The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has charged two men with having 106 sunfish over the limit. Jeffrey Allen Meuleners, 52, Montrose, and Donald Peter Gabrelcik, 58, Delano, were each cited for possessing 53 sunfish over the limit. The citation carries a maximum fine of $1,072, restitution of $265 and a possible penalty of 90 days in jail for each man. They will each lose their fishing license for three years.

In early February, Minnesota Conservation Officer Chris Vinton, Detroit Lakes, received a Turn-in-Poacher (TIP) call that a group of anglers were fishing for sunfish on Tulaby Lake in northern Becker County and were taking more than 100 fish at a time. The statewide limit for sunfish is 20 per angler. The caller provided information about the vehicle driven by the anglers. In mid-February, Vinton observed the anglers fishing in the location that the informant had identified. Nearby was a vehicle similar to the one the caller described.

Vinton saw one of the anglers count 30 sunfish into a bucket before contacting the group as they stopped at the access. A quick count of the fish in the buckets showed them to be 12 short of a limit for three anglers. Vinton continued checking the lake every other day for several weeks when the group reappeared. Vinton, joined by Conservation Officer Dennis Lang, Perham, observed them until dark when the anglers began to load the vehicle. They followed the anglers to a cabin near Akeley.

The officers received permission to enter the garage there and said they had received a TIP call about a group of anglers taking over limits of sunfish. Gabrelcik said they hadn’t counted the fish they caught, but believed they were over the legal limit. Gabrelcik then produced two buckets of sunfish that were in the rear of the pickup. He said they had more hidden in one of the portable shelters. There were 85 sunfish in the buckets and shelter.

Lang returned from the cabin and said there were four bags with 61 partially frozen sunfish. Vinton said, “Both anglers kept commenting that they ‘could not stop’ and ‘the fishing was just too good.’”

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

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

=====================
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Wabasha, MN
On the Mississippi River, sauger and walleye are coming in on black or purple 3/4- to 1/2-ounce killer jigs, tipped with a minnow and worked just below the Alma Dam. The perch and bluegill has been fair. Northern pike are taking sucker minnows at the Nelson Wisconsin Dike Road.

Mankato, MN
On Lake Washington, perch are hitting at Baker’s Bay in 10 feet of water during morning hours. For crappies, move deeper into 17 feet of water. There are reports of a crappie night bite on Madison Lake in 15-25 foot depths. Duck Lake is producing crappies at the 11-15 foot weedlines. St. James Lake continues to produce good numbers of sunfish on the top of the weeds in 6 feet of water.

Montevideo, MN
Crappies are active in 11 feet of water near Lone Tree on Lake Lac qui Parle.

==========================
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Duluth, MN
Pike Lake is producing numbers of perch in 20-28 feet of water on small bait. On Fish Lake, crappie action is picking up, with fish averaging 10- to 12-inches. Expect a good crappie bite from early afternoon through evening hours on Caribou and Headquarters lakes. On Nickels Lake, bluegill, perch, and crappie action has been excellent using waxworms and small minnows. The Lake Superior shorelines are giving up numbers of loopers on bugs, spawn sacs and crawlers, especially during a northwest wind. Coho salmon are hitting bugs and crawlers.

Kabetogama, MN
Ice fishing on Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, as well as some of the smaller area lakes, has been slow due to recent warm temperatures.

International Falls, MN
On Rainy Lake, nearly 60 teams fished Sand Bay for walleye and sauger during last weekend’s Ice Team Tournament. Most of the teams caught their limit of four walleye and four sauger. The best approach seemed to be a simple hook and minnow head, or a glow jig tipped with a small minnow. Ice conditions still allow anglers to venture out to the far east end of Rainy Lake for some world-class catch-and-release action. For the most fish, find your favorite summer reef, drill a few holes, and use a medium to large shiner in 30-40 feet of water.

Grand Rapids, MN
Little Splithand Lake is giving up some hand-sized crappies. For bluegills, hit Bass Lake, or Poole’s Bay on Lake Pokegama.

