A male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE is being seen along the Mississippi River between the city of Hastings in Dakota County, and Prescott, Wisconsin. The best way to view this bird is to begin in Prescott, and turn right off U.S. Highway 10 at Jefferson Street. Take the first right onto Orange Street, and then the first left onto River Front Street. After a short distance, take the first right to a parking area next to an apartment building. The bird can be found associating with a large flock of COMMON GOLDENEYE. A LONG-TAILED DUCK has been seen about half a mile south of this location.

The influx of northern owls continues in northeastern Minnesota, with GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS being fairly easy to find in the vicinity of Duluth and along the north shore of Lake Superior. The most likely location to view these owls is the Sax Zim Bog area along St. Louis County Roads 52 and 7. One Northern Hawk Owl was seen along Interstate 35, two miles north of Cloquet on Christmas Day.

A Great Gray Owl has been seen north of Chaska, in Carver County since December 28th. The owl is at the marsh found at the junction of Bavaria Road and Engler Boulevard. This is just west of State Highway 41. The first-winter GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL is still present at Black Dog Lake in Dakota County. It was reported as recently as the 29th.

An amazing flock of 15 EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES was in downtown Benson, in Swift County, on December 27th. The doves were seen just southwest of the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and State Highway 9.

Bill Stauffer reported a CAROLINA WREN at his home in Minneapolis on December 24th. Bill lives near 47th Street and France Avenue.

The VARIED THRUSH is still being seen in Falcon Heights, in Ramsey County. Check the area between 1900 & 2000 West Summer Street. Another was in Becker County on December 26th at the home of Ruth Bergquist, along Many Point Boy Scout Road in Ponsford. And on the 29th, a Varied Thrush was seen in Bloomington, in Hennepin County, at the corner of Sheridan and 110th Street.

While most lakes in Minnesota are now covered in ice, please be 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
On Lake Superior, try trolling the North Shore using purple or pink stickbaits in the top 3-4 feet of water for some good rainbow trout action. Anglers are launching their boats at Two Harbors. The St. Louis River is producing some large walleye, with 24- to 27-inch fish recently reported. The best approach has been a small sucker minnow or chub. Crappies are biting on the St. Louis River. And ice fishing is in full swing, with area lakes averaging 9-14 inches of ice.

KABETOGAMA
The ice fishing season should kick into full gear this week on Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan. Spear anglers are currently taking numbers of 2- to 4-pound northern pike, as well as a few larger fish. Walleye anglers report having success using glow jigs and minnow in depths of 25-30 feet. The Lake Kabetogama trails have been staked, and Lake Namakan trails are scheduled to be staked next week.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, walleye are active at Sand Bay. Anglers are catching walleye using buckshot rattle spoons, jigging rapalas, and a simple hook and minnow combination, especially in depths of 15-23 feet. Black Bay anglers are catching walleye, northern pike, and a few crappies.

GRAND RAPIDS
Snowmobiles and ATV’s are out on most area lakes, with the ice up to 17 inches thick in some places. Crappies are starting to bite on Little and Big Splithand lakes in 15-18 feet of water. Lake Pokegama is giving up walleye at dark off the second breakline. Anglers are also catching perch and bluegills in Pooles Bay. Trout Lake has been good for spear anglers. Swan Lake is producing walleye at dusk in 18 feet of water on a shiner and glow jig.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
On Lake of the Woods, anglers report excellent fishing throughout the entire lake! At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, good numbers are coming from 16-24 foot depths just south of Oak Island. There is roughly 16 inches of solid ice, and the trails are marked and ready to ride. Reports from the South Shore indicate steady action in 16-28 foot depths. Ice is up to 20 inches thick and vehicles are now traveling the marked roads. For numbers of northern pike, try a shiner minnow on a glow-in-the-dark, light pink, or gold jig. A few houses have popped up on the Rainy River even though there are some large ice pile-ups (up to 6 feet high!) around the bends in the river between Frontier and Birchdale. There continues to be some dangerous ice on the Rainy River, and travel is not recommended. A trail from Wheeler’s Point to Garden Island has been marked and is ready for use.

WASKISH
On Upper Red Lake, some limits are being reported, and anglers are enjoying an all day bite. There are still a few cracks that are causing problems, but the lake is averaging roughly 18-20 inches of ice. This weekend is expected to be a good one for ice fishing!

BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, there is an average of 8- to 11-inches of ice, but vehicle travel is not yet recommended. Some resorts have begun setting up fish houses. Walleye can be found at the mid-lake structure in 18-20 feet of water. Fish are coming from slightly shallower depths on Big Cutfoot Sioux. Anglers are having the most success from dawn to 9a.m. and from 3-5:30p.m. when the walleye move to the structure to feed. For the most fish, try a Northland buckshot rattle spoon tipped with half a minnow. Occasionally drop the spoon to the bottom stirring up the sediment. The better locations include the mid-lake humps, the area 2 ½ miles west of The High Banks, the far eastern tip of Raven’s Point, and less than 1 mile south of Stony Point. On Big Cutfoot Sioux, try Seelye Point, Bob’s Bar, Mosomo Point or Battle Point. Good crappie and bluegill reports are coming from Big and Little Cutfoot Sioux. The best presentation seems to be 2 euro larvae or pikes on a tiny pink rat finkee or size 14 dot spoon. Fish off the bottom and keep it moving. Use 2- to 4-pound test line. Other area lakes giving up good numbers of fish include Sand, Bowstring, Round and Portage.

WALKER
Leech Lake is giving up numbers of fish throughout the lake. Sand Point recently gave up an 11-pound walleye. Anglers are having success at Cedar Point, especially during lowlight hours. And for some good panfish action, hit Shingobee Bay.

PARK RAPIDS
Fish Hook and Straight lakes have been best for northern pike and panfish. Pike are hitting large sucker minnows in 15 feet of water. Panfish can be found using waxworms and crappie minnows.

DETROIT LAKES
Many area lakes now have 10-16 inches of solid ice. Some anglers are now driving vehicles onto the ice, however extreme caution must be used. Crappie action has been good on Little Detroit, Floyd, Cotton, Toad, Leif, Little Pelican, and Sand lakes in 16-30 feet of water. For the most fish, try a lindy frostee jig tipped with a minnow. Bluegills are hitting waxworms during the day. Walleye continue to bite on Sallie, Pelican, Big Detroit, Elbow, Crystal and Floyd lakes. The best approach has been a lindy rattling spoon and minnow head worked along the deep breaks. For northern pike, hit Cotton and Little Cormorant lakes, as well as Dead Shot Bay on Big Detroit.

