In general, many of the smaller area lakes are beginning to freeze over at night. 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 along the South Shore. Some fish are also being taken from the Lester and French rivers. For the most fish, try casting spoons and “crocodiles”.ELYWalleye are being caught off shore on fresh and frozen ciscos near Silver Rapids Lodge. One woman brought in an 8.4-pound walleye last week from their fishing pier on White Iron Lake using a crawler harness with a frozen cisco. Also taken last week were 6.1- and 4.8-pound walleye using ciscos in front of the Silver Rapids Bridge. The fishing piers at Silver Rapids Lodge stay in all year, since the moving waters of the Silver Rapids between White Iron and Farm lakes do not freeze. Northern pike are also being caught on crankbaits and suckers off the back pier.

KABETOGAMA
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, beautiful weather has permitted anglers to venture out for an additional week of fishing. Walleye can be found using minnows at various depths, although 38 feet has been the most reliable depth. Northern pike anglers are doing well 8-12 feet down to 18-20 feet of water. Both live bait and artificials are taking fish. The shorelines are beginning to freeze overnight, but thawing during the day.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, a few anglers continue to get out, with walleye and northern pike still being taken from the reef structure. For the most fish, try a gold or yellow lindy rig tipped with a shiner or rainbow minnow.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
Lake of the Woods is in the process of making ice, however daytime thaws are allowing anglers to still venture out. One group of anglers near the South Shore reported 10 walleye over 25 inches during the course of one day last week. Most anglers are fishing in 20 feet of water using 3/4-ounce jigs tipped with a shiner minnow, with good numbers and good size being reported. On the Rainy River, a group of anglers reported catching and releasing many walleye measuring 23- to 27-inches, as well as at least two-dozen walleye in the 17- to 18-inch range. The preferred approach has a rapala in the current. Another successful fishing party used thundersticks and 3/8-ounce jigs while anchored. Some anglers are having success using 1-ounce glow-colored jigs while working the holes in roughly 28 feet of water. The Northwest Angle and Island area shorelines and bays are now freezing over.

BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, some local anglers predict that that there won’t be fishable ice until the middle of December. Big Cutfoot Sioux has recently been best for walleye, however Lake Winnibigoshish, many other area lakes, and the Mississippi River all continue to give up fish. The best approach has been a jig and minnow combination worked slowly. Dragging, rather than popping is out-producing other presentations. Crappies can be found in their usual winter locations, especially in areas with soft bottoms in depths of 20-25 feet.

WALKER
On Leech Lake, fishing has been good, however not many anglers are taking advantage of the fall feeding frenzy. For the most fish, try a jig and minnow combination during evening hours.

DETROIT LAKES
Few anglers are venturing out. Some of the sloughs and ponds now have a thin layer of ice on them. Temperatures are expected to cool down, and with one week of below freezing temperatures, anglers should be able to walk out onto some of the smaller area lakes.

ALEXANDRIA
A few walleye continue to be pulled from the deeper waters of Lake Miltona. The Chain of Lakes is also kicking out a few walleye.

STARBUCK
Fishing has been good from shore on Lake Emily using shiners or fatheads on a float.

BRAINERD
A few die-hard shore anglers continue to take fish, especially at night. The key locations have been large, shallow, shoreline flats where current is present. For the most fish, try “dead-lining” lively creek chubs on a lindy rig. Cast the rig out as far as you can and then wait for a hungry fish to cruise the shallows. Make sure to bring a lantern, chair and plenty of warm clothes, and with patience, you may land the fish of a lifetime!

NISSWA
The few anglers that are still venturing out are having success with the walleye. The best approach has been a jig and minnow combination on Gull, North Long and Round lakes, especially during afternoon hours. Anglers are having success in the shallow waters during late afternoon hours, and also in the deeper waters during the day. Bring the GPS and lock in when you locate fish since they should still be here once the ice arrives. Crappies continue to be pulled from Upper Gull Lake, and from Wilson Bay on Gull Lake. Large northern pike can be found on the river and in the larger lakes while trolling large 10- to 16-inch sucker minnows. ISLE On Lake Mille Lacs, the walleye bite has slowed, however the perch remain active. For the most fish, try a jig and minnow in the bays, with a few muskies also being taken.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD
Anglers are having the most success fishing for crappies in 25 feet of water on Horseshoe Lake. Sugar and Limestone lakes are producing crappies and sunnies. Walleye continue to be taken from the Mississippi River just below the Sartell and 10th Street dams.

EDEN VALLEY
A few walleye are being pulled from the shallows on Lake Koronis towards dusk. For the most fish, use large minnows, pike suckers or shiners.

WAYZATA
Sunfish are biting on Black Lake. Some northern pike are being caught in the channels. For walleye, try 16-20 foot depths using a lindy rig and minnow.

CHISAGO CITY
Walleye can still be found in the channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes. A few fish are being caught during the day, however trolling at night seems be best.

STILLWATER
On the St. Croix River, walleye and numbers of sauger are biting in 24-32 feet. Try trolling crankbaits for the best results. White bass, sheepshead, sturgeon and flathead catfish are also being taken along with the walleye and sauger.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

WABASHA
On the Mississippi River, walleye fishing remains excellent below the Alma Dam, and in the backwaters. For the most fish, try a black or purple, 3/8- to 1/2-ounce jig tipped with a minnow. Large northern pike are also hitting below the dam, with a 12-pound fish taken this past week. And, numbers of panfish are coming in on waxworms.

MANKATO
Anglers continue to catch fish throughout the Minnesota River. Crystal Lake is producing walleye at the public piers and off the highway. On Clear Lake, towards the city of Montgomery, anglers are catching walleye using fatheads from shore. Walleye are also being taken after dark on Madison Lake. For the most fish, cast from shore into 8-10 feet of water.

WILLMAR
Anglers casting from shore are catching fish. Try Ringo Lake and the Willmar Foot Chain for both walleye and northern pike. Diamond is producing a few walleye, and Green Lake is giving up fish in 70-90 foot depths.

MONTEVIDEO
The fall walleye bite is on. For the most fish, try fishing at the Churchill Dam, Marsh Lake Dam, and Highway 75 Dam using a jig and minnow during evening hours.