==============================
NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Baudette, MN
Roughly 20 inches of ice covers the Rainy River, however a few warm days will open the river all the way to Franz Jevne. On Lake of the Woods, the South Shore continues to produce numbers of walleye, with fish moving back towards shore. At Pine Island, fish are holding roughly 2 inches off the bottom in 23-32 feet of water. A small presentation, such as a Swedish Pimple, has been best, especially during evening hours in 16 foot depths. Anglers will also enjoy the northern pike bite here; bring a tip-up and work the shallows for some monster fish. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, anglers report incredible walleye action. The best approach has been a jig tipped with a minnow. Fish houses are being moved over more shallow waters, such as 24-26 feet deep. Snowmobilers with portables are taking numbers of jumbo perch from the reefs and ridges near Garden Island, Little Oak, and Buffalo Bay. For the most fish, try a rattle spoon, fire-eye spoon, or glow jig.

Blackduck, MN
Some nice-sized perch are being reported on Blackduck Lake. And, for numbers of crappies, hit Gilsted, Rabideau and Pimusche lakes.

Bemidji, MN
Plantagenet and Bemidji lakes are producing numbers of perch at the humps andbreaklines. Also try Pike Bay for great perch action. And, eelpout are becomming more active on Lake Bemidji. For crappies, head to Upper Red Lake.

Bena, MN
On Lake Winnibigoshish, increased mobility has allowed anglers to reach their favorite fishing holes for the first time this winter. Numbers of nice perch are being pulled from the main drop off at The Highbanks, all the way south to Moxies Hole, in 20-28 feet of water. Also try the deep rocks off the Big Rockpile, roughly three-quarters of a mile to the south, in 18-24 feet of water. For the most fish, use a buckshot rattle spoon, Swedish Pimple, or small jigging rapala. Crappie fishing has been inconsistent on Big and Little Cutfoot Sioux lakes. Try the holes found in 22-25 feet of water around the big island on Big Cutfoot Sioux, and the 18-foot hole off the DNR Pier on Little Cutfoot Sioux.

Walker, MN
On Leech Lake, perch action is improving. Try a jig and minnow combination in 12 feet of water at Sucker Bay, or in 15 foot depths at Big Hardwood Point for the most fish.

Detroit Lakes, MN
Warm temperatures packed the snow down, allowing better access to area lakes. Bluegills remain tight to the weeds, but the crappies have moved further out into slightly deeper waters. The best approach has been glow jig tipped with a waxworm or small minnow. Crappie anglers are having the most success during late afternoon and evening hours. Bluegills are most active during mid to late afternoon hours. Lakes currently producing fish include Ida, Crystal, Little Detroit, Lizzie, Prairie, Round, Floyd, Little Cormorant and Cotton.

Battle Lake, MN
Anglers are taking perch on minnows worked in 9-17 feet of water on Ottertail Lake. Crappies and sunfish have become more active, and are being pulled from Dead, East Lost, South Turtle, Battle and Rush lakes. Waxworms and crappie minnows in 15 feet of water are working best. Some tullibees are also being reported.

Alexandria, MN
Anglers are taking sunfish from Victoria, Darling and Ida lakes. For the most fish, hit the weedlines using a small jig tipped with a waxworm or eurolarvae. Crappie action has been sporadic.

Starbuck, MN
Sunfish are hitting small jigs and waxworms on Leven and Villard lakes. On Lake Minnewaska, crappies are active during evening hours near the Fish Hatchery. Look for fish to be suspended at 11-12 feet in 15 feet of water.

Brainerd, MN
The crappie bite has moved into the shallows. Fish can be found right off the weed edges in 12-18 feet of water; work the major points of the larger cabbage beds for the most fish. Sucessful anglers are cutting a bunch of holes along the break and then working these holes until they locate the crappies. A glow demon tipped with a crappie minnow has been best. Sunfish action remains good. Most of the sunnies can be found in the weeds, however the largest fish have moved just outside the weeds. Don’t be surprised to find a few nice bluegills mixed in with the crappies.

Nisswa, MN
Crappies and sunnies are staging at the edge of the drops, about to move into the shallows. Crappies can be found suspended in 10-20 feet of water, with some of these fish found just a couple of feet below the ice. For the most fish, try a small ice jig tipped with eurolarvae or waxworms. Puddle jumpers have also worked well in recent days. Small bays and backwaters adjacent to deeper waters are excellent areas to fish. And sunfish can be found in slightly shallower waters.

Isle, MN
On Lake Mille Lacs, ice conditions remain good. Perch action has been excellent throughout the day. The best approach has been a hawger spoon, however flashers with a dropper are also working well. Fatheads seem to be the key to keeping the smallest fish off the hook. Some very large tullibees are beginning to show up at the mud flats. Stick tight to the deep edge in roughly 32 foot depths for the most fish. If you move, head further from the flat rather than closer to the flat. Sometimes a distance of just 20 feet can make a huge difference. Some good starting spots include The Sliver, Boot, Nine Mile, and The Blue Jug.