PELICAN RAPIDS
Area lakes now have from 15-18 inches of ice. Sunnies and crappies are biting on Prairie Lake. Walleye are active at the north end of North Lida Lake, near Clay Point and Bass Harbor. A 17.5-pound northern pike was recently taken on a plain hook on Lake Lida.

BATTLE LAKE
A few large walleye are being caught in 14 feet of water, with a few found in 30 foot depths. For the most fish, hit Battle and Ottertail lakes, however watch for the ice heaves. For panfish, try Deer Lake. Northern pike can be found on most area lakes.

ALEXANDRIA
Anglers are catching walleye on Lakes Miltona, Ida and Reno in roughly 17-19 feet of water at the edge of the weedlines. Anglers are catching crappies using minnows in 20-25 feet on Smith, Geneva and Le Homme Dieu lakes.

STARBUCK
On Lake Minnewaska, walleye are hitting jig and fathead combinations in 16-18 feet of water, especially during evening hours. Sunfish are biting at the Glenwood end of the lake. For the most fish, try a waxworm in roughly 12 feet of water. On Lake Reno, a jig and fathead should produce a few perch.

BRAINERD
Vehicle travel is now being reported on Round, Mission, Green, North Long and South Long lakes. Crappie action remains strong throughout the area, especially at the first drop-off, just outside the weedlines. For the most fish, try a small glow jig. Sunfish are active in 6-10 feet of water at the weed pockets. The best walleye action continues to occur on Pelican Lake, early in the morning and late in the afternoon, especially in 18-26 feet of water. Anglers report that shiner minnows, as well as glow spoons tipped with fatheads, are working best. For northern pike, try a tip-up and large sucker minnow off the points and weedlines.

NISSWA
A few walleye are coming from Gull Lake. Most of these fish have been on the small side, however anglers are catching a few nice-size fish. The best approach has been a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head. Some nice fish are hitting large golden shiners set under a bobber in 20-26 feet of water. This time of the year fish can be found in waters as deep as 50 feet! Crappies are becoming more active on most of the smaller area lakes, with good results in 12-20 feet of water. Most anglers are using glow demons tipped with maggots. Sunfish are starting to bite on Nisswa Lake, with ants and waxworms working best. Northern pike have been extremely active. For the most fish, use a tip-up or try jigging a bucktail-type jig with a large shiner minnow. Spearing is also working well, however anglers must check local regulations since some lakes have specific spearing restrictions. Please note that there are a few pressure ridges on Gull Lake that are causing some trouble.

ISLE
A good number of resorts along the southern half of Lake Mille Lacs are allowing vehicle travel, but not all areas offer drivable ice. Please check with area resorts and bait shops before venturing out. The best walleye bite currently is at the gravel bars in 25-27 feet of water, especially during lowlight hours. Green jigging rapalas and slender spoons are working well. Northern pike action has been good. Suckers or large shiners under tip-ups have been best. Numbers of perch are showing up in the holes, but sorting is a must! Most perch are in the 7- to 8-inch range, however there are some jumbos mixed in. Fish houses are being set up along the east side of the lake where there is over 14 inches of ice in the bays. Anglers report perch coming from the bays, as well as some walleye taken during early evening hours from the shallow 12-foot reefs.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD
Area lakes are averaging 8 or more inches of ice. Crappies and walleye are being pulled from Rice Lake in front of Fischer’s. For the most fish, try a shiner or crappie minnow. On Pearl Lake, northern pike and panfish are biting throughout the day and during early evening hours. Pike are at the 7- to 10-foot weedlines, and panfish can be found suspended in 12 feet of water. Anglers are spearing for pike on Grand Lake. The Chain is giving up walleye on shiners worked off the islands in 13-14 foot depths. Crappies are active in 12-15 feet of water, and catfish are hitting fatheads. On Schneider Lake, panfish are taking jig and waxworm combinations worked in 12 feet of water.

EDEN VALLEY
Most lakes now have roughly 1 foot of ice, with some anglers driving onto the lakes. Walleye and crappies are being caught on Koronis, Horseshoe, Browns and Eden lakes. The best approach has been a jig and fathead worked in 17-25 feet of water.

ANNANDALE
Northern pike are hitting shiners and minnows on School Section, Pleasant and Clearwater lakes. Walleye are active on Sylvia and Clearwater lakes. For the most fish, try a shiner or fathead. Crappies are being pulled from French Lake, and Clearwater is producing sunfish. Try waxworms and eurolarvae for numbers of panfish.

WAYZATA
On Lake Minnetonka, there is an average of 10 inches of ice on most bays. For walleye, try a Swedish pimple or jigging rapala tipped with a fathead minnow at the 18- to 20-foot weedlines during evening hours. Crappies can be found in the 18-24 foot holes. For northern pike, work the weedlines in the smaller bays.

CHISAGO CITY
Walleye are biting in the channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes. Walleye and crappies can be found just below The Dinnerbell on South Lindstrom Lake. Northern pike, sunnies and crappies are all being pulled from Sunrise Lake. And on Chisago Lake, hit the area around The A-Frame and The Eagle’s Nest for numbers of crappies.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

WABASHA
There is roughly 8-10 inches of ice on the Mississippi River. Sunfish are biting at Wilcox Landing and at the Nelson Wisconsin Dike Road in 1-2 feet water. Use waxworms and spikes for the sunnies. Walleye are starting to bite on Lake Pepin, with jigging rapalas working well.

MANKATO
Most area lakes now have roughly 1 foot of ice. Walleye and crappies are active on Lake Washington. For numbers of panfish, hit Mud Bay, Second and Third Points. Walleye are also biting on Crystal and Loon lakes.

WILLMAR
Area lakes are averaging 12 inches of ice. For walleye, hit Green, Diamond and Ringo lakes. Lake Wagonda is producing fish at night. Eagle and Nest lakes can also be counted on for a few fish.

MONTEVIDEO
About 1 foot of ice now covers Lake Lac Qui Parle. Walleye action has been great, but sorting is a must. For the most fish, hit 5 feet of water, with some good action reported near Hantho’s Landing.

