The influx of northern owls continues in Minnesota, with GREAT GRAY OWLS reported moving south in large numbers into Carlton, Pine, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties. A Great Gray is being seen at the Eagan Post Office, one block south of Lone Oak Road and Lexington Avenue. Another was in Chisago County on January 27th, near the junction of County Road 67 and 420th Street, east of North Branch.

On January 22nd, Tom Bloom reported a SHORT-EARED OWL in the city of Apple Valley. The Owl was seen in a parking lot at the junction of Galaxy Avenue and Dakota County Road 42.
Two HARLEQUIN DUCKS are still present in Two Harbors, in Lake County, and are typically seen along the main breakwater at Agate Bay.

An AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER and a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER were relocated on January 24th along the west side of McDavitt Road in the Sax-Zim Bog, rougly 2.3 miles north of Sax Road.

The CAROLINA WREN was relocated on the 26th at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge area of Bloomington, in Hennepin County. It is seen most often at the top of the access road across from the garden center.

On January 26th, a TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE was found in east Duluth at 40th Avenue East and Cooke Street. It has been in the brushy area of the yard, at the southeast corner, and in the cedar tree at the northeast corner. On January 21st, the Townsend’s Solitaire was still at the Ann Lake Campground in Sherburne County at the 1.5 mile mark of the access road.

In Waseca County, a VARIED THRUSH was reported in the city of Waseca on January 26th. To view this bird, begin east of Waseca on U.S. Highway 14, and turn left onto Highway 4. Continue roughly 1 1/2 miles south to County Road 9. Travel west on County Road 9 about four miles and turn south on the curve. The Thrush was seen in this area. And a Varied Thrush can still be seen in Falcon Heights, in Ramsey County. Take Roselawn Avenue to Prior Avenue, and continue 5 blocks to Howell. This Thrush has been seen near this intersection.

And last, many people are reporting NORTHERN SHRIKES. This species seems to be making a good showing in the eastern half of the state, with various reports from Carlton County south to Rice County.

PLEASE CHECK WITH LOCAL BAIT SHOPS AND RESORTS FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE CONDITIONS. AND, 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

Kabetogama
The Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point and Crane Lake trail system has been groomed, and offers nice snowmobile access to anglers pulling portables to all main lake areas. Ice thickness is good, however, slush in areas off the trails is hindering travel. Walleye and saugers can be found using smaller minnows outside the soft bottom bays holding baitfish, and in areas that provide current at 28-35 foot depths. Use glow-in-the-dark jigs in these deeper depths. Northern pike continue to hit tip-ups in 12-22 feet of water near the edges of the weed beds. Crappie anglers should check out Lake Namakan and Sand Point.

International Falls
On Rainy Lake, anglers are having success by staying on the move. In the Sand Bay area, work 30-35 foot depths. The American Narrows is giving up fish in roughly 40 foot depths. For the most fish, try a flame red shad tipped with a minnow head, or try jigging a shad rap and minnow head. Other hot spots include areas around the reefs that were productive last fall. And, there have been some reports of good northern pike action around Rainy Lake City.

Grand Rapids
Crappies are coming from 20 feet of water on Trout Lake. A few nice-size fish are being pulled from Splithand Lake. Walleye anglers continue to take a few fish from Lake Pokegama at dusk. For numbers of northern pike, hit Jay Gould, Rice, Swan and Round lakes using tip-ups.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Baudette
On Lake Of The Woods, the South Shore is giving up numbers of walleye and sauger in 22-34 feet of water. Most fish houses are now about five miles out from the shoreline. Anglers are having success using gold, glow red or glow orange jigs tipped with a minnow. Most of these fish remain near the bottom, however, some fish are moving up toward the mid-water level. The key is to keep the jig moving. Many fish houses are out on the mud flats, with reports of 10-30 fish being taken each day; many more fish are being caught and released. Lots of nice, eating-size walleye, in the 14- to 15-inch range, are being reported. For the most fish, hit 12-14 feet of water from 4 p.m. on. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, numbers of walleye, sauger and jumbo perch are coming in on glow-in-the-dark white or blue jigs worked in depths of 27 feet. On the Rainy River, many 13- to 14.5-inch walleye are being taken.

Waskish
On Upper Red Lake, many limits of crappies, and numbers of large northern pike are being reported. BenaOn Lake Winnibigoshish, it has been difficult to keep the roads from the High Banks, Nodak’s and Denny’s plowed due to recent heavy snowfall and drifting. Snowmobiles have been essential to access fishing holes away from the plowed roads. For walleye and jumbo perch, try a small dropper spoon or fire-eye spoon at the edge of the mid-lake structure. The best walleye action has been after 3 p.m. Large perch can be found in 30-33 foot depths, where large schools of tiny perch and shiners are roaming. Big Cutfoot Sioux has also been producing a few walleye after 3 p.m., as well as during early morning hours. For the most fish, try a shiner minnow on a plain hook. The key has been to stay mobile and work depths of 18-20 feet. Little Cutfoot Sioux is giving up some nice bluegill in depths of 14-18 feet on dot spoons and X-spoons tipped with waxworms or euro larvae.

Walker
On Leech Lake, the Highbanks area and some of the bays have been best for walleye, especially during morning and evening hours. HackensackSunnies are active on Ten Mile and Birch lakes in 19-22 feet of water. Pleasant Lake is kicking out walleye in depths of 20 feet. Northern pike remain active on most area lakes.

Park Rapids
Potato and Fish Hook lakes are kicking out a few walleye. The best approach has been a shiner minnow in 20-27 feet of water. Northern pike are being pulled from 16 foot depths on Fish Hook Lake. The Crow Wing Chain of Lakes has been good for some large sunfish in 15 feet of water. And crappies can be found suspended over 25-30 feet of water on Big Mantrap Lake.