====================
TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

St. Cloud, MN
Panfish and crappies can be found suspended at 25 feet in the deeper waters on most area lakes. Waxworms and larvae have been working best, especially for an hour past dusk. Anglers are asked to use caution when venturing out.

Eden Valley, MN
Good numbers of sunfish are being pulled from the east end of Rice Lake on waxworms and eurolarvae. Trout continue to be taken from 6 foot depths on Mud Lake, with waxworms working best. The crappie bite remains good on Horseshoe Lake.

Annandale, MN
Clearwater Lake is giving up sunfish in 12 feet of water. For crappies, move out to 25 feet of water. Some of the better locations for sunfish include John, Pleasant and Sylvia lakes. Crappie action has been best on Cedar Lake.

Waconia, MN
Lake Waconia is producing sunfish in 10-12 feet of water at Waconia Bay. Crappies are active in depths of 30-35 feet, especially during evening hours. Hit Pillsbury, Kegg’s and Center reefs for good crappie action.

Wayzata, MN
Sunnies and crappies are biting at the western bays of Lake Minnetonka in 6-10 feet of water. Black and Seton Lakes are giving up sunfish in 6-7 foot depths, and crappies in 18-24 feet of water. Lake Independence is producing crappies, with fish found in 45 feet of water suspended 26 feet down. The west side of Medicine Lake has also been productive in 26-29 feet of water, especially during evening hours. For the most fish, try a glow demon jig tipped with a minnow or eurolarvae.

Chisago City, MN
South and North Center lakes, as well as the south end of Chisago Lake, have been giving up sunfish. Crappie action has been best on Kroon Lake, with the action heating up at 4 p.m.

As of March 9th, the gray-morph GYRFALCON was still in Dakota County. The bird was seen perched on top of a stand of evergreens, roughly one-half mile south of 150th Street and one-half mile west of Goodwin Avenue. Also check near the junction of Dakota County Road 42 and State Highway 55. On March 5th, Karen Sussman found a Gyrfalcon on St. Louis County Road 85, three-quarters of a mile west of State Highway 73.

GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS are still easy to find across northern Minnesota, especially in Aitkin and Pine Counties. Many observers report finding multiple Great Gray Owls along Aitkin County Roads 4, 5, 22 and 73, as well as along State Highway 65.

An AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER and at least two BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS can still be found along McDavitt Road in the Sax-Zim Bog area of St. Louis County, two and one-half miles north of Sax Road.

At least one HOARY REDPOLL has been reported from a feeder on Lake County Road 9, just north of the Highway 61 Expressway west of Two Harbors.

An increase in NORTHERN SHRIKE reports has been noted recently, especially in the Twin Cities area. And spring migrants now being reported include GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, GREAT BLUE HERON, NORTHERN HARRIER, SANDHILL CRANE, KILLDEER, RING-BILLED GULL, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.

As of March 1st, the gray-morph GYRFALCON was still in Dakota County near the junction of Dakota County Road 42 and State Highway 55. Birders should also check the area near Jacob Avenue and County Road 42, and at Mile Post 216 on Highway 55.

GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS are still easy to find across northern Minnesota, especially in Aitkin and Pine Counties. Many observers report finding multiple Great Gray Owls along Aitkin County Roads 4, 5, 22 & 73, and along State Highway 65. On March 2nd, Warren Nelson found 46 Great Grays and two Hawk Owls along Aitkin County Road 1, north of the town of Aitkin.

On March 3rd, a SNOWY OWL was seen on a utility pole four miles south of Claremont on Dodge County Road 3, one-quarter of a mile north of 670th Street.

On February 25th, there were an estimated 300 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in the Smithville area of west Duluth. And, thirty more waxwings were seen amoungst a group of SNOW BUNTINGS along 5th Street Northwest in Aitkin, in Aitkin County, on March 2nd.

And last, the CAROLINA WREN is still being seen at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge area of Bloomington, in Hennepin County. It was seen on March 2nd across from the garden center.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking watercraft inspector interns for the upcoming boating season. These inspectors are stationed at public accesses on lakes and rivers infested with invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. The deadline to apply is March 18.