ORTONVILLE
There is approximately 10-12 inches of ice on Big Stone Lake. The best spot for walleye action is currently the Meadowbrook area. Artichoke and Long Tom lakes are giving up both walleye and crappies in 8-10 feet of water.

Hunters, anglers accomplished much in 2004

The state’s first mourning dove season in 60 years, a doubling of walleye fingerlings stocked and numerous improvements to shoreline, grassland and wetland habitat were among notable accomplishments in 2004, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

In addition, youth hunters saw expanded opportunities with a new youth deer season in northwest Minnesota and the state’s first youth hunt for wild turkey. Young anglers continued to learn about fish and aquatic habitat through the MinnAqua program, which has introduced more than 400,000 new anglers to the sport.

“Thanks to the cooperation and hard work of numerous conservation groups and individuals, we were able to expand opportunities for hunters and anglers in 2004,” said C.B. Bylander, chief of outreach for the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. “In addition we took important steps to encourage youth participation and continue our state’s outdoor heritage.”

Following are a few highlights from the past year:

JANUARY

-”Tom and hen walking through spring habitat” by Laurence Huls of Avon is chosen to be featured on the 2005 Wild Turkey Stamp.

- Conservation Officer Brad Schultz of Center City is named wildlife enforcement officer of the year by the National Wild Turkey Federation. “Our wildlife law officers have played a vital role in the comeback of the wild turkey,” said Rob Keck, National Wild Turkey Federation CEO. “Trap and transfer is one portion of the success story, protection is the other.”

- The 1837 Ceded Territory Fisheries Committee (CTFC) composed of state and tribal biologists, agree that 480,000 pounds of walleye can be safely harvested during the 2004 fishing season on Mille Lacs Lake.

FEBRUARY

- DNR wildlife traps 70 wild turkey for transplant in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Morrison County and the Snake River State Forest. The birds are monitored with radio transmitters to determine the effects of food plots on winter survival.

- A draw down of Lake Geneva, an important wildlife lake north of Albert Lea, likely results in a winterkill that reduces the carp population. Carp are known to decrease water clarity and inhibit aquatic plant growth. In anticipation of the winterkill the lake was opened to liberalized fishing.

- Jeff Halverson, Staples, is awarded the 2003 DNR Conservation Officer of the Year Award.

MARCH

- The DNR contacts private aquaculture facilities in hopes of purchasing about 40,000 additional pounds of walleye fingerlings this fall to help increase stocking in the state’s lakes.

- A study suggests that multiple deterrents, which may include an acoustic barrier, expanded public outreach and more regulation, will be necessary to slow the advance of Asian carp into the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The DNR continues to seek support for the project from neighboring states and federal agencies.

- Researchers from Louisiana State University, the DNR and other cooperating agencies ask for help in tracking color-coded scaup as they migrate through the Upper Midwest. The ducks are part of a research project to document migration corridors and wetland habitats used by migrating scaup.

APRIL

- Earl Johnson, DNR area wildlife manager at Detroit Lakes, is named wildlife manager of the year by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

- Thirty kids participate in the first youth-only wild turkey hunt, held by the DNR in the lower Minnesota River Valley. Partners included the National Wild Turkey Federation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

- New regulations designed to protect the recovering lake sturgeon population take effect on the Minnesota-Ontario border.

- The DNR, in conjunction with other resource management agencies, takes steps on Lake Superior, Leech Lake and Lake of the Woods to reduce numbers of double-crested cormorant on that may affect populations of walleye and other game fish.

- Five managers who have held top positions at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are named as the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s new management team. The team, which includes Ed Boggess, C.B. Bylander, Ron Payer, Dave Schad, Pete Skwira is led by Division Director John Guenther and Deputy Directory Larry Nelson.

MAY

- Tony Gawarecki, of St. Mary’s School in Bird Island, Samuel Moudry of BOLD-Bird Island Elementary and Eric Johnson of Kasson-Mantorville were selected as grand prize winners in the 20th annual “Roadsides are for the Birds” poster contest.

- Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who marked the 55th annual Governor’s Fishing Opener on Big Detroit Lake, managed to pull in a 6-pound northern pike just 45 minutes after leaving the dock at 5 a.m.

- Minnesota’s first mourning dove season in nearly 60 years is announced. The season will provide additional opportunities for an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 Minnesota hunters with no adverse effect on the bird’s population.

JUNE

- The spring waterfowl count found 375,313 breeding mallards in Minnesota, 34 percent higher than 2003 and 9 percent above the 10-year average. Blue-winged teal numbers were 353,209, an increase of 83 percent from 2003 and 54 percent above the long-term average.

- The Build a Wildlife Area partnership campaign spearheaded by Pheasants Forever, Outdoor News and Game Fair raised funds from individuals and corporations to purchase one of the few basins in Morrison County to attract canvasbacks, the 400 acre WMA was adopted by the newly formed Pheasants Forever Morrison County Chapter.

- The DNR announces expanded youth hunting opportunities for the fall of 2004, including seven youth deer hunts and a youth deer season in October.

- Minnesota’s pheasant hunters will have additional hunting opportunities this year, thanks to a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) decision to extend the 2004 season through Dec. 31.

- Hunters are offered the chance to hunt elk in Minnesota for the first time since 1998. Five elk permits are offered through a lottery drawing.

- An unexpected decline in ruffed grouse survey numbers is thought to be related to inclement spring weather, DNR researchers say. Statewide, spring drumming counts fell 11 percent.

JULY

- Conservation-minded motorists “drive” proceeds from the sale of Critical Habitat License Plates past the $10 million mark. More than 100,000 loon and deer license plates are traveling Minnesota’s roads and highways. Proceeds protect and manage critical habitat across the state.

- Eurasian watermilfoil is discovered growing in Leech Lake. The non-native, invasive aquatic plant was discovered in several harbors from Stony Point to Rogers Point on the southern shore.

- Generations and cultures share skills and tell stories and learn more about fishing at the Festival of Fish in St. Paul. The event is fosters stewardship of Minnesota’s natural resources and helps preserve fishing opportunities for Minnesotans well into the future.

AUGUST

- The DNR holds public input meetings across the state to discuss and take comments on special regulations proposals for walleye, bass, northern pike, crappie, sunfish and trout on 54 lakes and one river.