Detroit Lakes
Recent heavy snowfall has made it difficult to travel some areas. Snowmobiles are currently the best mode of travel to access favorite fishing holes. Four-wheel drive is a must for anglers driving out onto area lakes. Bluegills, perch, and crappies are hitting lindy pounder and frosty jigs tipped with a waxworm. For the most fish, hit 10-18 foot depths on Little Detroit, Cotton, Little Pelican, Crystal, Little Cormorant, Floyd, Cotton, Round and Big Toad lakes. Anglers are taking the most fish at the green coontail and cabbage weeds. Walleye can be found at the edge of the sunken islands and deepwater weedlines. The best approach has been a lindy rattling spoon tipped with a minnow head. Some anglers are having success just letting a shiner minnow swim around under a tip-up or float. Some of the better locations include Pelican, Lizzie, Big Cormorant, Detroit, Big Toad, Sallie and Franklin lakes.

Pelican Rapids
Nice-size sunfish continue to be taken from Prairie and Lida lakes. For walleye, hit the 18-foot weedlines on Lake Lida.

Battle Lake
West Battle Lake is giving up crappies in 14-20 feet of water on crappie minnows on a demon jig. Walleye are active in 16-20 foot depths on West Battle Lake, with a slightly better bite in 35 feet of water. On Ottertail Lake, walleye are being taken from various depths, and large perch are hitting fatheads throughout the lake. East Lost Lake is producing some nice sunfish. Northern pike can be found using shiners on Clitheral Lake. And for sunnies, bass and northern pike, hit North Turtle Lake.

Alexandria
Numbers of panfish are being pulled from Maple, Geneva and Mary lakes throughout the day. For walleye, hit 30-38 foot depths on some of the larger lakes, such as Miltona and Ida. StarbuckOn Lake Minnewaska, walleye are active during morning and evening hours. Lake Emily also continues to produce a few walleye. Little Mary Lake has been good for panfish in 10-12 feet of water.

Crosslake
Numbers of smaller walleye, as well as an occasional large fish, are being pulled from 20-28 foot depths on shiners and rainbow chubs jigged or bobber-fished. Northern pike action has been good along the weedlines near the drop-offs, using a large pike minnow rigged on a tip-up. Crappie and sunfish anglers are having success using crappie minnows and waxworms on glow jigs in 12-24 feet of water.

Nisswa
Numbers of nice-size panfish are being pulled from Roy, Margaret and Upper Gull lakes, as well as from the 371 Bay on North Long Lake. For crappies, use small shiner minnows; for sunnies, use waxworms. Good northern pike action is being reported by anglers using tip-ups with frozen ciscos or large silver shiners. Set these roughly 2 feet below the ice where pike are roaming in search of dead fish and minnows. Another approach has been a bottom slip rig and larger egg sinker, with a 4-foot leader swiveled to the hook and bait. The bait will float off the bottom just enough to catch attention. Walleye can be found along the 16-18 foot shoreline structure, as well as in 40-50 foot depths. The best presentations have been either a glow-hook and bobber set-up, or a buckshot rattling spoon.

Isle
On Lake Mille Lacs, walleye action has been sporadic. For the most fish, try a Mr. Champ or Kastmaster and a fathead minnow for your jig line, and a small glow jig and shiner for your set line. A few perch are beginning to come in with the walleye. Depths of 25-28 feet have been best. For a few northern pike, try a large shiner or sucker minnow in 8-12 feet of water. Overall, perch action has been unpredictable. Expect size and numbers to greatly improve around mid-February. There is roughly one foot of snow covering much of the lake, and the ice is up to 2 feet thick in most areas. Resorts have plowed roads so anglers can access their favorite areas, and recent warm temperatures should make off-road travel easier.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

St. Cloud
Sunfish and crappie action has been excellent on Goodner Lake using euro larvae and waxworms. Anglers are having success with the northern pike on Pearl and Goodner lakes using a sucker minnow in 15 feet of water. A few walleye are coming out of Horseshoe, Rice and Pearl lakes. At night, also try Two Rivers Lake for a few walleye. Large perch are coming out of Little Rock Lake. And for fun, hit Horseshoe Lake for some large catfish.

Annandale
Crappies can be found suspended over the deep holes on Clearwater Lake. Twin and Pleasant lakes are producing crappies in 20-25 feet of water, during evening hours. Sugar and John lakes are giving up sunfish in 10-12 feet of water. Most area lakes are producing northern pike in depths of 12-14 feet.

Eden Valley
Cedar Island Lake has been best for crappies and sunnies. A few walleye can be found on Cedar Island in roughly 30 feet of water, with a few large catfish also being reported. Lake Koronis is producing walleye in 32 feet of water along the bar by Stonegate.

Waconia
On Lake Waconia, crappies are suspended along the weed edges of Waconia Bay. Sunfish can also be found here during morning hours. Large northern pike are being taken from along the weed edges in 11-14 feet of water. For walleye, check 15-20 foot depths at Cemetery and Anderson’s reefs.

Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, sunnies are hitting waxworms in the western bays. Walleye are active in 22-35 feet of water at the weed edges during evening hours. At dusk, move to the deeper rock piles, with some large walleye being taken. Northern pike are being pulled from the 18-foot weed edges on a medium-size sucker set 4 feet off bottom. Crappies can be found suspended in the 36-40 foot holes. For the most fish, try a glow jig and small minnow during evening hours.