“We’re looking for enthusiastic young adults interested in doing important environmental conservation work,” said Heidi Wolf, DNR watercraft inspection program coordinator. “Watercraft inspectors inform and educate the public about harmful aquatic invasive species and the threat they pose to Minnesota waters.”

Other duties include assisting with access posting, conducting invasive plant removal and other natural resource projects. These are full-time temporary internships that start in late April and run through the end of October, with flexibility for students still in school.

Positions are available in the seven-county metro area, Wright and Chisago counties, along the Mississippi River, and in Duluth, Brainerd, and Spicer/Willmar.

Applicants must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license. For more information or to request an application, contact Heidi Wolf at (651) 297-4891 or write to: DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, Box 25, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025. Applications and a complete job description also can be found on the DNR’s Web site at: www.dnr.state.mn.us.

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

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

==========================
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Duluth
Shore anglers fishing for loopers on the French River report excellent success.

Kabetogama
Reports have been minimal, however, some of the smaller area lakes are giving up panfish.

International Falls
On Rainy Lake, last weekend’s annual fishing derby in the Sand Bay area resulted in numbers of fish. Numbers of walleye, sauger, crappies and perch were recorded, along with an occassional northern pike and eelpout. Anglers had the most success fishing 25 to 35 foot depths, with most baits and tackle taking fish. Reports of large catch-and-release fish continue to come in from the east end of Rainy Lake. Walleye and northern pike can be found suspended above the reefs using a glow jig tipped with a medium or large shiner minnow. Expect fish to become more active as March progresses, especially after three or four days of warm temperatures.

Grand Rapids
Little Splithand Lake continues to produce some hand-sized crappies. A few bluegills are coming from Bass Lake, as well as from Poole’s Bay on Lake Pokegama.

==============================
NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, the South Shore is giving up excellent numbers of walleye, sauger, and perch. Light presentations have been best, including plain red hooks tipped with lunar grubs. Stationary houses on Lake of the Woods can remain on the ice until March 31st, and then portables can be used from dawn until midnight until April 14th. The Northwest Angle and Islands area is also experiencing incredible walleye action. Fish are hitting any color jig tipped with a minnow worked in 24 to 26 feet of water. A 27-pound northern pike was recently landed, and anglers report excellent jumbo perch action as well. There is currently 20 inches of ice on the Rainy River, however the channel is open near Loman, with open water moving towards Franz Jevne. Please remember that the walleye limit on the Rainy River lowered to two fish on March 1.

Blackduck
Most anglers are heading to Upper Red Lake for crappies. For the most fish, try a glow jig or spoon during lowlight hours. Some bluegill are being caught on Pimushe Lake in roughly 20 feet of water.

Bemidji
Perch are becoming more active at the bars found in 20 feet of water on Lake Bemidji. Also try Pike Bay in either 10 or 30 feet of water. Sunfish are being pulled from 10 foot depths on some of the smaller area lakes.

Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, limits of large perch are coming from the deep humps along the north end, especially in depths of 22 to 26 feet, however accessing new areas off the main roads has been a problem. Most of these perch are in the 9- to 11-inch range, with some as large as 13-inches being reported. A Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon tipped with half a minnow seems to be the best presentation. Try bouncing the minnow off the bottom occasionally to stir up fish. If the fish seem finicky, switch to a plain glow hook and colored splitshot. Drill lots of holes and stay on the move until you locate active perch. Some of the better locations include the outside break off Raven’s Point, one mile off the Big Rock Pile, Moxie’s Hole, Long Bar, and the mid-lake humps off Highbanks. Crappies continue to be pulled from Big Cutfoot Sioux, and for nice-sized bluegills, hit Little Cutfoot Sioux.

Walker
On Leech Lake, good numbers of perch are coming out of 10 to 15 feet of water, especially at Sucker Bay. Try a small jig tipped with half a minnow for the most fish.

Park Rapids
Anglers are having success on Eagle Lake, with numbers of bluegills being pulled from 14 feet of water, and crappies coming from 25 foot depths.

Detroit Lakes
Crappies and bluegills are hitting frostee glow jigs tipped with small crappie minnows or waxworms in 8 to 16 feet of water, especially during late afternoon and early evening hours. Crystal, Little Detroit, Round, Little Pelican, Little Cormorant, Middle Cormorant and Floyd lakes are all giving up fish. Please note that accessing area lakes has become more difficult due to snow drifts.

Pelican Rapids
Sunfish and crappies are hitting small jig and waxworm combinations on Lida, Prairie and Beers lakes.

