Minnesota’s ice fishing shelter removal dates are fast approaching. Dark houses, fish houses and shelters must be off the ice of inland waters no later than midnight on Feb. 28 in the southern two-thirds of the state and March 15 in the northern third.

The Feb. 28 deadline applies to waters south of a line starting at the Minnesota-North Dakota border near Moorhead along U.S. Highway 10, then east along Highway 34 to Minnesota Highway 200, east along Highway 200 to U.S. Highway 2, and east along Highway 2 to the Minnesota-Wisconsin border near Duluth. The March 15 deadline applies to waters north of that line.

For border waters, the ice shelter removal deadlines are:

- Minnesota - Iowa, Feb. 20

- Minnesota - Wisconsin, March 1

- Minnesota - North Dakota and South Dakota, March 5

- Minnesota - Canada, March 31

If houses or shelters are not removed, owners will be prosecuted, and the structure may be confiscated and removed, or destroyed by a conservation officer. Contents of the structure may be seized and held for 60 days; if not claimed by the owner within that time, it becomes property of the state of Minnesota.

After the date when ice or fish houses or shelters must be removed, portable shelters may be placed on the ice and used from one hour before sunrise to midnight, but only if there is an open fishing season on the lake. Storing or leaving fish houses or dark houses on a public access is prohibited.

Anglers are encouraged to monitor ice conditions on lakes and make arrangements to remove their houses before travel on the ice is dangerous. According to information from the DNR Boat and Water Safety Section, a minimum of four inches is necessary for ice fishing; snowmobiling or ATV activity requires at least five inches; 8 - 12 inches are necessary for a car or small pickup; and 12 - 15 inches are needed to support a medium truck.

Anglers should be aware that ice conditions vary greatly.

- slush shows weakening of ice and should be considered a danger sign

- stay off ice if it is cracked or squishy at the shoreline

- avoid ice during thaws

- avoid honeycombed ice, dark snow and dark ice

- ice is generally thinner where there is moving water, such as inlets and outlets, bridge abutments, islands and objects that protrude through the ice.

Conservation officers also remind anglers to keep waterways clean. Litter on lakes tarnishes nature’s beauty, destroys wildlife habitats and ruins many opportunities for recreation. Litter is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers to review the 2005 Minnesota Fishing Regulations as the new license year begins March 1.

Regulations booklets include special and experimental regulations, regulations changes and new information about exotic species, catch and release and fish identification.

“We made a number of changes this year and anglers need to make sure they are aware of the regulations before they fish,” said Linda Erickson-Eastwood, program manager for the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. “Besides that, the regulation book contains excellent information to help anglers protect their resource and enjoy their time on the water.”

Key lakes with new regulations this year include: Big Fish Lake (Stearns County), Big Sand Lake (Hubbard County), Black Bass Lake (Mille Lacs County), Horseshoe Lake (Cass County), Lake of the Woods (Lake of the Woods County), Lac Qui Parle Lake (Lac Qui Parle and Chippewa counties), Leech Lake (Cass County), Lida Lake (Douglas County), Rainy River (Lake of the Woods County), Rush Lake East and West (Chisago County).

In addition, the DNR, following and extensive and valuable public input process, made 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. Trout regulations were also changed on eight lakes in Cook County.

Special and experimental regulations are summarized on pages 32-47 in the regulations book. New regulations are signified with an arrow. Unless specifically mentioned, all other general regulations, seasons, limits, border water regulations, possession and transportation apply to waters with special and experimental regulations.

Additional changes and new regulations are listed on page 9 of the 2005 Fishing Regulations book, available wherever fishing licenses are sold.

Fishing licenses valid for 2005 are on sale now at any of the 1,850 Electronic License System (ELS) terminals located throughout the state. Licenses are also available at the DNR Web site www.dnr.state.mn.us or by calling 1-888-665-4236.

The walleye, northern pike, muskie, largemouth and smallmouth bass season for 2004 closed February 20 for non-border waters. The season is extended on various border waters–please consult Minnesota DNR fishing rules and regulations for specific dates.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html

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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH, MN
Fishing slowed last week, but with warmer temperatures and sunshine, the sunfish and crappie bite should improve. A few crappies can be found on Caribou Lake during evening hours. During afternoon hours, hit the French River for a mixed bag of coho salmon and loopers.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN
On Rainy Lake, catch-and-release walleye action has been good on the east end–seek out your favorite summer reef, drill a few holes, and drop your lines. Large walleye, including some keepers, can be found suspended on top of the reefs. The recommended approach is a large shiner minnow on a glow jig. Numbers of keeper-size walleye and sauger are being reported at the Sand Bay area. Successful anglers are using small minnows and glow jigs in 27-32 feet of water. Anglers are having some luck with the crappies near Bushy Head Island. For the most fish, try a small minnow or minnow head.