Chisago City
Chisago Lake is producing panfish along the south end. Anglers are catching fish from the A-frame all the way to County Road 83 on crappie minnows, euro larvae, a small jig, and light line. Sunrise Lake is kicking out large northern pike and panfish. Kroon Lake has been best for crappies, however, other good spots to fish include in front of The Bluewater on North Center Lake, and on the rocks in 14-16 feet at Nelson’s Island.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Wabasha
On the Mississippi River, panfish are being pulled from the Wilcox area near County Road 24. A few northern pike are being taken from Lake Pepin, and this week’s warm weather should improve this bite.

Mankato
Lake Washington has been best for sunfish, with large fish taken from 5-10 foot depths during lowlight hours. Eagle Lake is producing quite a few northern pike. Crappies can be found suspended in 30 feet of water on German Lake during evening hours.

Willmar
Norway, Games, North Long, and Nest lakes are giving up numbers of sunnies and crappies in 10-12 feet of water. The larger crappies can be found suspended in even deeper waters. Green Lake is producing a few walleye. Big Kandiyohi Lake has been good for walleye and perch in roughly 10 feet of water.

Montevideo
On Lake Lac Qui Parle, walleye are biting on the southern end around the rocks. For the most fish, try a shiner in 10-12 feet of water. A few walleye are also being reported on the Minnesota River.

Ortonvile
Big Stone Lake is producing walleye and perch at Kite Island and the Rustling Elms in 11-12 feet of water. Artichoke Lake continues to give up a few crappies and walleye. Hit 9-10 foot depths in the middle of the lake for the most fish.

Anglers will be able to keep more walleyes and northern pike from Mille Lacs Lake this fishing season.

The 2005 walleye safe harvest level of 505,000 pounds is five percent higher than last year’s safe harvest level of 480,000. The increase is due to a stable spawning stock biomass. In addition, biologists say the 2002 year class of walleye, now 11 to 13 inches, was the strongest year class since 1988 and represents the lake’s future spawning stock.

“This is good news. The higher-than-average safe harvest level is a reflection of a healthy fishery,” said Ron Payer, DNR Fisheries Management Section Chief. “We have a strong 2002 year class that will provide abundant fishing opportunities this summer. Plus, in the coming years, we’ll see some nice fish.”

State and tribal biologists agreed to monitor the harvest of the 2002 year class to ensure that it is not excessive.

At its Jan. 19-20 meeting in Duluth, the 1837 Ceded Territory Fisheries Committee (CTFC), composed of tribal and state biologists mutually agreed to the new quota, the second highest since treaty harvest began.

Based on the tribes’ five year management plan for Mille Lacs Lake, the 2005 tribal quota is 100,000 pounds of walleye, which will be allocated among the eight Ojibwe bands.

The 2005 state allocation is 405,000 pounds of walleye. Last year, state anglers took 79,000 pounds of their available quota while releasing just over 200,000 pounds.

The CTFC reviewed the safe harvest levels for 2005 for other species in Mille Lacs Lake and agreed to leave them unchanged except for a modest increase of 2,000 pounds for northern pike. These safe harvest levels are 270,000 pounds for yellow perch; 25,000 pounds for northern pike; 24,000 pounds for tullibee; and 28,000 pounds for burbot.

The increase for northern pike was based on an analysis and review of the pike population, which suggests it is currently at a higher level than in the mid-1990 when it was first established. This new safe harvest level will be re-evaluated following a northern pike tagging study to begin this spring.

Federal courts have ruled since 1994 that the state and the eight Ojibwe bands share fish and game in the 1837 treaty ceded territory.

To ensure the long-term health of the Lake Mille Lacs walleye fishery, the yearly walleye harvest has been managed so that it does not exceed the safe harvest level (harvestable surplus) as directed by the court order. The court left determination of harvestable surplus levels and other biological issues up to the CTFC.

The influx of northern owls continues in Minnesota, with GREAT GRAY OWLS being reported moving south in large numbers into Carlton, Pine, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties. More than 200 Great Grays were found in northern Aitkin County on January 19th. NORTHERN HAWK OWLS seem to have settled in, but can still be found in places such as the Sax-Zim Bog in St. Louis County. And, a SNOWY OWL is still at the railroad yards in the town of Proctor, in St. Louis County. Another Snowy Owl is being seen at the Duluth Airport.

There is a second-hand report of a CLARK’S NUTCRACKER from January 15th in St. Louis County. It was reportedly seen near the junction of McQuade Road and Scenic Highway 61, northeast of Duluth.

Several callers have reported NORTHERN GOSHAWKS in the past few days. Goshawks have been seen in the counties of Isanti, Otter Tail, and St. Louis.

A LONG-EARED OWL was at Anna Grunseth Prairie in Wilkin County on January 16th.

A VARIED THRUSH was reported from Rochester in Olmsted County on the 19th. It is being seen at 631 Toogood Court SW, and is visible from 6th Avenue SW. On January 15th, a Varied Thrush was seen again in the city of Bloomington, in Hennepin County, at the corner of Sheridan and 110th Street. The most likely place to view this bird is at 2600 West 110th Street.

And, a CAROLINA WREN was relocated on January 14th at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge area of Bloomington, in Hennepin County. It is seen most often at the top of the access road, across from the garden center.

DNR announces new 2005 fishing regulations for some northwestern Minnesota lakes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will implement new special fishing regulations on several northwestern Minnesota lakes this spring, according to Northwest Regional Fisheries Manager Henry Drewes. The announcement comes after an internal review and a public comment period during the fall of 2004. The regulations will cover angling for walleye, bass, northern pike, crappie and sunfish.

The DNR has been reviewing fishing regulations statewide for many years, said Drewes, and we’ve learned a great deal in that time about how we can improve fish populations in area lakes with length and bag limits. The public review process for our regulations proposals helps us match the publics desired fishing experience with the appropriate management tool for each lake.