- Outdoor enthusiasts buy DNR licenses, pick up informational brochures and get questions answered at the DNR booth during Game Fair, a six day hunting and shooting event, at Armstrong Ranch in Anoka.

- Jason Alan Brown, a part-time artist from Cambridge, wins the 2005 Minnesota Trout and Salmon Stamp contest. His oil painting of a brook trout was selected from among 13 entries.

- The 2004 waterfowl regulations supplement gets a new look with color illustrations to help hunters identify ducks on the wing as well as shooting tips and information on how to avoid common waterfowl hunting violations. The cost of adding new information was offset by the sale of advertising.

SEPTEMBER

- Minnesota’s first mourning dove hunting season since 1946 begins Sept 1. With a fall flight of more than 400 million birds, mourning doves are North America’s most abundant and widely disbursed migratory game bird.

- The DNR takes another step forward in the restoration of lake sturgeon in the Red River Watershed when fisheries crews release approximately 10,500 lake sturgeon fingerlings at two locations in the watershed. About 9,500 fingerlings roughly six inches long are stocked in Otter Tail Lake and the remaining 1,000 are released into the Otter Tail River near Fergus Falls.

- A painting of white-winged scoters by David Chapman of Minnetonka is chosen from among 25 entries for the 2005 Minnesota Migratory Waterfowl Stamp (Duck Stamp).

- The 2005 waterfowl season opens Sept. 25 with hunters reporting mixed success across the state. The season runs through Nov. 23.

OCTOBER

- Minnesota’s first-ever youth antlerless deer season is held Oct. 23 - 24 in Kittson, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Marshall and Pennington counties. Hunters ages 12 to 14 accompanied by a legal guardian, are allowed to take one antlerless deer.

- A painting by David Chapman of Minnetonka is chosen as the winning design from among 27 entries in the 2005 pheasant habitat stamp contest.

- The 2004 moose-hunting season in northeastern Minnesota ends with 246 hunting parties harvesting 149 moose. That compares with 224 parties harvesting 143 moose in 2003.

- Researchers note improvements in water quality and aquatic plant abundance in Lake Christina, an important waterfowl migration habitat lake, especially for canvasbacks and other diving ducks. In 2003, the 4,000-acre lake was treated with a fish-killing chemical, rotenone, to remove several species of fish that were decreasing water quality, and hence aquatic vegetation abundance.

- The DNR and Department of Agriculture reach an agreement that allows deer hunters to donate their extra venison to programs that distribute food to the needy.

NOVEMBER

- The DNR announces changes to trout regulations for 22 streams in six southeast counties. The changes are intended to improve fishing quality for larger trout while maintaining diverse fishing opportunities for anglers. The regulations take effect April 16, opening day of the 2005 stream trout season.

- An additional 4,300 permits are made available in the lottery for 2005 spring turkey season. The decision to increase permits, which is supported by the National Wild Turkey Federation, is based on current hunter densities, hunter satisfaction and the amount of turkey habitat available.

- Archers harvest a record of 484 deer harvested at Camp Ripley in 2004, a 19 percent increase from the previous record harvest of 406 deer taken in 1992.

- No positives were found in Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) tests of 682 lymph node samples taken from wild deer harvested during the 2004 firearms season. The results are the first from 12,500 samples taken from wild deer harvested by hunters. Samples were collected at 130 big game registration stations.

- The number of deer harvested during the 2004 firearms season will likely be among the highest on record, according to preliminary estimates. The 2004 harvest is down about eight percent compared with 2003, the highest harvest on record. The harvest may exceed 2002, when 197,000 deer were registered during the firearms season, the second highest total on record.

- Gov. Tim Pawlenty harvests a fork-horn buck at the 2004 Governor’s Deer Opener. He donated the venison to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Grand Rapids.

DECEMBER

- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported a perfect hunter safety record in 2004. For the second time in six years, there were no fatalities during small game, big game, waterfowl, wild turkey and prairie chicken hunting seasons in the state. Only a dozen non-fatal hunting-related accidents occurred this year, a 50 percent reduction compared with last year.

- Rather than being developed, an 850-acre wilderness Boy Scout camp near Crosslake will be saved thanks in large part to an anonymous couple’s donation of $415,000. Camp Cuyuna, which has provided a low-cost camping for 700 Scouts each summer since 1967, was nearly sold for $1 million to help the Twin Valley Council Boy Scouts of Mankato reduce its debt. The couple’s donation, along with funds raised by camp supporters, will be matched with critical habitat license plate funds from the DNR. The scouts will retain ownership of a 13-acre site that contains a family camp. The remaining area will be an Aquatic Management Area (AMA).

- State and private fish hatcheries produced three million walleye fingerlings for stocking in more than 250 lakes this year, almost twice last year’s total of 1.7 million fingerlings, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The number of fingerlings increased because the average size and weight of fingerlings decreased. This year’s fingerlings averaged 4 to 6 inches or about 21 fingerlings per pound. Last year’s fingerlings were 6 to 8 inches, or about 10 fingerlings per pound.

The influx of northern owls continues in northeastern Minnesota, with GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS being fairly easy to find in the vicinity of Duluth and along the north shore of Lake Superior. Both species of owls are most abundant in the Sax Zim Bog area along St. Louis County Roads 52 and 7. The Sax Zim Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on December 20th recorded a North American CBC record of 70 Great Gray Owls and 42 Northern Hawk Owls. On the 19th, the Two Harbors CBC found 56 Great Gray Owls and 4 Northern Hawk Owls. And on the 18th, the Duluth CBC reported 23 Great Gray Owls and a single Northern Hawk Owl.

A HARLEQUIN DUCK was seen on the lakeside of the break wall of Agate Bay in Two Harbors in Lake County on December 19th. Another was in Duluth on the 23rd behind the Convention Center in Canal Park.

There was an interesting report of a very late GREEN HERON in the city of Shakopee in Hennepin County on December 17th. It was found in the Shakopee RV Campground situated immediately north of the Perkins Restaurant. The Heron was standing on the edge of the small creek that runs through the campsite about 50 yards upstream from the Minnesota River.
On December 23rd, a first-winter GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was on the ice at the east outflow of Black Dog Lake in Dakota County.

Two EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES were in the south end of the city of Appleton in Swift County on December 15th. They were seen on the utility wires near the grain elevators along State Highway 7.