GRAND RAPIDS, MN
Crappies are active on Little Splithand Lake, especially during evening hours. The best approach has been a small minnow and glow jig in 18 feet of water. The Rice Lake bite is expected to pick up shortly. Perch can be found on Jay Gould Lake.

KABETOGAMA, MN
While the 2004 walleye and northern pike season has ended, Lake Namakan, a Canadian border water, remains open until mid-April. Although there was quite a bit of snowmobile traffic last weekend, some anglers reported taking a few walleye and crappies. Slushy conditions have limited fishing to bays near the snowmobile trail. And anglers report a good northern pike bite just outside the bays in 12-20 feet of water.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE, MN
On Lake Of The Woods, the Northwest Angle and Islands area continues to produce excellent numbers of walleye, sauger and perch. The best action has been around the reefs just south of Oak Island’s shoreline. Along the South Shore, anglers are taking a mixed bag of walleye, sauger, tullibee, huge jumbo perch, and even a few eelpout about 1 mile off shore in the Long Point area. The Rainy River has also been a hot spot for walleye, especially around the Birchdale area. Northern pike are slamming frozen ciscos in all of the feeder streams. The Rainy River now has only two feet of ice on it so the ice should be off the river shortly. The channel is open at Loman.
WASKISH, MN
On Upper Red Lake, perch reports have been good, with anglers having the most success using glow jigs and glow spoons.

BEMIDJI, MN
Perch and sunnies are being pulled from Grassy Island, the DNR Bar, and in front of the university on Lake Bemidji. Grant, Larson and Midge lakes are giving up crappies. For sunnies, crappies and perch, try Grace Lake. Depths of 20-30 feet of water seem to be best.

BENA, MN
On Lake Winnibigoshish, large perch are being taken from Long Bar, Raven’s Point, Rebel Bar, the Snag Hole, and 1-2 miles south and east of Stoney Point. Stay on the move until you locate active fish. Some of the best jumbo perch, crappie and sunfish angling of the winter season is in the next 4-5 weeks. Crappie fishing has improved on Big Cutfoot Sioux, and several limits were recently reported. Try 25-29 feet of water in West Seeleye Bay, with some fish pulled from 32 foot depths. Other area lakes to check out include Portage, Six Mile and Bowstring.

PARK RAPIDS, MN
Crappie action has been best on Big Mantrap Lake, with fish found suspended in 25 feet of water. For bluegills, hit 12 foot depths on the Crow Wing Chain of Lakes using waxworms.

DETROIT LAKES, MN
The crappie bite has been good on Prairie, Lizzie, Round, Little Pelican and Lida lakes. Look for fish up along the edge of the green coontail and cabbage using a lindy frostee glow jig tipped with a small minnow or waxworm. Late afternoon and evening hours have been best. Bluegills are active in the pockets of the weeds. For the most fish, try lindy pounder jigs and waxworms on Little Cormorant, Prairie, Little Detroit, Little Pelican, Round, Floyd and Crystal lakes.

BATTLE LAKE, MN
Crappies are being pulled from Battle Lake. South Turtle, Rush and Norway lakes are producing crappies and sunnies. For perch, hit Ottertail Lake, with some nice-size fish taken from depths of 12-17 feet on crappie minnows.

ALEXANDRIA, MN
Bluegills are active throughout the day, and crappie action has been best at night. While most area lakes are producing some fish, the best reports are coming from Le Homme Dieu and Geneva lakes–work 8-12 foot depths using small jigs tipped with waxworms or maggots.

BRAINERD, MN
Most of the crappies can be found suspended over the deeper holes on the smaller area lakes, with fish found from 3-8 feet off the bottom. The crappies have been easy to spot using a depthfinder. Begin in the deepest water, drill holes back towards the shallows, and look for these suspended fish. The best presentation has been a small teardrop tipped with a few eurolarvae or a small minnow.

NISSWA, MN
Crappies and sunnies are being pulled from many of the smaller area lakes. Check out Mission, Nisswa and Upper Gull lakes for some nice-size fish. Anglers are having the most success using a small crappie minnow, or 2 to 3 waxworms or maggots on a hook. For sunnies, small marmooska jigs have worked well. Crappies are hitting small feather jigs, as well as plain hook and bobber rigs. Some of the best fishing of the season will be enjoyed from now until open water.