The management tools that were considered for each lake come from the DNR toolbox regulations, which are a suite of special regulations considered by fisheries staff based on the specific management objectives for a particular lake. Once implemented on a lake, the regulations are monitored over a 10- to 15-year period to evaluate the effectiveness of the regulations for improving fish populations.

The following northwestern Minnesota lakes will be included on the 2005 list of lakes with special fishing regulations. Unless otherwise specifically mentioned, all other general statewide fishing regulations apply to these waters.

Cass County (Walker Area Fisheries Office) Horseshoe Lake. Anglers may possess a total of three walleye, five crappie and five sunfish. Bass 12 inches and larger must be immediately returned to the water. Anglers may possess one northern pike greater than 30 inches; all northern pike less than 30 inches must be immediately returned to the water.

Douglas County (Glenwood Area Fisheries Office) Maple Lake. Anglers may possess a total of five crappies; all crappies less than 10 inches must be immediately returned to the water. This regulation is a modification of a previous experimental regulation on the lake.

Hubbard County (Park Rapids Area Fisheries Office) Big Sand Lake. Anglers may possess one walleye over 28 inches as part of their six-fish possession limit. Walleye in a protected slot of 20 inches to 28 inches must be immediately returned to the water. This regulation is a modification of a previous experimental regulation on the lake.

Otter Tail County (Fergus Falls Area Fisheries Office) Jewett Lake. Anglers may possess one bass over 20 inches as part of their six-fish possession limit; all other bass 12 inches and larger must be immediately returned to the water.

North & South Lida, Venstrom and Mud lakes. Anglers may posses one walleye over 26 inches as part of their six-fish possession limit. Walleye in a protected slot of 17 inches to 26 inches must be immediately returned to the water.

Pickeral Lake. Anglers may possess one bass over 20 inches as part of their six-fish possession limit; all bass 12 inches and larger must be immediately returned to the water.

Sewell Lake. Anglers may possess one bass over 20 inches as part of their six-fish possession limit; all bass 12 inches and larger must be immediately returned to the water.

Star Lake. Anglers may possess a total of 10 sunfish.

Stuart Lake. Anglers may possess a total of 10 crappie; all crappies less than 10 inches must be immediately returned to the water.

The special regulations for all of these lakes will take effect on Mar. 1, 2005. In addition, the DNR has also added Leech Lake to its list of lakes in the state’s Large Lake Program to have special walleye regulations, which will take effect on the fishing opener, May 14. The Department also implemented new regulations on Lake of the Woods and Rainy River in December 2004.

Fisheries staff considered a sunfish regulation for West Lost Lake in Otter Tail County, but dropped the proposal after public input indicated a lack of support for the measure.

For more information about the special regulations on lakes in the Northwest Region, contact DNR fisheries staff at area offices. Additional information on all of the lakes mentioned here is located on the DNR Web site at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html.

PLEASE CHECK WITH LOCAL BAIT SHOPS AND RESORTS FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE CONDITIONS. AND, 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
Some walleye are being caught on the St. Louis River in 9-11 feet of water. Glow-in-the-dark jigs, rattle jigs and whistler jigs are working best. And, good reports are coming from trout anglers up in the Gunflint Trail area.KabetogamaOn Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, a few walleye anglers are having success in 30-35 foot depths using glow jigs tipped with live bait. Swedish pimples tipped with a full or partial minnow are also working well. Walleye anglers are also taking an occasional crappie or perch. Northern pike can be found at the soft bottom areas and deep weed edges using a tip-up.

Ely
There is 12-14 inches of ice covering most area lakes. One angler recently pulled three northern pike measuring over 36 inches in less then an hour from Eagle Island; all were live-released. The technique used was a large rainbow minnow in 12 feet of water. Walleye are starting to show up in the channel, just before the BWCA entry point to South Farm Lake. This is an easy walk from the Island. Use a lite line and just enough weight to get a minnow to the bottom. Anglers from Northern Lights Lodge on Bear Island Lake report great twilight crappie action in 18-22 feet of water.

International Falls
On Rainy Lake, walleye, sauger and a few northern pike are being pulled from 18-34 foot depths in the Sand Bay area. For the most fish, try a glow-in-the-dark jig tipped with a minnow. Fish metabolism diminishes in the winter, so use a very small minnow to lure the fish. The walleye bite is expected to be good all the way from American Narrows up to the Brule. Locate your favorite summer reef and drop a small jig and minnow combination to roughly 38 feet.

Grand Rapids
A few walleye are being pulled from 22 foot depths at dusk on Lake Pokegama, with glow jigs and pimples tipped with small shiners working best. Big Splithand Lake is giving up a few crappies during evening hours in 22 feet of water. Tip-ups and large chubs or sucker minnows are working well off the weed edges for northern pike.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, a few fish houses have been moved out 5-6 miles from shore, and are set over 32 feet of water. Anglers are having the most luck from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. A mix of walleye and saugers is being reported by anglers fishing 1 foot off the bottom. Other anglers are having success in 22-26 feet of water using shiners on jigs, gem-n-eyes, and demons, with limits being taken. The Rainy River is now covered in ice shacks. The Northwest Angle and Islands area is producing fish in 24 feet of water on Swedish pimples and white leadheads. Limits of walleye and saugers, as well as quite a few jumbo perch are coming in.

Waskish
On Upper Red Lake, fishing has been excellent. There is a strong morning bite, with limits being taken between 10:00a.m.-noon. There is also a great evening bite. Northern pike are also active, with many 10- to 15-pound fish being reported. Due to an average of 28 inches of ice, extensions are becoming more necessary. The roads are plowed out about 4 miles, and off road travel is discouraged. Please be careful due to a few cracks in the ice.