Battle Lake
Crappies can be found suspended 5 to 6 feet down in 18 to 20 feet of water on West Battle Lake. Elbow Lake is giving up sunnies in 10 to 12 feet of water. For sunnies and crappies, hit North Turtle Lake. And Molly Stark Lake is producing both sunfish and tullibee.

Alexandria
Crappies and sunnies are being pulled from 7 to 8 feet of water on Geneva, Victoria and Mary lakes. For a few larger fish, hit waters less than 12 feet deep on Reno and Darling lakes.

Starbuck
On Lake Minnewaska, crappies can be found suspended 11 to 12 feet down in 15 feet of water near the Fish Hatchery, especially during evening hours. Towards the city of Villard, numbers of sunfish are being pulled from Leven and Villard lakes on small jigs tipped with waxworms.

Brainerd
Crappies continue to be found suspended 4 to 10 feet off the bottom in 25 to 30 feet of water, related to the deep holes of the smaller area lakes. The best sunfish action has been in 6 to 12 feet of water, in the open pockets of the weeds.

Nisswa
A fair number of smaller crappies, and a few large slabs, are coming from 25 to 40 feet of water, however it appears that these fish are beginning their transition towards shallower waters. The bite has been best after dark, with small crappie minnows and waxworms taking the majority of fish. And some nice-sized bluegills are hitting small ant jigs and waxworms in 10 to 15 feet of water.

Isle
On Lake Mille Lacs, most of the successful perch anglers have been fishing the mud; check the deep edges of the eastern flats, such as Nine-Mile, Boot, Greg’s and Blue Jug, for the most consistent action. The best approach has been a small gold, blue or green jigging spoon tipped with a fathead minnow or waxworm.

====================
TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

St. Cloud
A few nice-sized crappies and limits of sunnies are being pulled from East and Pearl lakes on waxworms and larvae worked in 15 to 20 feet of water. Crappies are coming out of 10 to 15 foot depths on Rice Lake, with glow jigs and crappie minnows working best. And trout are hitting waxworms on Watab Lake in 4 feet of water. And, twelve-inch perch are coming from the north end of Little Rock Lake.

Annandale
Sugar and Cedar lakes are producing crappies during evening hours in 12 to 16 feet of water. Clearwater, Cedar, and Sylvia lakes are giving up sunfish in similar depths.

Eden Valley
Crappies are active in 12 to 16 feet of water on Lake Koronis. The Horseshoe Chain of Lakes is kicking out both crappies and sunnies. Anglers are catching sunfish and a few trout in depths of 4 to 6 feet on Mud Lake near the city of Clear Lake.

Wayzata
On Lake Independence, crappies are being pulled from 35 feet of water. Sunfish are most active along the west side in 6 to 8 feet of water. Lake Sarah is producing sunfish in 12 foot depths, and crappies can be found suspended in 40 foot depths. On Lake Minnetonka, Crystal Bay is giving up both sunnies and crappies in roughly 23 feet of water.

Chisago City
Panfish action has been great on North Center Lake in front of the Government Center and at the Grassy Islands. Sunnies can be found on South Center Lake from Sunset Point to Pancake Island throughout the day. Look for crappies as well during evening hours. Some crappies are hitting in 24 feet of water near the old Dewdrop Inn. And the south end of Chisago Lake continues to produce panfish the entire day from the A-frame to the Eagle’s Nest.

=====================
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Mankato
St. James Lake continues to produce sunfish. Washington Lake is giving up sunnies, crappies and perch. For the most perch, hit 25-35 feet of water off Third Point. Sunfish can be found in Baker’s Bay, and the crappies are most active in depths of 30 feet at Second Point.

Montevideo
The crappie bite has been good at Lone Tree Island on Lake Lac qui Parle. Fishing is expected to improve even more with warmer weather. And a few catfish are being reported on the Minnesota River.

A FESTIVAL OF OWLS will be offered by the town of Houston, March 4-6. Take part in an evening banquet, a wild owl call at night with expert owl-callers, discussions with an owl researcher, and check out six different species of live owls. This festival offers something for all ages! To learn more, dial 507/896-4668

EAGLE SPOT WEEKENDS will be offered at Colvill Park in Red Wing each Saturday and Sunday, through March 20. Experienced volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions about eagle behavior, ecology and recovery. Spotting scopes and binoculars allow for close-up views of the abundance of eagles. To find out more, dial 1-800-498-3444