ISLE, MN
On Lake Mille Lacs, some nice perch reports are coming from the deeper water off the mud flats. The Boot and Sherman’s are good starting points. For the most fish, try a hawger spoon or slender spoon. Please remember that all the dark houses, fish houses and shelters must be off Mille Lacs by midnight, February 28th. As of March 1st, portables may be used from one hour before sunrise to midnight, and the new 2005 fish and game licenses are required.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD, MN
Sunfish are hitting waxworms and eurolarvae about 15 feet down, just off the bottom. The larger sunnies are coming in just before dark. Numbers of smaller fish can be found suspended at 10 feet. A few crappies are coming in on crappie minnows on Rice and Pearl lakes. A few large slabs have been reported on Grand Lake, and the Horseshoe Chain continues to give up both crappies and catfish.

ANNANDALE, MN
A few crappies continue to be taken in front of the bait shop on Clearwater Lake. For the most fish, try a minnow head in 40 feet of water. Sunnies are biting in the bays in 8-12 feet of water.

EDEN VALLEY, MN
Sunfish action has been best on Lake Koronis in 6-12 feet of water. For crappies, hit Cedar Island Lake. Mud Lake produced a few lake trout last week.

WACONIA, MN
On Lake Waconia, crappie and sunfish action remains great.

WAYZATA, MN
On Lake Minnetonka, sunnies are hitting glow jigs and waxworms at the weeds in 10-12 feet of water. Crappies can be found suspended in 30-35 foot depths using minnows. Some anglers report that the smaller area lakes are out-producing the larger lakes.

CHISAGO CITY, MN
The sunfish bite has been best at the sunken islands near the Government Center on North Center Lake. Also try the south end of Chisago Lake, from the A-frame to County Road 83. For the most fish, hit 6-13 foot depths in the bays. North Lindstrom Lake is reported to have a good crappie bite.

STILLWATER, MN
On the St. Croix River, a few crappies are coming from 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, MN
Sunfish action has been best at the Finger Lakes. On the Mississippi River, the area near Wilcox has been best for crappies.

MANKATO, MN
St. James Lake is giving up panfish on top of the weeds in the shallow waters. A few crappies are being pulled from Miller’s Point on Madison Lake, especially at night. For perch, hit 10 foot depths on Jefferson and Washington lakes. Please note that driving is now dangerous at Baker’s Bay on Washington Lake.

MONTEVIDEO, MN
On Lake Lac qui Parle, a few crappies are hitting near Lone Tree Island, especially between 5pm and 8pm.

ORTONVILLE, MN
There is still one more weekend to fish for walleye on Big Stone Lake since this border water remains open until February 28th.

As of February 24th, the gray-morph GYRFALCON was still in Dakota County near the junction of Dakota County Road 42 and State Highway 55. To view this bird, check the area near Jacob Avenue and County Road 42, and at Mile Post 216 on Highway 55. On the 21st, a Gyrfalcon was seen along Aitkin County Road 5 about three and three-quarter miles north of the town of Palisade.

GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS are still easy to find across northern Minnesota, and northern Aitkin County appears to be the best place to look. Many observers report finding multiple Great Grays along Aitkin County Roads 1, 4, 5, and 22, and along State Highway 65.

A BOREAL OWL has been reported along the Highway 61 Expressway between Duluth and Two Harbors this week. Check southwest of Berquist Road on the north side of the highway.

At least two BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS continue to be seen on the west side of McDavitt Road in the Sax Zim Bog area of St. Louis County. Look for them about two and one-half miles north of Sax Road. A THREE-TOED WOODPECKER was at the same location on February 19th.

As many as 1200 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were reported near the intersection of 46th Avenue East and Cooke Street in East Duluth on the 19th.

The first KILLDEER of the spring was reported on February 24th by Fred Lesher. He saw it at Wildcat Landing on Highway 26 south of Brownsville in Houston County. BROWN CREEPERS, HORNED LARKS, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS are also moving northward. And, many birders have called to report an influx of COMMON REDPOLLS at their feeders.

