In general, few reports are currently available due to minimal angler activity on most lakes and rivers. Many of the smaller area lakes are beginning to freeze over at night. During this transitional period, please make sure to check with local bait shops and resorts for up-to-the-minute conditions.

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. Melting and refreezing of ice makes it less stable, especially in areas with springs or current such as near lake inlets and outlets.

NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH
Anglers report some walleye action on Island and Fish lakes using a jig and minnow combination. A few crappies are also coming in on Fish Lake. Kamloop can be found along the South Shore of Lake Superior.

ELY
The fishing piers at Silver Rapids Lodge remain open all year and offer good fishing. This area does not freeze over due to moving waters of the Silver Rapids between White Iron and Farm lakes.

KABETOGAMA
Fishing on Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan has been nearly non-existent, however a few anglers continue to venture out and are taking some northern pike.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
Anglers are still fishing the Rainy River and finding numbers of 13- to 14-inch walleye and sauger, as well as some very large fish. Many anglers report limiting out in two hours! The current water temperatures is 39 degrees. On Lake of the Woods, along the South Shore, fish are being taken near the Wabanica area, and again many walleye over 25 inches were caught and released in the course of a day. Temperatures are expected to drop into the low teens this week, which should help to form a solid sheet of ice in the near future. There is already a slight skim of ice covering the bays each morning. It won’t be long until ice fishing is in full swing!

BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, it appears that it will be the middle of December before there is fishable ice. Currently, Big Cutfoot Sioux has been best for walleye. For the most fish, try slowly working a jig and minnow combination.

WALKER
On Leech Lake, perch are hitting minnows in the shallows. For a few walleye, try a jig and minnow during evening hours at Walker Bay.

ALEXANDRIA
Lakes Reno, Le Homme Dieu and Carlos are producing walleye during evening hours on jig and minnow combinations. Lake Miltona is giving up a few walleye during the day, with anglers reporting many muskies hitting crankbaits last week.

STARBUCK
Lake Emily has been best for walleye. The best approach has been a minnow under a bobber.

BRAINERD
Few anglers are venturing out, however those that do are reporting a few walleye coming from the current areas after dark. The two best techniques seem to be “long-lining” crankbaits in the shallows, and casting lindy rigs tipped with a chub from shore.

NISSWA
A few walleye continue to be pulled from the shallow waters during late afternoon hours, and from the deeper waters during the day. Rainbow minnows and shiners seem to be working best. There have also been reports of crappies coming from Upper Gull Lake, and Wilson Bay on Gull Lake.

ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, the perch and northern pike bite has been good in the bays. For the most fish, try using a larger minnow.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD
Horseshoe Lake has been best for walleye and some nice crappies. For bass, hit Grand and Pearl lakes using crankbaits. Hit Briggs Lake for some good northern pike fishing.

EDEN VALLEY
Lake Koronis is producing walleye during evening hours on larger minnows.

ANNANDALE
Crappies and northern pike are being pulled from Pleasant Lake. For walleye, hit Clearwater Lake using a jig and minnow. Bass action has been best on Cedar Lake.

WAYZATA
On Lake Minnetonka, walleye action is best at night along the weed edges. For the most fish, try a jig and minnow combination. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows along the channels during the day. For sunnies, try Black Lake.

CHISAGO CITY
Walleye are hitting minnows in the channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes during the day.

STILLWATER
On the St. Croix River, unseasonably warm weather has extended the open water fishing season and anglers are reporting a good bite. Walleye and sauger can be found in 20-32 feet of water using a jig and minnow combination or crankbait. Saugers continue to dominate the catch. White bass, sheepshead, sturgeon and flathead catfish are being taken along with the walleye and sauger. And for some very large walleye, hit the sand breaklines.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

WABASHA
On the Mississippi River, walleye are being taken below the Alma Dam on black jigs and minnows. Large northern pike are also being reported below the dam. And for panfish, use waxworms.

MANKATO
The Blue Earth and Minnesota rivers continue to produce a few walleye. Crystal and Madison lakes are producing walleye during evening hours on crankbaits. On Clear Lake, try a jig and minnow combination for a few walleye.

WILLMAR
Ringo, Diamond, and Willmar lakes have been best walleye action, with jig and minnow combinations worked from shore taking the most fish. And a few walleye and bass are being pulled from the deeper waters on Green Lake.

MONTEVIDEO
The fall walleye bite has been best at the Churchill Dam and Marsh Lake Dam on the Minnesota River. Also try the Hwy 75 Dam during evening hours. For the most fish, cast a jig and minnow.