Blackduck
Perch are hitting a small jig and minnow head in 20 feet of water on Blackduck Lake.

Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, lots of snow is hampering travel to some of the favorite spots. Snowmobiles seem to be the best mode of travel at present, but there are plowed roads from The High Banks, Denny’s, Nodak’s and Four Seasons. The edges of the deep, mid-lake structure have been best. Try a buckshot rattle spoon with a dropper for numbers of perch and walleye. A colored split-shot and northland jiggle bug tipped with a small minnow is also working well. Keep drilling until you find active fish. Other successful locations include the humps and bars, such as Moses Bar, Sugar Bar, Snag Hole Bar, and the main bar on the south end. Also try the tip of Raven’s Point, One Mile Bar south of Stoney Point, Rebel Bar on the north end, the channel off Tamarack Point, The Bowen Flats, and the tip of the Big Rockpile on the east side of the lake. A few crappies are coming in on 2- to 4-pound line with small spoons.

Walker
On Leech Lake, Walker Bay has been best for walleye action in 25-40 feet of water, especially during evening hours. Northern pike are biting in the bays, in roughly 10-14 feet of water.Park RapidsNorthern pike are hitting sucker minnows on Big Sand Lake. Walleye are active off the bottoms of Fish Hook and Big Sand lakes. Eagle and Island lakes have been best for crappies.

Detroit Lakes
The key to successful fishing has been to move away from the crowds. Little Detroit, Little Pelican, Leif, Little Cormorant, Crystal, Prairie, Floyd, Cotton, Big Toad, Bass, Round and Lida lakes have all been good for panfish. A few walleye are coming from the deepwater breaks and weedlines on rattle spoons tipped with a minnow head. Tip-ups and shiners are also taking some walleye. Big Detroit, Big Cormorant, Pelican, Lizzie, Crystal, Sallie, Lida and Big Toad lakes are the best walleye lakes at present.Battle LakeA few pike are coming from Ottertail Lake, with a 9-pound fish recently taken from Clitheral Lake. Walleye are being pulled from 30 feet of water on shiners. For perch, hit the Amore Flats on Ottertail.

Alexandria
Victoria and Geneva lakes are producing panfish in 10-12 feet of water, with some fish found suspended in deeper waters. For the most fish, try a waxworm or crappie minnow. A few walleye are being caught using shiners on Miltona and Reno lakes in 16-20 feet of water.

Starbuck
On Lake Minnewaska, perch and walleye are scattered. Lake Emily continues to produce a few walleye on fatheads and shiner minnows.

Brainerd
Gull Lake is giving up a few 12- to 15-inch walleye in 24 feet of water. Large northern pike, three over 15 pounds, were recently landed on Gull Lake. Each of these fish fell for a sucker minnow rigged on a tip-out in 14-18 feet of water. Key locations have been the large cabbage flats adjacent to deep water.

Crosslake
Lake trout can be found using large shiner minnows, on tip-ups or jigged, in 40-60 feet of water. Numbers of smaller walleye are coming in during early evening hours, along with an occasional large fish. The best approach has been a shiner or rainbow minnow, either jigged or bobber fished in 20-25 foot depths. Northern pike action remains steady along the weedlines and at the drop-offs. Crappies continue to be pulled from both the shallow and deeper waters.

Isle
On Lake Mille Lacs, ice conditions are good since the bitter cold. Walleye action has picked up, especially at the mud flats and deep gravel. A jig and fathead worked in 24-28 feet of water has been best. Also try a gem-n-eye and shiner on a set line. Northern pike can be found using large shiners or suckers in 8-12 feet of water.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

St. Cloud
Northern pike are active on Pearl Lake, with a 41-inch, 14-pound fish recently reported. The best approach has been to fish 14-19 feet off the bottom using a sucker minnow or a big shiner. Sunnies are being pulled from 15-20 feet of water on waxworms and euro larvae. Crappies are hitting crappie minnows and glow jigs worked 12-15 feet down in 20 feet of water on Horseshoe Lake. Walleye action has moved into 15-17 feet of water, with golden shiners working best. Rice Lake is producing a few walleye, however the bass are stealing much of the bait.

Eden Valley
A few walleye were caught last weekend on Lake Koronis in roughly 28 feet of water. Crappie action has been best on Horseshoe and Cedar Island lakes. A few trout are coming out of Mud Lake near Clear Lake.

Annandale
Pleasant, John, French, Ramsey and Clearwater lakes are all producing numbers of crappies in the deep, 50-foot holes. Walleye are biting on Clearwater, Cedar and Sylvia lakes in 21-30 feet of water. Try a shiner or fathead for the most fish. Look to John, Maple, Henry and Indian lakes for good sunfish action.

Waconia
On Lake Waconia, 5- to 6-pound northern pike, and some up to 9-pounds are being reported. Numerous crappies and northern pike, including quite a few 1-pound fish, are being taken from the vegetation found in 11-14 feet of water.

Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, walleye are active near the bottom in 28-36 feet of water. Northern pike are at the outside weedlines in 18 feet of water, suspended 9-10 feet down. Try a jig and fathead for the most fish. For sunfish, try the top of the weed flats in 8-10 feet of water using a glow jig and waxworm. Crappies can be found schooled up in 35-40 feet of water, suspended off the weedlines during the evening hours.

Chisago City
Crappies are being pulled from Sunrise Lake from 3:30p.m. to dark. On Chisago Lake, between the A-frame and the Eagle’s Nest, sunfish are biting during the day, and crappies are active at night. Northern pike and a few walleye can also be found here during the evening hours. Also check out South Center Lake in front of the old Dewdrop Inn, and North Center Lake in front of Bluewater Resort for sunnies and crappies.