On December 17th, Al Gens reported two CAROLINA WRENS near the entrance to the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Anoka County.

And in Grand Marais, Cook County, two TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRES and a VARIED THRUSH were seen on December 18th. Another Varied Thrush was in Roseville in Hennepin County on the 19th, at the home of Rick Schlosser, along the 2900 block of Northview Street.

Most lakes in Minnesota either have, or have started, to freeze over. 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
Ice on area lakes is averaging between 10-12 inches thick. Anglers are now accessing the lakes by ATV and snowmobile. For crappies and walleye, try Fish Lake. The pike bite has been best on Grand Lake. The Amnicon River is producing numbers of crappies.

KABETOGAMA
Over the past couple of weeks, cold temperatures have added to ice thickness, but recent snows have left some areas slushy. On Lake Kabetogama, four-wheelers and sleds can travel on most surfaces when caution and common sense are used. Lake Namakan has many trouble spots due to various areas of strong current. Extreme caution is a must on Namakan for motorized travel. Numbers of 2- to 4- pound northern pike and an occasional large fish are being reported by both spear and ice anglers working depths of 10-18 feet. Walleye, sauger and perch can be found using smaller minnows on glow jigs.

ELY
Open water anglers took numbers of northern pike and walleye from the Silver Rapids this past week at the channel between White Iron and Farm lakes. An 8-pound northern pike was caught from the fishing pier at Silver Rapids Lodge, as well as three nice-size walleye.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, Sand Bay and other shallow bays now have enough ice to allow for foot and snowmobile traffic. The main lake remains open. Walleye are being pulled from Sand Bay on buckshot rattle spoons, jigging rapalas, and a simple hook and minnow set-up. The best depth seems to be 15-23 feet. Black Bay now has 6-8 inches of ice and anglers are walking out and taking walleye, northern pike, and a few crappies.

GRAND RAPIDS
ATV’s and snowmobiles are accessing area lakes. Anglers report good crappie action on Trout and Little Splithand lakes using a small minnow and glow jig in 18 feet of water during evening hours. Ice on Lake Pokegama has just formed so anglers are sticking to Pooles Bay where they are catching crappies and bluegills on waxworms. Spearing has been good on Big Splithand, Bass, Jay Gould, and several other smaller area lakes where ice depth is from 4-12 inches. As always, please call ahead for the most current conditions before venturing out.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
An aggressive early-ice bite is being reported on Lake of the Woods, the Rainy River, and the Northwest Angle and Islands area. Four Mile Bay and the South Shore of Lake of the Woods now have 12 inches of ice. There is a well-marked plowed road out onto the lake, however please be aware of the many cracks and ridges as you travel. Excellent walleye action is being reported along the South Shore in 16-24 feet of water, with quite a few 11-pound fish, as well as large numbers of eating-size walleye and sauger being taken. The best approach has been a gold or glow-in-the-dark 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a shiner minnow. Most of the fish houses are set up near the west end of Pine Island. As the season progresses, many houses will be moved northward across the lake. There is currently about 5 inches of ice on the Rainy River, but extreme caution is advised due to open water around Silver Creek and under the International Bridge. At the Northwest Angle, fish houses have been placed in the Young’s Bay area between American Point and Brush Island, with excellent numbers of walleye being reported. Island area resort guides are having great success with the walleye and jumbo perch around the Soldier’s Point area.

BLACKDUCK
Area lakes are averaging 10-14 inches of ice. Walleye are hitting shiner minnows during morning and evening hours on Blackduck and Gull lakes. On Upper Red Lake, anglers report taking numbers of crappies and northern pike.

BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, there is an average of 6-8 inches of ice, and as much as 10 inches at Bowen’s Flats and the Third River flowage. Spearers are reporting a decent number of nice-size northern pike. Walleye anglers are having a difficult time accessing some of their favorite spots, such as Big Cutfoot Sioux. Once these areas are accessible, use buckshot rattle spoons or jigging rapalas in 12-18 feet of water between 3-5p.m. for the walleye. Some of these areas include the several rocky points on Cutfoot such as Battle, Seeley, Mosomo, and the big island. Crappie fishing is picking up, especially on Big and Little Cutfoot Sioux, and many of smaller area lakes. Anglers expect to take numbers of yellow perch once they are able to access some of the good fishing areas off Tamarack Point.

WALKER
Anglers are now traveling all over Leech Lake by foot and ATV. Good panfish reports are coming in, and some anglers are doing well while spearing.

PARK RAPIDS
There is an average of 6-8 inches of ice on most area lakes. Fish Hook Lake is giving up numbers of walleye in 20 feet of water on fathead minnows. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on Big Mantrap Lake in 14 foot depths. Crappies can be found suspended on Big Mantrap in 14-20 feet of water.

DETROIT LAKES
Ice is averaging 4-8 inches thick on most lakes, - anglers should still use extreme caution. There is a good crappie bite on Little Detroit, Floyd, Cotton, Stump and Little Pelican lakes in 12-18 feet of water. The best approach has been a techni-glo frostee tipped with a crappie minnow from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Walleye are active on Sallie, Long, Big Detroit, Toad, Lizzie and Pelican lakes. Rattling spoons tipped with a shiner minnow or the head of a fathead minnow worked in areas with a sharp break has been best.

PELICAN RAPIDS
Area lakes now have walkable ice ranging from 4-10 inches thick. Some anglers are also using ATV’s. Fishing has been good on Sand, Prairie and Lida lakes, with numbers of catch-and-release walleye being reported. Shiners and fatheads are working best. For northern pike, try sucker minnows. Bluegills are being pulled from Prairie Lake.

BATTLE LAKE
Walleye are active on West Battle Lake, and hitting golden shiners worked in 26-30 feet of water. On Ottertail Lake, some nice walleye are being taken on sucker minnows, with a 28 ½ inch, 9-pound fish recently reported. Anglers report good panfish action going on North Turtle Lake. For the most fish, try a waxworm on a moon glow jig.

ALEXANDRIA
Anglers are catching fish on Reno, Mary and Darling lakes. Pocket Lake has been best for numbers of panfish. Some of the larger lakes, such as Ida, Miltona, Carlos and Le Homme Dieu, are just developing enough ice for foot travel.

