In general, many of the smaller area lakes are beginning to freeze over. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ICE IS NEVER CONSIDERED TOTALLY SAFE. The Department of Natural Resources reports that 4 inches of ice is the minimum thickness recommended for travel by foot. Ice safety guidelines also recommend a minimum of 5 inches of new, clear ice for snowmobiles and ATV’s, and 8-12 inches of new, clear ice for cars and small trucks.
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS
DULUTH
On Lake Superior, kamloop fishing has been good from shore, with anglers taking numbers of fish using brightly-colored spoons. Mid-lake fishing has also been good. The best approach has been to troll a pink or purple bomber, with anglers reporting larger than normal fish. And crappie action has been good on Fish, Island and Caribou lakes in 6-13 feet of water.
KABETOGAMA
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, anglers are pulling walleye from depths of 18-22 feet. Lost Bay, Lost Lake and the mouth of Ash River are providing some of the best action. On the west end of Lake Kabetogama, Bittersweet Island and the reef structure near Sugarbush Island have been productive for both walleye and perch. Water temperatures remain in the low 40′s, and the lakes are not expected to freeze over this week.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS
BAUDETTE
On Lake of the Woods, the South Shore currently has good water clarity. Anglers are taking fish from 13 feet of water using 3/4-ounce glow-in-the-dark or orange jigs, especially at the Lighthouse Gap. The Rainy River has been full of anglers, with many boats seen regularly at Baudette Bay, Frontier Landing and near Birchdale. Anglers report taking many large walleye, as well as a few eating-size walleye, especially from the weedy areas.
BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, boats are still heading out, with walleye being taken. Anglers are taking fish using a fireball jig tipped with a chub or shiner minnow. Move the jig slowly due to water temperatures only being in the low 40′s, and stay on the move until you locate fish. Also check out depths of 10-18 feet at the Eagle¹s Nest, Battle Point and Bob’s Bar on Big Cutfoot Sioux Lake, especially during the last hour of daylight.
DETROIT LAKES
Open water fishing is coming to a close, and ice is beginning to form on area lakes.
ALEXANDRIA
Anglers are taking fish from 60-80 feet of water on Lake Miltona by vertical jigging 5/8- to 3/4-ounce jigs tipped with fathead minows. Many 14- to 15-inch walleye are being reported, however anglers are asked to bring them up slowly for a safe release. ISLE On Lake Mille Lacs, the fall fishing season is coming to a close. Water temperatures continue to fall into the 40′s, and the walleye will soon be looking for tullibees. Most anglers are now concentrating on muskies and perch. Perch action has been best at Isle Bay and around some of the reefs. Muskie anglers are reporting some very large fish slamming bait in the shallow, rocky areas.
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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS
ST. CLOUD
Little Rock Lake is producing fish near the channel. On the Mississippi River, numbers of crappies are being taken above the Sartell Dam, with walleye active below the dam. For the most fish, try shad raps or jigs tipped with crawlers.
EDEN VALLEY
Anglers that are venturing out are catching walleye on Rice and Koronis Lakes in 30 plus feet of water. Jigs and minnows have been the best presentation just off the mid-lake structure.MAPLE LAKEWalleye fishing has been good on Buffalo Lake in 18-22 feet of water, with 17- to 22-inch fish being common.
STILLWATER
On the St. Croix River, walleye and sauger are biting in 24-32 feet of water, and hitting jig and minnow combinations and trolled crankbaits. Saugers are making up over half of the catches. White bass, sheepshead, sturgeon and flathead catfish are also being caught along with the saugers and walleye. And some large walleye were reported coming from the sand breaklines last week.
CHISAGO CITY
Anglers are catching walleye on Chisago, North Center and Lindstrom lakes, with jigs tipped with fatheads or shiners working best.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS
WABASHA
Walleye and sauger are active below the dam on the Mississippi River. For the most fish, try a jig tipped with a fathead minnow, with stinger hooks improving the numbers of fish coming in. Crappies and bluegills are hitting waxworms and redworms in 12 feet of water in the backwater areas.
MANKATO
Many anglers continue to fish Crystal Lake for walleye. For the most fish, work jigs and minnows in the shallows near the docks. Crappies can also be found in the shallow waters. The Minnesota River is producing walleye and sauger, with a few white bass also being taken.
WATSON
On Lake Lac qui Parle, walleye anglers are doing well below the dam. The best approach has been a jig and minnow combination.
ORTONVILLE
On Big Stone Lake, a few fish are coming from the south end of the lake during evening hours on jigs tipped with a minnow.