Stillwater
On the St. Croix River, crappies are coming from 36-40 feet of water on a crappie minnow. Many of these fish are suspended up to 12 feet off the bottom. Walleye and sauger action has been good at depths of 23-30 feet. Try a jig and minnow or jigging spoon for the most fish.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Wabasha
On the Mississippi River, sunnies, a few crappies and some sauger are biting on the northern part of Lake Pepin. Try a minnow in 28 feet of water for the most fish. On the river, anglers are taking a few panfish from the backwaters.

Mankato
Eagle Lake is producing numbers of northern pike on medium to large shiners. A few pike are also coming from Mud Bay on Lake Washington. Walleye are hitting on German Lake in 21-25 feet of water. Loon and Eagle lakes have a consistent night bite. For panfish, hit Baker’s and Mud Bay on Washington.

Willmar
Sunnies and crappies are biting on Norway, Games and Nest lakes, as well as on North Long near Hawick. Other lakes to check out include Florida and Andrew. For walleye and perch, try Big Kandiyohi Lake. Elizabeth Lake is producing walleye in 10 feet of water or less. A few walleye also hitting on Green Lake. On Eagle Lake, a mixed bag of walleye, crappies and perch are being reported.

Montevideo
Walleye are active on the south end of Lac qui Parle. Try a shiner or fathead during afternoon and evening hours for the most fish. There is now roughly 21 inches of ice Lake Lac qui Parle.

Ortonville
Perch are biting near Kite Island in roughly 11-12 feet of water on Big Stone Lake. Long Tom Lake is producing a few walleye in 8-9 feet of water during evening hours. Also try 6 foot depths at the top of the Hwy 75 Dam on the Minnesota River for a few walleye.

A YELLOW-BILLED LOON was discovered in Two Harbors, in Lake County last weekend and was seen as recently as January 12th. The bird was found on Lake Superior near Lighthouse Point. A pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS has also been present on the east side of the breakwall.

The influx of northern owls continues in Minnesota. GREAT GRAY OWLS are now being reported moving south in large numbers into Carlton, Pine, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties. NORTHERN HAWK OWLS seem to have settled in and can still be found in places such as the Sax-Zim Bog in St. Louis County. On January 5th, a SNOWY OWL was at the railroad yards in the town of Proctor, in St. Louis County.

The BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was found again on the 11th on the Mississippi River east of Hastings in Dakota County. It was once again amongst a group of roughly 100 COMMON GOLDENEYE.

An apparent gray-phase GYRFALCON was seen briefly in Two Harbors on January 9th, flying past the lighthouse and then down the shore in the direction of Duluth.

On the 8th, 365 gulls were present at Black Dog Lake in Dakota County, including a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL and two GLAUCOUS GULLS.

SPRUCE GROUSE were seen on January 9th along State Highway 1, between Mile Posts 306 and 305, as well as at Mile Post 301 in Lake County. Five more were just west of State Highway 73 on St. Louis County Road 85 on the 8th.

On January 8th, an AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER and two BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were seen along McDavitt Road in the Sax-Zim Bog. From St. Louis County Road 7, head two miles west on Sax Road, then roughly 2 1/2 miles north on McDavitt Road.
A TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE was relocated on the 7th at Leif Ericson Park in Duluth, and was seen in the conifers near the Viking ship replica.

On January 11th, a VARIED THRUSH was in a crabapple tree in the Wilson Hall Courtyard at Itasca Community College in Itasca County. The community college is along U.S. Highway 169 in Grand Rapids.

PLEASE CHECK WITH LOCAL BAIT SHOPS AND RESORTS FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE CONDITIONS. AND, 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
The St. Louis River is producing walleye and crappies. Also try fishing the Lester River using waxworms or nightcrawlers off the bottom for a few fish. Inland lakes are producing walleye and crappies, especially Fish Lake. Some anglers are using small boats to get out onto the North Shore of Lake Superior, however please note that there is a skim of unsafe ice along the west end.

ELY
Farm Lake and the White Iron Chain are producing greater numbers of crappies and northern pike since the recent heavy snowfall. Crappies are hitting chubs and crappie minnows in 10-18 feet of water, with a 1.4-pound crappie weighed in at Silver Rapids Lodge last week. Northern pike are taking sucker minnows set a foot off the bottom in 15-25 feet of water.

KABETOGAMA
On Lake Kabetogama, anglers are having some success at the mouth of Lost Lake and near the Sullivan Bay entrance using live bait and glow jigs. Spear anglers are working the shallows of Tom Cod Bay, the Duck, and Irwin Bay. Live decoys remain the best attractant. And snowmobile enthusiasts will enjoy the 16 inch base along the trails from Orr to International Falls.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, walleye, sauger, and even some nice-size northern pike are lurking in the Sand Bay area. Anglers are taking fish from 18-34 feet of water on jigging rapalas, small minnows, and northland forage minnows. Glow-in-the-dark tackle is best due to the dark water. The walleye bite has been good all the way from American Narrows up to the Brule River. Anglers are having the most success at the reefs and in areas with structure.