STARBUCK
Ice conditions are improving daily, and there is now an average of 8-10 inches on Lake Minnewaska. Anglers have been using ATV’s to venture out, with a few permanent fish houses popping up. Walleye are holding in roughly 16-18 feet of water. Anglers are finding these fish during late afternoon and evening hours using a jig or plain hook tipped with a fathead or shiner. A few perch and sunfish are coming from the Glenwood end on waxworms worked in 12 feet of water. Spearing is producing fish on Minnewaska and Pelican lakes. Perch are being pulled from Lake Reno on jig and fathead combinations during the day. Lake Reno walleye are hitting jig and minnow combinations during lowlight hours.

BRAINERD/ NISSWA
Most lakes have from 5-9 inches of ice and permanent fish houses are beginning to appear. Anglers report good walleye action during lowlight hours just outside the weed edges on North Long, Gull, Pelican and Round lakes. The best approach has been a jigging spoon tipped with a fathead minnow. Numbers of crappies are being pulled from Upper Gull, Nisswa and North Long lakes during evening hours. Good northern pike action is also being reported by anglers using tip-ups and sucker minnows throughout the day.

CROSSLAKE
From 5-7 inches of ice now covers most of the smaller lakes in the area, with good ice now forming on the Whitefish Chain and Crosslake. Anglers are currently taking numbers of fish from Loon, Clamshell and Green lakes. Northern pike are coming in on tip-ups and light northern pike minnows worked along the points and drop-offs.

ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, the bays along the south end now have 9-12 inches of ice. ATV travel increases each day. The main lake does have up to 1 foot of ice in some places, however it is not consistent and can become thin just a few feet away. There are even a few spots that had cracked and exposed water as recently as Monday. Please check with local resorts and bait shops for the best route out to your favorite “hot spot”.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

NORTH OF ST. CLOUD
Anglers report taking walleye from Little Rock Lake, which has from 8-10 inches of ice. Briggs, Elk and Julia lakes are producing some walleye and panfish. Northern pike are hitting shiners on Long Lake. Ice thickness is averaging 6-8 inches on most area lakes, however less in the middle of the lakes. Anglers are asked to use extreme caution.

SOUTH OF ST. CLOUD
Ice is averaging about 7 inches thick on most area lakes. Seven to nine inches of ice cover much of Pearl Lake, however there is an open water spot in the middle of the lake. Grand Lake, which recently froze over, now has 4-6 inches of ice. Early this week, ice averaged 5 inches on Horseshoe Lake. Please note that the channels and bays on “The Chain” are unreliable due to moving water. Rice Lake is giving up a few crappies and walleye in front of Fischer’s Resort. The best approach has been a crappie minnow or golden shiner in roughly 7-10 feet of water. On Pearl Lake, northern pike are hitting sucker minnows under tip-ups at the 10-12 foot weedlines. A few panfish can be found suspended at 10 feet in 15 feet of water. Anglers are asked to continue using foot travel for now.

EDEN VALLEY
Ice is averaging about 5-6 inches on Lake Koronis. Anglers report taking a few walleye on minnows and fatheads.

ANNANDALE
Francis, Clearwater and Pleasant lakes are giving up a mixed bag of crappies, walleye, bass and northern pike. Granite and John lakes have also had a few good reports. Most area lakes are averaging 5-8 inches of ice, allowing for travel by foot. For the most fish, use a minnow or waxworm on a rattle spoon or anything glow-in-the-dark.

WACONIA
On Lake Waconia, anglers are traveling by foot and ATV onto 7-9 inches of ice. The crappie bite has been excellent, with some 1- and nearly 2-pound fish being reported. Northern pike are also active. The walleye bite is just getting started.

WAYZATA
Area lakes range from open water to 6 inches of ice. A few fish are being caught on Lakes Independence and Sarah. The bays and west end of Lake Minnetonka are also producing a few fish, especially during evening hours.

CHISAGO CITY
Anglers are walking out to Sunset Point and Pancake Island on South Center Lake, the channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes, and below The Dinnerbell on South Lindstrom Lake. Crappies and walleye are both being taken during evening hours. Another good location has been the Eagle’s Nest on the south end of Chisago Lake. Golden shiners seem to be working best.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

MANKATO
There is roughly 4-6 inches of ice on most area lakes. Anglers are walking out onto Madison, Washington, Crystal and Eagle lakes, with a few walleye and panfish being taken. For the most fish, try buckshots, eye-droppers, forage minnows or lindy frostee jigs.

ORTONVILLE
Anglers are pulling walleye from Lake Lac Qui Parle, which currently has about 6 inches of ice. Big Stone Lake is averaging 4-5 inches of ice.

Catch and release trout fishing opens Jan. 1

Catch and release winter trout fishing, on 127 miles of 32 different streams, will open Jan. 1 and run through March 31.

Anglers may use live bait, artificial lures or flies during the winter season. Only barbless hooks are allowed. A trout and salmon stamp validation, along with a fishing license, are required.

Minnesota’s winter trout season opened on an experimental basis in 1988 on two streams for a total of 4.8 miles.

To minimize possible harm to trout populations, anglers are encouraged to consider the following:

- after catching a fish, minimize its exposure to cold air by keeping it in the water as much as possible

- avoid walking through shallow riffles, which often contain trout spawning beds.

Areas open for winter trout fishing are listed in the 2004 Minnesota Fishing Regulations Handbook (streams and rivers, p. 39). Maps showing stream sections open to winter fishing are shown on the DNR Web site at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/trout streams/winter.html.

GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS continue to be easy to locate north of Duluth. The best area to check is along St. Louis County Road 7 in the Sax-Zim area. Please note that residents from the bog area are asking birders to pull off completely to the sides of roads. Please continue to report northern owl observations with locations and dates.

Mike Hendrickson reported a BOREAL OWL in Duluth on the 14th, just north of the intersection of Maxwell Street and Elm Street, though the bird has not been seen since. From Glenwood Street, head north on Jean Duluth Road for about three miles to West Tischer Road, then head east to Maxwell, and south to Elm.

A SNOWY OWL was reported in Duluth along Piedmont Avenue on December 9th.
Both BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER and AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER were reported from Spruce Road, which turns north off State Highway 1, roughly fourteen miles northwest of Lake County Road 2.

At least two TUFTED TITMICE are visiting the feeders at Jon Peterson’s home in the city of Wabasha, in Wabasha County. Drive one and one-half miles west of U.S. Highway 61 on County Road 77 to reach the general vicinity.

The TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE is still present on Ann Lake Campground Road in Sherburne County. It was reported as recently as December 12th. On the 11th, a Townsend’s Solitaire was at Grand Portage in Cook County along State Highway 61. Also in Cook County, a VARIED THRUSH was at a feeder at Mile Marker 210 along Old Ski Hill Road, which turns west off the Gunflint Trail at Mile Marker 210. Another Varied Thrush was seen on December 13th along Pineview Drive in Vadnais Heights, in Ramsey County. A Varied Thrush has been in a Coon Rapids, Anoka County yard for the past two weeks. And in Pennington County, Loren Race had a Varied Thrush visit his feeding station in the town of Goodridge on December 13th.

In general, few reports are currently available due to minimal angler activity on most lakes and rivers. Most lakes in Minnesota either have, or have started, to freeze over. 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 are ice fishing on Grand, Caribou, Boulder and Fish lakes, which have an average of 4-6 inches of ice. Walleye are hitting fatheads and Swedish pimples or small jigging spoons.ELY There are reports of 5-6 inches of ice on the White Iron Chain of Lakes. Slab crappies and nice-size walleye are being pulled from 8-12 feet of water, 100-200 feet from shore. For walleye, use minnows at dusk, and for a few northern pike, try sucker minnows. And, three 1.5-pound crappies came in last week on minnows worked about a foot off the bottom.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, many shallow bays have frozen over, however there is still open water on the main lake. Some anglers are now walking out onto the frozen bays. Black Bay now has 6-8 inches of ice, and some anglers are out taking walleye, northern pike and a few crappies. A few local ice houses have been placed over very shallow depths. No machine travel is recommended at this time. Please check with local bait shops for the most current ice conditions before venturing out.

GRAND RAPIDS
Some of the smaller area lakes have up to 7 inches of ice. Crappies and northern pike are being pulled from Sylvan Bay on minnows. Use light northern suckers for the larger fish. Suckers and spinners on a tip up are working well on Little Splithand Lake, -please watch the ice by the creek since it is very thin.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
On Lake Of The Woods, resorters are setting up ice shacks on the lake. Those along the South Shore and Rainy River are taking guests across Four Mile Bay onto Lake of the Woods. There are a few sections along the shoreline that have up to 10 inches of ice, however, other areas have only 1-2 inches of ice. Extreme caution is advised. Anglers venturing out onto the big lake are using ATV’s and snowmobiles only. These anglers report excellent fishing in 15-22 feet of water. The best approach has been a live shiner minnow on a lightly colored or glow-in-the-dark jig. There is an abnormally high level of water on Lake of the Woods and therefore the dam at Kenora has been opened up and water is being released on the north end of the lake. This has caused more current than usual around the Northwest Angle and Islands area. Resort owners are cautioning anglers to only head out to areas where the ice has been checked and staked. There is currently 7-8 inches of ice around American Point, and 7 inches around Brush Island. The Rainy River is about 1/4 open in the middle near the mouth. Those wishing to move shacks onto the river should wait until there is safe ice shore to shore.

WASKISH
On Upper Red Lake, an ATV trail has been marked about 3 miles out, and the ice is averaging 6-8 inches thick. Anglers fishing this area are catching a few crappies, as well as some northern pike, each time they venture out during evening hours.

BLACKDUCK
Anglers are catching crappies and bluegills on a few of the smaller area lakes. For walleye and a few jumbo perch, hit Gull or Blackduck lakes using a jig-n-rap or jigging spoon.

BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, there are reports of numbers of spearers. The Third River area has a lot of fish houses, with many nice-size fish coming in on live sucker decoys. Please call ahead before venturing out since many areas still have open water.

WALKER
Leech Lake is averaging about 8 inches, however Walker Bay froze over just last Monday. There should be plenty of ice by Christmas break.

DETROIT LAKES
Some anglers are ice fishing in the Detroit Lakes area, but extreme caution must be used. Many of the larger lakes in the area, including Big Cormorant, Big Detroit and Pelican, have large areas of open water. Even some of the smaller but deeper lakes have open water. Rice Lake is your best bet for decent ice, as well as good crappie and bluegill action. Anglers are catching a few walleye just out from the access on Lake Sallie.

PELICAN RAPIDS
Anglers are pulling in various species of fish while ice fishing on Prairie, West McDonald and Lida lakes.

BATTLE LAKE
Most area lakes have about 4-5 inches of ice at the shoreline. Anglers report catching a few walleye on the Silver Lake Chain.

ALEXANDRIA
Ice is just starting to form on many area lakes, however anglers are fishing on Lake Reno and catching some walleye. A few crappies and sunnies are coming out of Little Mary Lake.

STARBUCK
Anglers report 4-5 inches of ice on Lake Minnewaska. A jig tipped with a fathead, or a plain hook and rainbow chub are working well in 12-15 feet for a few walleye. On Emily, anglers are catching walleye using shiner minnows or fatheads. Other area lakes producing walleye are Pelican near Glenwood, and Lake Pomme de Terre.

BRAINERD
Many of the smaller area lakes have fishable ice, however the larger lakes continue to have unstable ice conditions. The best fishing action at this time has been the crappie and sunny bite on the smaller area lakes. The best approach has been a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or small minnow. The key areas have been just outside the weeds in 8-12 feet of water.

NISSWA
Smaller area lakes continue to be the only option for ice fishing. Some of the better spots being reported for foot travel include Jones Bay on Pelican Lake, Nisswa Lake, and the 371 Bay on North Long Lake. Anglers are catching both crappies and walleye on Jones Bay. For the crappies use crappie minnows, and for the walleye, use small golden shiners. Even more of the smaller area lakes are becoming fishable each week.

ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, Cove, Wahkon and Isle bays now offer some decent ice for travel by foot. The main lake varies in ice thickness from just a couple of inches to 8 inches in some spots, however please remember that ice thickness can change dramatically within just a few feet.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD
A few anglers are out ice fishing on Julia and Little Rock lakes. Please be careful if venturing out and always carry an ice chisel.

ANNANDALE
Some of the lakes that may have walkable ice by this weekend include John and Pleasant, along with they bays on Clearwater Lake.

CHISAGO CITY
A few anglers are already accessing the channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes looking for walleye.