The ICE TEAM’S MINNESOTA SUPER TRAP ATTACK FISHING TOURNAMENT will be held on Rainy Lake in International Falls, Saturday and Sunday, March 5 & 6. This fishing tournament offers a $25,000.00 purse, and is one of five regional qualifiers for the North American Ice Fishing Championship. This event is open to the public. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766

The NORTH AMERICAN ICE FISHING CHAMPIONSHIPS will be held Saturday and Sunday, February 26 & 27, on Lake Mary in Alexandria. Various activities open to the public prior and during this event include the ICE TEAM ICE FISHING SHOW AND SEMINAR on Thursday, February 24 at the Holiday Inn, a FREE KIDS’ ICE FISHING CLINIC at Bigfoot Resort on Saturday, February 26, and OFFICIAL CRAPPIE AND SUNNY WEIGH-INS on Saturday and Sunday, February 26 & 27. For more information, check out www.iceteam.com, or dial 612/805-3250

DNR maintains walleye slot limit for Lake Mille Lacs

Anglers who fish Lake Mille Lacs this year will again have ample opportunity to harvest walleye under a slot limit unchanged from last year, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The season opens May 14 with a regulation that allows anglers to keep four walleye up to 20 inches, which may include one trophy over 28 inches. Anglers must release all walleye from 20 - 28 inches.

“This is good for anglers and good for the fishery,” said John Guenther, DNR director of Fish and Wildlife. “Anglers will have plenty of opportunity and the consistency with last year’s regulation is something that anglers and the Mille Lacs resort community will appreciate. Moreover, it will provide protection for upcoming year classes.”

The slot limit allows more opportunities for angling harvest in mid-summer, when the bite on Mille Lacs traditionally slows. Starting July 15, anglers will be allowed to keep walleye up to 22 inches with one trophy over 28 inches in the four fish limit. All walleye from 22 - 28 inches must be released. The slot will revert to four walleye up to 20 inches with one over 28 inches in the four fish limit on Dec. 1.

Although it will allow more harvest, the slot limit protects future fishing opportunities, said Ron Payer, DNR chief of fisheries management. “The majority of our spawning stock biomass - large, mature fish - remains protected under this regulation,” Payer said.

The large number of walleye hatched in 2002, now 11 - 13 inches, will not be harmed under the regulations, Payer added. “If an angler deep hooks a 11-to-13-inch fish, this regulation allows anglers the flexibility to take that fish home and fry it up,” he said. “However, we are encouraging anglers to release these smaller fish that are likely to survive.”

Last month, the DNR set this year’s safe harvest level of walleye at 505,000 pounds, 5 percent higher than the 2004 level of 480,000 pounds. Eight bands of Minnesota and Wisconsin Ojibwae may take 100,000 pounds of walleye. In 2004, state anglers took 79,000 pounds of their available quota while releasing just over 200,000 pounds.

The Mille Lacs regulation is similar to special walleye regulations on other popular walleye lakes such as Rainy, Big Sandy and Winnibigoshish.

“This regulation protects the long-term health of the fishery,” Payer said. “It allows excellent opportunities for anglers and safeguards economic interests.”

As of February 13th, the gray-morph GYRFALCON was still in Dakota County near the junction of Dakota County Road 42 and State Highway 55.

GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS are still easy to find across northern Minnesota, and northern Aitkin County appears to be the best place to look. Two places to check would be Aitkin County Road 16 south of the town of Tamarack, and Aitkin County Road 4 west of State Highway 65.

A Great Gray Owl was reported from Brooklyn Park, in Hennepin County, on February 12th. It was seen along Edinbrook Terrace between Regent Avenue and Zane Avenue North. On the 17th, what was presumably the same bird was reported just northwest of this location along the entry road to Oak Grove Park.

The two HARLEQUIN DUCKS are still at Agate Bay in Two Harbors, in Lake County, and the TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE was still present at 40th East and Cooke Street in Duluth on February 13th.

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.

The walleye, northern pike, muskie, largemouth and smallmouth bass season for 2004 will close February 20 for non-border waters. The season is extended on various border waters–please consult Minnesota DNR fishing rules and regulations for specific dates.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html

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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH
Caribou Lake has been good for panfish, especially at the 20-foot hole. A few walleye are being pulled from 16-20 feet of water on Fish Lake. Some loopers can be found by casting on the French River. And trolling stickbaits out of Two Harbors on Lake Superior is producing a mixed bag of cohos and loopers.

KABETOGAMA
Fishing on Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan has been slow, however a few anglers had some success with the perch and northern pike. This coming weekend will be the close of the regular walleye and pike season on Lake Kabetogama, with an extended season remaining on Lake Namakan–a Canadian border lake.