GRAND RAPIDS
Crappies are biting on Big Splithand Lake in 15-20 feet of water at dusk. The best approach has been a glow jig and small minnow. Big Trout Lake is giving up a few crappies as well. Most of the smaller crappie lakes are also producing. Bowstring Lake continues to produce some nice crappies and a few walleye. Lake Pokegama is giving up a few walleye during evening hours. For the most fish, try a Swedish pimple and a small shiner in 18-25 foot depths. Sometimes just a hook and minnow is best, so try both methods. Northern pike action has been good on most area lakes using a tip-up and large minnow at the weedlines.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
On Lake of the Woods, limits of fish are consistently being taken from the Northwest Angle and Islands area. Fish can be found in 26 feet of water using fatheads on gold or glow-in-the-dark jigs. Along the South Shore, anglers are taking fish by jigging in 24-28 foot depths. Some houses were pulled back in toward the 20-foot range while others were pushed out further to 31 feet, where anglers are finding a good mix of walleye and sauger. The best presentation has been light, brightly-colored tackle. Some anglers prefer a plain hook, minnow, and small split-shot to make it easier for fish to take the bait. And recently one party took numerous walleye in the 12- to 14-inch range, as well as 4 eelpout, 2 tulibees and 2 jumbo perch in two days.

WASKISH
On Upper Red Lake, fishing has been good with many limits coming in during the day. Crappies are hitting all day and at night. Glow jigs seem to be the best approach. Anglers are traveling out about 3- to 5-miles. Some of the best reports are coming from the north and east ends. There is now over 20 inches of ice on the lake.

BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, the hump bite has been pretty consistent, with nice-size perch measuring up to 12 inches found at the deep edges in 29-32 feet of water. Walleye are being pulled from 20-24 foot depths around 3-5 pm on buckshot rattle spoons, Swedish pimples, and Acme spoons tipped with half a chub or shiner. Work these combinations 6 inches off the bottom for the most fish. Some of the better locations include the edge of the river channel near Tamarack Point, the humps off Raven’s Point, at Sugar Point, Moses Bar and Long Point. Crappie fishing has been inconsistent. Anglers seem to be having the most success on Big and Little Cutfoot Sioux Lakes, using 2-pound test monofiliment, or 4-pound Berkley Vanish and small ice spoons tipped with 2-3 euro larvae. Quite a few 9- to 11-inch bluegills are coming in as well.

WALKER
On Leech Lake, walleye are being caught at the humps of Walker Bay during evening hours. Northern pike are biting throughout the lake along theweed edges.

HACKENSACK
Crappies are biting on Pleasant Lake in 12 feet of water during evening hours. The walleye bite has been best on Woman Lake in 25 feet of water, with some perch mixed in.

PARK RAPIDS
Walleye are hitting fatheads worked in 27 feet of water on Fishhook Lake. On Big Mantrap Lake, northern pike are very active in 14 foot depths and hitting sucker minnows. Crappies can be found suspended in 25 feet of water. The bluegill bite has been best using waxworms on Upper Twin Lake in 10 feet of water.

DETROIT LAKES
A few walleye are being pulled from the deep, sharp breaks found in 18-26 feet of water. Lindy techni-glo flyer jigs tipped with a fathead or shiner have worked well. The better locations include Big Detroit, Crystal, Floyd, White Earth, Sallie and Big Cormorant lakes. Panfish are active on many area lakes and hitting small glow jigs and waxworms at the green cabbage weeds. Cotton, Floyd, Little Detroit, Sand, Crystal and Big Toad lakes are all producing some nice crappies during late afternoon and evening hours. And snowmobilers are enjoying the excellent snow base along area lakes and trails.

PELICAN RAPIDS
Lida, Pelican, Lizzie and Prairie lakes are producing panfish and northern pike, as well as a few walleye. For the most fish, try waxworms, shiners and suckers.

BATTLE LAKE
On Battle Lake, crappies can be found suspended 4-6 feet off the bottom in 18-24 feet of water. Crappie minnows and demon jigs are working best. Walleye are hitting shiner minnows during evening hours and after dark on West Battle Lake. Rush Lake has also been good for walleye action. For perch, hit the Amore Flats on Ottertail Lake, with a few walleye mixed in. For the most fish, try jigging a Swedish pimple tipped with a fathead or sucker minnow. Sunnies and crappies are being pulled from South Turtle Lake. East Lost Lake is producing a few walleye and sunfish.

ALEXANDRIA
Walleye can be found along the weedlines on Lake Ida. Bluegill are active during the day on Geneva and Mary lakes. Crappies are most active at night, and hitting small jig and minnow combinations in 8-14 feet of water.

STARBUCK
Walleye are scattered in 8-22 feet of water on Lake Minnewaska. On the east end of Lake Emily, a few walleye are coming in on shiner minnows and fatheads. Lake Reno’s west end is producing walleye.

BRAINERD
Pelican and Gull lakes continue to give up a few walleye during evening hours on tip-ups and shiner minnows. Crappie action remains strong in the deeper waters near the points. Use a flasher to spot suspended fish. The best approach has been a small glow jig tipped with a minnow in 26-35 feet of water. Northern pike action has been good, with a 21-pound catch-and-release northern pulled from Gull Lake last weekend. The best pike action has been reported by tip-up anglers using sucker minnows in 12-18 foot depths.

CROSSLAKE
Numbers of smaller walleye are being caught and released by area anglers. Shiners under a bobber or tip-up seem to be the best bet, followed by jigging spoons tipped with a minnow. Most fish are being pulled from 22-28 feet of water. Northern pike are active at the 12- to 16-foot drop-offs, and next to the weedlines. Crappies can be found in 16-20 feet of water. For the most fish, try a glow jig tipped with a waxworm or crappie minnow during early morning hours or at dusk.

ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, walleye are being pulled from the mud flats. The Boot, Eight-Mile, Seven-Mile, and The Needle are all producing fish towards the top of the breaks. The gravel is also giving up fish, especially in 25-28 feet of water. For the most fish, use fatheads on a jigging spoon on one line, and a shiner and glow demon or frostee on another line. A few nice-size perch have been mixed in with the walleye. And a few northern pike are being taken on large shiners and suckers worked in 8-12 foot depths.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD
Crappies are biting on Pearl and Horseshoe lakes during early evening hours until well past dusk. Use crappie minnows in 12-14 feet of water for the most fish. A few walleye are being pulled from 18 foot depths on Pearl Lake. Rice Lake is giving up fish at the 7- to 10-foot bars. Northern pike can be found in 12-20 feet of water using large shiners and sucker minnows. Seven- to 10-pound catfish are hitting fatheads on Horseshoe Lake. And good-size panfish are coming out of 20 foot depths on Schneider, Pleasant and Goodner lakes. Most area lakes now have roughly 18 inches of ice, however anglers are still asked to use extreme caution around the inlets and outlets.

EDEN VALLEY
Walleye are being pulled from 24 feet of water and deeper on Koronis and Rice lakes. Sunfish are active on Becker Lake. Crappies can be found suspended off the bottom in 15-25 feet on Horseshoe, Rice and Browns lakes. Northern pike action has been great on Clear, Browns and Rice lakes. Large catfish are biting on Long and Horseshoe lakes, with a 15-pound, 4-ounce fish recently reported.

MAPLE LAKE
Rock and Little Maple lakes are giving up numbers of sunfish on jig and waxworm combinations worked in the shallows.

WACONIA
On Lake Waconia, crappie are active at Harm’s Point, Waconia Bay, and in 25 feet of water off of Pillsbury Reef. Sunfish are biting in the bay and at Harm’s Point. Some of the better walleye locations include Kegg’s Reef on the southwest side, and Anderson’s Reef on the east side. Northern pike are hitting along the milfoil in 11-14 feet of water, with 5- to 9-pound fish being common.

WAYZATA
On Lake Minnetonka, walleye are active in 14-50 feet of water, with 28 foot depths being a good starting point. Glow jigs tipped with a fathead or rainbow have been best, especially from 3-7 pm. Hit the larger bays such as Wayzata and Brown’s. Crappies and sunnies are active in the shallow bays. Try 8-10 feet of water using a waxworm or euro larvae. And area lakes are giving up northern pike off the deep weed flats found in 18 feet, with shiners and suckers taking the most fish.

CHISAGO CITY
Panfish are biting on the south end of Chisago Lake. Sunrise Lake is also giving up sunnies and crappies. Kroon Lake is producing crappies during afternoon hours in 2-6 feet of water.

STILLWATER
Area lakes are producing panfish and northern pike. Sunfish can be found near the deep weedlines, and crappies are roaming the basins. For numbers of northern pike, try a tip-up and large minnow. On the St. Croix River, crappies are coming out of 36-40 feet of water on crappie minnows. Many of these fish are suspended up to 12 feet off the bottom.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

WABASHA
On the Mississippi River, a few walleye and smaller sauger are being pulled from the Pepin and Stockholm areas. Bluegills, crappies and northern pike are all hitting on Finger Lakes by the Pioneer Club.

MANKATO
For sunfish, try the back of Baker’s and Mud Bays on Washington Lake. Crappies have been most active on German Lake in 25-30 feet of water. Northern pike action has been good on Big Jefferson Lake in 10 feet of water, and on Eagle Lake around the weeds. Lura Lake has been good for larger walleye at the 6- to 9-foot weedlines. And Madison and Loon lakes are producing some nice walleye at night.

WILLMAR
For perch and walleye action, hit Big Kandiyohi Lake. Walleye are also biting on Lake Lillian and some of the smaller, shallower lakes. Green Lake is giving up walleye in 8-45 feet of water. Norway and Games lakes are producing a few panfish and walleye. Other area lakes to check out include Eagle, Florida and Andrew.

MONTEVIDEO
A few large crappies are being pulled from 12 feet of water on Lake Lac Qui Parle. The Minnesota River is giving up both crappies and walleye in 4-12 feet of water.

ORTONVILLE
Perch are starting to bite on Big Stone Lake’s south end, near Kite Island, in 12 feet water. The Minnesota River near the Hwy 75 Dam has been excellent for walleye during evening hours. For the most fish, hit roughly 4-5 feet of water. And hit Long Tom and Artichoke lakes using crappies minnows for a few crappies.

Aitkin County trout lakes remain closed to winter angling during 2005. A recent article in an outdoors publication indicated that Aitkin County trout lakes were open to angling this winter season, which in fact is not the case.

A proposal to allow winter angling on Aitkin County trout lakes is under consideration by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and if approved, will require rule changes. If approved, regulation changes will be identified in the DNR Minnesota Fishing Regulations publication, available where you purchase your fishing license. Current regulations are also posted at lake access points.

DNR magazine explores the allure of ice fishing

What lures thousands of Minnesotans from the comfort and warmth of their homes and onto an ice-covered lake to peer down a hole for hours? Answers abound in the Jan.-Feb. issue of Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, which explores the gear, techniques, and camaraderie that make ice fishing a favorite and still-booming Minnesota sport.

Through captivating photographs, feature stories, essays, and useful how-to information, the Conservation Volunteer’s Jan.-Feb. issue looks at how and why Minnesotans practice this wintertime tradition. “Let’s Go Ice Fishing!” tells youngsters how to get started on their own ice-fishing adventure.

These stories and more are available free to Minnesotans in the DNR’s award-winning Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine, which is supported by reader donations.

Subscriptions are free to Minnesotans and $20 for out-of-state subscribers. Free copies can be picked up at DNR regional offices. To request a copy or to subscribe, call 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). To subscribe to or read the magazine online, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/magazine.