STILLWATER
On the Mississippi River, Pool #4 is giving up numbers of saugers and walleye. The best approach has been a vertical jig presentation using any jigging lure from a leaded jighead with a plastic body to ice jigs. Most of the fish are being pulled from 16-26 feet of water. Many of the walleye are being pulled from waters less than 16 feet deep. Roughly 10-20 boats can be seen out on the water each day! Limits are being taken at the dam, as well as from holes south of the dam all the way down to Red Wing. The St. Croix River currently covered in a very thin, unsafe sheet of ice. Large numbers of shad, which are drawing large numbers of gulls and eagles, are adding to the instability of the ice.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

WABASHA
On the Mississippi River, anglers are catching a few sauger from boat behind the Alma Dam.

MONTEVIDEO
Anglers are ice fishing on Lake Reno and catching a few walleye and perch. Lake Lac Qui Parle had frozen over, but opened back up again last weekend due to high winds. Some boat anglers that continue to venture out are reporting success.

Wisconsin anglers caught with 220 sunfish over the limit; boats, motors, trailers, rods and reels seized

A group of Wisconsin anglers faces heavy fines and forfeiture of equipment for taking an over limit of sunfish near Orr in northeast Minnesota

Minnesota Conservation Officers Lloyd Steen of Ray and Troy Fondie of Orr recently received a call that four Wisconsin men were taking over limits of sunfish from Blackduck Lake. The caller had descriptions of the two trucks and boats being used. The anglers were found with 220 sunfish over their limit. They each face a fine of up to $3,000, one year in jail or both.

“Thanks to a concerned citizen, this illegal activity was identified and stopped,” said Steen.

Charged with gross misdemeanor for over limit of sunfish were Darold D. Strine, 56, Roger M. Hamilton, 65, and Thomas N. Price, 55, all from Lone Rock, Wis., and Richard L. McCollough, 54, of Spring Green, Wis.

In addition to facing fines and restitution, the men forfeited two boats and trailers, two boat motors, and four sets of rods and reels under the enhanced gross overlimits law passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2003.

Steen and Fondie went to the cabin where the men were staying and found a freezer containing 240 sunfish, as well as an additional 60 sunfish in the round between both boats for an estimated 300 in possession. The legal possession limit for the four anglers is 80 sunfish (20 sunfish per angler). Restitution value on the estimated 220 illegal sunfish is $1,100.

“Over the years, the DNR has received valuable information through the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) hotline, assisting us in ending a variety of poaching activities,” said Steen. “This case is another example of how the concern of Minnesota sportsmen and women can be used to protect our natural resources.”

Established in 1981, the TIP program allows Minnesotans to call a toll-free number from anywhere in the state to report natural resources violations. Calls regarding violations can be placed anonymously at 1-800-652-9093.

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. 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
On Lake Superior, some anglers are catching loopers while casting spoons and spawnsacs from shore and from boat. There are reports of Grand Lake having 6 inches of ice, and Caribou Lake is reported to have roughly 4-5 inches of ice.

KABETOGAMA
Anglers were able to venture out onto the ice last weekend. Early spearing reports varied, but most anglers reported numbers of 2- to 4-pound northern pike, as well as an occasional 15- to 18-pound fish! Live decoys were the recommended approach. Anglers fishing through the ice near the channel or bay entrances reported only a few small walleye. The majority of Lake Kabetogama and part of Lake Namakan have 3-5 inches of ice as of last Monday. Anglers are advised to use extreme caution due to many pressure ridges leading to unsafe ice. The lakes have very little snow cover so ice continues to develop at a rapid pace. If the weather cooperates, these lakes should have approximately 6 inches of ice by this weekend.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, daytime and nighttime temperatures are consistently below freezing. It is possible that anglers may be able to walk out onto the bays in the near future. Please call ahead for the most current conditions.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
On Lake of the Woods, ice thickness is currently at 6-8 inches, and anglers hope to access the lake by this weekend. Local fishing guides have already been out by foot to roughly 16 feet of water where they are taking nice-size walleye. Most resorts along the Rainy River and South Shore of Lake of the Woods expect to take anglers out by ATV beginning December 11. An ATV trail will be staked-out by the guides to Pine Island by this weekend. Some anglers are even limiting out quickly during evening hours. Anglers are asked to exercise caution when venturing out since ice conditions can change on a daily basis. Please contact area resorts and bait shops for the most current conditions.

BLACKDUCK
Ice is forming on most of the smaller area lakes. And there have been reports of anglers using four-wheelers on Upper Red Lake, which now has up to 8 inches of ice in some areas.

PARK RAPIDS
Ice fishing is not advised in this area.

DETROIT LAKES
There is 3-5 inches of ice on the smaller lakes in the area. Some of the larger lakes like Big Detroit, Pelican and Big Cormorant still have open water.

BATTLE LAKE
On North Turtle Lake, there is 3-5 inches of ice, with northern pike and panfish being taken. Rose Lake by Brandon is kicking out sunnies. Other area lakes that local anglers are now accessing include Long, Rush and Star, however extreme caution must be used.

ALEXANDRIA
Ice is now about 5 inches thick on Lake Reno, where anglers report catching a few walleye. On Little Mary, there is roughly 4 inches of ice, with numbers of panfish being taken.

STARBUCK
There is from 3-5 inches of ice on Lakes Emily, Pomme de Terre, Red Rock and Pelican. Walleye can be found using a jig tipped with a fathead minnow, or a plain hook and shiner minnow. Lake Minnewaska remains open.

BRAINERD
Warm temperatures melted some of the ice that had already formed on area lakes. Some of the lakes, such as Round Lake, actually opened back up this week. Do not trust ice conditions on any of the larger lakes in the area at this time since many of them still have pockets of open water. The smaller lakes and bays are ice-covered, but ice thickness ranges from 1-5 inches. Those anglers already venturing out are asked to please use extreme caution!

NISSWA
A few of the smaller lakes and bays have ice that ranges from 1-4 inches thick. A few anglers that have ventured out say that some of the small lakes offer walkable ice where numbers of crappies are being taken. The larger lakes, such as Gull, Round, and Pelican are either completely open or have patches of open water scattered throughout. Please note that ice conditions can change quickly.

ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, as of last Monday, a skim of ice was forming each night, however wind caused it to break apart daily.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

No reports are currently available for this region of the state.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

No reports are currently available for this region of the state.