GRAND RAPIDS
The ice is in excellent condition. A few crappies are coming out of Little Splithand, Trout, Bosley and Little Ballclub lakes on glow jigs tipped with very small minnows. Begin in 20 feet of water. Anglers are having a good time fishing for bass at the warm water outlet on the Mississippi River in Cohasset, with numbers of 3- to 4-pound catch-and-release bass being reported.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
On Lake of the Woods, along the South Shore, fish houses are being moved over 34 feet of water at Big Traverse. One walleye measuring 23-inches was taken 21 feet off the bottom, however this is unusual since cooler temperatures typically causes fish to move towards the bottom. The best approach has been a glow-in-the-dark jig on 4-pound test line with a spring bobber. Anglers report good numbers of eating-size fish in the 13- to 16-inch range, as well as a few lunkers. At the Morris Point area, gold and orange jigs are working best. On the Rainy River, fishing remains good. Many houses are appearing on Baudette Bay and further up river toward the lake. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, fishing remains excellent for walleye, saugers and jumbo perch, with parties limiting out.

BLACKDUCK
The Upper Red Lake crappie bite is picking up at night. For the most fish, try a glow jig in 13-15 feet of water. On Blackduck Lake, anglers report a few walleye hitting in depths of 15-20 feet.

BEMIDJI
Lake Bemidji is producing perch in front of Library Park. On Lake Plantagenet, perch are hitting smaller glow jigs tipped with a fathead minnow in 20-25 feet of water.

DETROIT LAKES
The accesses onto area lakes have become more stable with the cooler temperatures. Many of the panfish have moved towards shallower waters, and can be found in 8-12 feet of water at the green cabbage or coontail vegetation. Check the pockets using a frostee glow jig tipped with a waxworm for numbers of crappies and bluegill. There is a good perch bite going on Little Cormorant and Height of Land lakes. For sunfish, try Little Detroit, Round, Little Pelican, Floyd, Cotton, Prairie, Rose and Crystal lakes.

BATTLE LAKE
Northern pike are being pulled from Clitheral, North Turtle and Torgerson lakes. Large bass are also hitting on North Turtle Lake. Walleye are taking shiners on West Battle Lake in 20-25 feet of water, especially after 10 p.m. For crappies, hit Battle Lake. And Ottertail Lake is producing some walleye and perch.

ALEXANDRIA
Area lakes are giving up good numbers of bluegill in the weeds. During the evening hours, try moving deeper and fishing in roughly 20 feet of water. Some of the better lakes include Mary and Le Homme Dieu. For pike, switch to a tip-up.

STARBUCK
On Lake Minnewaska, a few sunnies and crappies are coming from the Glenwood end. Sunfish are active during the day at the Fish Hatchery, with an occasional northern pike hitting tip-ups and sucker minnows. Crappies can be found suspended 10-12 feet down in 15 feet of water in front of Torgy’s Night Club–evening hours have been best. A few walleye are being taken throughout the day using fatheads on Lake Emily.

BRAINERD
Sunnies and crappies continue to provide the most action on area lakes. The sunnies are in 6-12 feet of water in the open pockets of the weed beds. The best approach has been a small teardrop tipped with eurolarva. Crappies are in the deep water holes next to underwater structure like sunken islands, points and saddle areas. Look for these fish to be suspended 4-8 feet off the bottom. They are easy to find using a depthfinder. For northern pike, hit 16-20 foot depths and fish just 6-10 feet down. Mild temperatures have allowed anglers to leave their permanent houses and travel to unchartered territory with their portables.

CROSSLAKE
Walleye anglers are having success on Lake Pelican and Crosslake. Try shiner minnows jigged on rattling spoons for the most fish. Northern pike action has also been good, with most fish found along the weedlines and off the points. A few crappies are being pulled from Mission Lake, as well as other smaller area lakes. The best approach has been a glow jig and minnow. Anglers report lots of trout being marked in 20-45 feet of water.

ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, some good catches continue to come from the deep gravel and the southern mud flats. Stick with the tried and true methods: a fathead and jigging spoon on one line, and a shiner and glow jig on another line. The area near Indian Point has started to give up some nice perch on small frostee spoons tipped with a waxworm. A few scattered large northern pike continue to cruise the shoreline reefs, and hitting jig lines. You still have some time to catch walleye, but the season closes February 20th. And, all dark houses, fish houses and shelters must be off Lake Mille Lacs by midnight, February 28th. After March 1st, portables may be used one hour before sunrise until midnight.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD
On Pearl and Pleasant lakes, panfish are hitting glow jigs tipped with multi-colored larvae or waxworms. Lower Spunk Lake is producing sunnies and medium-size crappies. Northern pike are active on most area lakes, and hitting large shiners and suckers. A few crappies can be found suspended in 22 feet of water on Goodner and Rice lakes using crappie minnows. The catfish bite has been a blast on the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes. Try Big Watab Lake for some nice-size trout.

