers were still heading far north to ice fish. Your 2007 fishing licenses will expire Wednesday April 30th 2008. We can accommodate all your licensing needs and we are also a wild turkey registration station. We will be carrying leeches in bulk quantities for the 2008 fishing opener next weekend. As soon as leech prices are established, we will start taking leech orders. We will also soon have our new spring tackle and supplies in the store for sale.

SAINT PETER - Hermies Bait, Brad, 43539 French Hill Rd. St.Peter MN 56082 (507-931-6875) Try Baker’s Bay for sunnies and 2nd Point on Lake Washington for crappies. The trout bite has been good in the local ponds too. Hermie’s is open 7 days a week for your bait needs.

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) Lagoons are still the hot ticket here, crappies 10-11 inches are being pulled using minnows and also waxies are getting the sunnies. Opener is approaching fast, get your order in for leeches, will be a limited supply this year (early) due to the ice on lakes up north.

UPPER RED LAKE - White Birch Resort, Monte Sharbono, vacation@whitebirchresort.net (218-835-4552) We still have some ice out there, nobody has been going out. Remember the Tamarac River will be closed to fishing this spring.

WACONIA - Mase's In Towne Marine, Cindy, corner of Lake and Elm, www.intownemarina.com (952-442-2096) 1st; we’ll open with shortened hours then. May 9th the shop will be open all night long for your fishing needs. Otherwise we are working hard to get the marina going in this late spring.

WINNIBIGOSHISH – Walleye Visions, Tom Neustrom, 21622 Airport Rd, Grand Rapids www.mnfishingpros.com (218-327-2312) Checking with the resorts on Big Winnie is telling me that the ice might not be off by the 1st week of May. It's tough to make any predictions, but some of the old timers are saying the ice will be off by May 3rd to the 8th, which puts things into quite a predicament. I definitely would call ahead to see the status of the opening weekend lakes and their conditions, and call the local bait shops for the availability of shiners, leeches, etc.. Mark down May 3rd and 4th for Cabela's in Rogers. All the members of the Minnesota Fishing Pros Guide Group will be on hand to talk fishing.