ANNANDALE
Clearwater Lake is giving up some nice northern pike, with spear anglers reporting success. A few crappies are coming in on the head of a minnow worked in front of the bait shop in 40 feet of water. Sunnies are also active in front of the shop, and in the bays in 8-12 feet of water. The shoreline is a bit slushy, but vehicles continue to travel on and off the ice with little difficulty.

WACONIA
Northern pike are active at the weed edges on Lake Waconia. Sunnies are being pulled from the weed edges at Waconia Bay, Harm’s Point, and Anderson’s Reef. Crappies are biting along the north shore weed edge and at Anderson’s Reef, with fish also found suspended in Wagner’s Bay. And anglers are enjoying all the recent bass action.

WAYZATA
On Lake Minnetonka, change your bait and depths often, and drill lots of holes. Remember, just one more weekend of winter gamefish season!

CHISAGO CITY
Sunfish remain active on North Center Lake at the northern rock points in 18 feet of water. Sunnies are also being pulled from the middle of North Lindstrom Lake. Crappies are coming from Kroon Lake during lowlight hours. For northern pike, hit Sunrise Lake, as well as Slimmer’s Slough on Chisago Lake.

STILLWATER
On the St. Croix River, walleye and sauger remain active in 22-32 feet of water at the sand bottoms. Walleye have been finicky and appear to want a single presentation, such as a swimming lure, jig or Swedish pimple with a minnow, or a fathead under a bobber. A few crappies are coming from 36-40 feet of water on crappie minnows, with many of these fish found suspended up to 12 feet off the bottom.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

MANKATO
Panfish remain active on Lake Washington, however anglers are advised NOT to drive their cars or trucks out onto the lake. Travel by foot, or slowly by four-wheeler or snowmobile. On Duck Lake, anglers are taking walleye and crappies, including some nice-size fish. Northern pike can be found on Duck Lake in 10 feet of water. Loon Lake has been best for walleye at night. St. James Lake is kicking out perch in 7-9 feet of water.

MONTEVIDEO
A few crappies are being pulled from Lake Lac Qui Parle, and some walleye can be found at the rock piles. The Minnesota River is just beginning to open up.

ORTONVILLE
Look for walleye, crappies and northern pike in roughly 10 feet of water near the County Park on Artichoke Lake.

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
On Lake Superior, north towards Two Harbors, anglers are having success trolling for lake trout and salmon, with a 30-pound lake trout reported last week. The best approach has been a crankbait worked in roughly 20 feet of water. Shore anglers are taking coho and loopers using crawlers and looper bugs.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, fishing improved last weekend due to warm temperatures. In the Sand Bay area, anglers took numbers of walleye and sauger from depths of 20-36 feet on glow green jigging rapalas tipped with a minnow head. Anglers also had success farther east, with walleye pulled from the tops and sides of the reefs found in 38-48 feet of water. One Rainy Lake guide caught 35 walleye and sauger in one day, and 16 the next. A few northern pike were also reported in the same vicinity as the walleye. These fish responded best to a small minnow on a little glow jig.

KABETOGAMA
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, after several days of 40 and 50 degree temperatures, walleye and northern pike action improved considerably. Lake Namakan is producing walleye and numbers of northern pike. The access near the Ash River mouth on Lake Kabetogama is in good shape. Recent cold temperatures should solidify the slush, opening up many more areas for good spring fishing, especially at areas with current. These areas attract the baitfish, and lead to good fishing. And crappie action should pick up in the next few weeks as the baitfish begin to move.

GRAND RAPIDS
Cool temperatures have helped to refreeze the slush, and allow anglers to travel without getting wet. A few crappies are being pulled from the smaller area lakes, such as Little Splithand, Rice and Little Ballclub. For the most fish, try a smaller crappie minnow on a glow demon jig. Northern pike are hitting light northern minnows on tip-ups. Work areas just off the weeds using a sucker harness with a spinner. A few walleye are coming from Pokegama and Trout lakes during evening hours.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
On Lake of the Woods, South Shore anglers report a good mid-day bite 6-12 inches off the bottom, however the larger walleye are suspended 6 feet off the bottom in 34-35 feet of water. Towards dusk, anglers are having success in 17-19 foot depths. For the most fish, try a glow red jig tipped with a minnow. Also try Long Point and Zippel Bay. Rainy River fishing remains excellent from the mouth of the Winter Road River to the lake. Try a gold and blue, or pure gold, 1/2-ounce jig tipped with a minnow. Northern pike are aggressively hitting frozen ciscoes in the feeder rivers running to the Rainy River. The Rainy River is now open near Loman area, however shore ice is keeping boats off the water. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, anglers report excellent fishing during the day in 25 foot depths. One resort had a party of 21 people each take their limit of walleye in one day. Many 21- to 29-inch walleye, and several 12-inch jumbo perch were reported.

BLACKDUCK
A few panfish are coming from 14-20 feet of water on area lakes. For the most fish, try a waxworm or eurolarvae on a small jig. At nearby Upper Red Lake, the key to success has been to stay on the move.

BENA
Warmer temperatures followed more normal temperatures, have caused the slush to refreeze, making travel a bit easier on area lakes. On Lake Winnibigoshish, anglers are expanding their area of coverage off the main plowed roads, however there are a few ice ridges to avoid on the north end of the lake. Perch action has improved, with fish being pulled from 28-32 feet of water where fish are frantically feeding on small minnows and larvae. Towards late February and into March, expect schools of large perch to move to the shoreline breaks and shallower humps. For now, remain on the edges of off-shore bars and humps, and occasionally check out the tops in 20-24 feet of water. The key has been to stay mobile. For the most fish, try a buckshot rattle spoon with a dropper, small colored VMC hook and minnow, or try a doodle bug with two waxworms. Expect a few walleye as well.

WALKER
The area is gearing up for the International Eelpout Festival taking place at Walker Bay on Leech Lake this weekend, February 11-13. Check out http://www.poutfest.com/ for more information.

HACKENSACK
For panfish, hit 17-22 foot depths on Ten Mile and Pleasant lakes using glow jigs tipped with waxworms or eurolarvae.

PARK RAPIDS
A few good reports are coming from walleye anglers on Fish Hook Lake. And most area lakes are producing numbers of bluegill.

DETROIT LAKES
A few walleye are coming in, with one 9-pounder recently taken from White Earth Lake. Lake Lizzie has been the most consistent. For the most fish, try a glow spoon and minnow head along the sharp breaks in 18-24 feet of water. Other lakes to check out for walleye include Big Cormorant, Pelican, Toad and Detroit. Panfish remain active, with anglers catching numbers of fish in the pockets of the weeds in 8-12 feet of water. Lindy pounders and waxworms are working well, especially on Cotton, Prairie, Little Pelican, Little Detroit and Floyd lakes. Northern pike are coming out of Lizzie, Lida, Prairie and Pelican lakes.

BATTLE LAKE
Fishing has been excellent, with numbers of northern pike being pulled from West Battle Lake on large sucker minnows. Northern pike can also be found on North Turtle and Clitheral lakes. Crappies are coming out of West Battle. For a few walleye, hit Ottertail Lake, with a few perch mixed in. And for sunfish, hit East Lost Lake.

ALEXANDRIA
Crappies and sunnies are active on most area lakes. For crappies, hit 18-20 foot depths. For sunnies, work the bays during daytime hours.

STARBUCK
On Lake Minnewaska, for a few walleye, hit 18 feet of water between 7pm and 9pm.

BRAINERD
Most local anglers have shifted gears and are now chasing panfish. For sunfish, hit 6-12 feet of water using a small teardrop tipped with a waxworm or euro larvae at the weed beds with open pockets. Remember that sunfish can be very soft biters this time of year; make sure to use the smallest bobber possible, or try a spring bobber instead. Northern pike action remains strong, although the number of larger fish has been down. Good numbers are coming from 16-20 foot depths on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes; drop a large sucker minnow 6-10 feet below the ice, and then sit back and hold on.

CROSSLAKE
Crappies can be found 8 feet down in 18 feet of water using minnows and small glow jigs. Sunnies are actively hitting waxworms and small jigs in 6-10 feet over depths of 16 feet. Walleye anglers continue to catch numbers of smaller fish, as well as an occasional keeper, on rattle spoons tipped with a shiner or rainbow. Anglers are reporting fish in the shallows on Pelican and Whitefish lakes. Northern pike anglers are finding fish along the weedlines using large pike minnows on tip-ups.

NISSWA
The crappie bite has been excellent on the smaller area lakes. The best reports are coming from the Gull Lake Chain, North Long, Mission and Cullen lakes, with fish found suspended in the deeper holes. Try a small crappie minnow, eurolarvae or waxworm during evening hours. Sunfish can be found during the day on Nisswa Lake. For the larger fish, grab your tip-ups and some sucker minnows or shiners. Northern pike fishing is providing anglers with tons of entertainment lately. Numbers of fish are coming from the weed edges in 6-14 feet. Lake Edwards or any smaller area lake is a good choice for northern pike action. This weekend should again offer warm temperatures and excellent fishing; check out the annual Nisswa Jubilee February 11-13, with a fishing contest on Sunday.

ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, lawn chairs and sunblock were a must last weekend, with the warm temperatures creating very comfortable fishing conditions. Anglers leaving their fishing houses and drilling holes in less traveled areas reported a great walleye bite. The best location has been at the deep gravel and mudflats found in 25-28 feet of water. Greg’s, Sherman’s and the 7-Mile Gravel are good starting points. A few larger fish are beginning to show up in 8-12 foot depths around the shoreline reefs. The best approach here has been a jig tipped with a fathead, or a glow jig, shiner and set line. This weekend’s warm temperatures should result in similar conditions for fishing. Please bring a shovel if you plan to venture off the road system.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY ST. CLOUD FISHING REPORTS

The warmer weather has increased both fish and angler activity. Numbers of nice sunnies and crappies, as well as quite a few walleye, have been cooperating. Grand, Pearl and Pleasant Lakes have all been productive. Fish Lake near Mora, and Ann Lake near Ogilvie are giving up limits of panfish. Little Rock Lake is rumored to have been underfished this year, and is now producing numbers of walleye roughly 7-8 feet under the ice. Expect some small perch and northern pike as well, with the larger perch found just below the ice. The best approach has been a small sucker minnow around the edge of the lake. And ice fishing contests will be held on Green Lake in Isanti County this Saturday, February 12th, and on Grand Lake at the town of Rockville on Sunday, February 13. Warm temperatures should make this an excellent weekend to be out on the lake!

ANNANDALE
Northern pike are being pulled from Cedar, Clearwater, and John lakes on suckers and shiners. Panfish are active on Cedar, Clearwater and Sugar lakes, with eurolarvae and waxworms taking the most fish.

EDEN VALLEY
Mud Lake is producing trout and sunfish. Cedar Island Lake, and the entire Horseshoe Chain of Lakes, are giving up a few walleye in the deeper waters, as well some catfish. A few crappies are also biting in the deeper water on The Chain. Rice Lake is producing walleye in 20-25 feet of water. On Lake Koronis, look for walleye in even deeper waters. The best approach has been a glow jig tipped with a waxworm or red larvae. Also try a smaller shiner in roughly 22 feet of water. Hot spots for panfish include Schneider and Becker lakes. A few crappies are being pulled from Pearl and Rice lakes on glow jigs at dusk. For northern pike, try a large shiner or sucker minnow in 17-20 feet of water.

WACONIA
On Lake Waconia, northern pike are active in 12-14 foot depths at the weedlines at Harm’s Point, Waconia Bay, and Wagner’s Bay. The weed edges on the north end of Waconia are also producing fish. Crappie action has been best at night in the deeper waters; try 25 feet at Wagner’s Bay. Numbers of sunfish can be found in the same areas as the northern pike.

WAYZATA
Anglers are beginning to remove their fish houses from area lakes. Most lakes are producing sunnies and crappies at the top of the weeds in 8-10 feet of water on glow jigs and worms. On Lake Minnetonka, crappies can be found suspended over 20-25 foot depths. The best approach has been a jig and minnow during evening hours. A few walleye are coming off the 16-18 foot weedlines towards dusk, with some pulled from 30 feet of water. Northern pike are active on top of the weeds and hitting suckers on a tip-up.

CHISAGO CITY
Sunfish action has been exceptional this past week, and should continue into this weekend due to repeated warm temperatures. The hot spots have been the south end of Chisago Lake, and Pancake Island on South Center Lake. For the most fish, use waxworms on a light line in 6-8 feet of water. Anglers report taking numbers of crappies from Kroon Lake, as well as the south end of Chisago Lake.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

MANKATO
Some anglers are catching walleye on the Minnesota River. On Lake Washington, walleye are being taken from 40 feet of water at night. Crappies can be found suspended throughout the day. For panfish, work the back of Baker’s Bay in 7-14 feet of water on Lake Washington. Northern pike are hitting suckers and shiners on Jefferson Lake. Loon Lake is giving up northern pike and walleye at the rock pile after 8:30 p.m.

MONTEVIDEO
Crappies are biting in 9-10 feet of water on Lake Lac Qui Parle. Large walleye are coming from the lake and the Minnesota River. And numbers of fish are being pulled from the river, near the Lac Qui Parle Dam.

ORTONVILLE
Anglers are having the most sucess on Big Stone Lake, from the public access out to the middle of the lake. Most of the perch and walleye are coming from 12-13 feet of water. On Long Tom and Artichoke lakes, crappies and walleye are biting during evening hours in 8-10 foot depths.