TWIN CITIES FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD, MN Fishing Report
Anglers are now fishing from shore and from boat. Panfish action has been best out of the culvert off Highway 71 on the Chain of Lakes. Also try the shallow bays on Little Rock, Brigg’s, Clearwater and Sauk lakes. Crappie action is expected to pick up by this weekend.

EDEN VALLEY, MN Fishing Report
All area lakes are now open. Fishing is picking up, and a few crappies are coming from the shallow waters near bridges and culverts.

WAYZATA, MN Fishing Report
Anglers were out catching crappies in the smaller, shallow bays of Lake Minnetonka last weekend. Work 6-12 foot depths on the northern side of the bays using pink and white tinsel jigs tipped with a crappie minnow for the most fish. On lakes Independence and Sarah, the crappie bite should heat up in the next few days.

CHISAGO CITY, MN Fishing Report
Crappies are biting in the shallow, muddy bays. Some great early season spots include the south end of Chisago Lake, between the Eagle’s Nest and the A-Frame, the north end of North Center Lake, and at Pancake Island and in the bays of South Center Lake.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

WABASHA, MN Fishing Report
On the Mississippi River, large pike were being taken last weekend on sucker minnows and diamond spoons. For the most fish, hit the warm waters at the Nelson Wisconsin Dike Road, the dike leading to Alma Dam, and at Peterson’s Lake. Some anglers are picking up a few walleyes at the dam, where the water is expected to settle by this weekend. Also look for a few walleyes on the lower end of Lake Pepin. Large crappies, bluegills and a few large perch are biting throughout Lake Pepin.

MANKATO, MN Fishing Report
Crappies are biting just off shore at the Sawmill on Big Jefferson Lake. Good crappie action is also being reported on Crystal Lake along the shoreline, off the Highway, and in town near the dock. The best approach has been a slip bobber and crappie minnow, with numbers of smaller fish being taken–the larger crappies are expected to move into the shallows shortly. Local anglers also report excellent crappie action at Hiniker Pond. On Lake Washington, sunnies and crappies are hitting in the back of Baker’s Bay in 5-6 feet of water.

MONTEVIDEO, MN Fishing Report
Catfish are active on the Minnesota River, with minnows and stinkbaits taking numbers of fish. Anglers are fishing from boat on Lake Lac Qui Parle and taking crappies on minnows. And at the city of Ortonville, Big Stone Lake is now ice-free.

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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH, MN Fishing Report
On Lake Superior, looper action has been steady, with bugs, spawn sacs and crawlers working best. Coho salmon are also coming in on bugs and crawlers. Towards the city of Two Harbors, anglers are taking coho salmon by trolling shallow-running stickbaits. And anglers are catching steelhead and loopers using spawn sacs in the rivers.

KABETOGAMA, MN Fishing Report
The shoreline ice on Lake Kabetogama is breaking up and making lake access nearly impossible. The Ash River is now open, and the area from Sullivan Bay to Kabetogama should be ice-free soon. The fishing opener for Kabetogama and Namakan is one month away and local anglers expect it to be excellent due to recent warming trends.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN Fishing Report
On Rainy Lake, the ice is deteriorating rapidly. Most anglers are now fishing the Rainy River since the accesses are open, and anglers can now launch their boats all along the river. Expect ice-out on Rainy Lake by the regular fishing season opener. Please remember that the border water walleye season ends on April 14th to allow for spring spawning.

GRAND RAPIDS, MN Fishing Report
Local fishing has come to a standstill since the ice is very black and ice-out will come quickly for most area lakes. Anglers are taking advantage of the open water at the warm water discharge area at Minnesota Power and Light in Cohasset. Those using boats are reporting the most success, with bluegills, and numbers of dogfish being taken. Sucker action is expected to begin soon.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE, MN Fishing Report
On Lake of the Woods, the ice fishing season has officially closed. The opening of the feeders streams along the Rainy River has led to increased current, and water clarity has suffered. The Lake of the Woods Control Board is keeping the Rainy River at normal levels this spring. The Rainy River is open all the way to Wheeler’s Point, and the sturgeon are biting in Four Mile Bay. Fishing along the Rainy River is best at the mouth of the Rapid River and Silver Creek. Another hot spot is in Baudette Bay, where clarity is not a problem. Please remember that the walleye season closes on Thursday, April 14th, in preparation for the spring spawn.

BLACKDUCK, MN Fishing Report
Most area lakes are now open, and anglers should be able to launch their boats on the smaller lakes by this weekend.

BEMIDJI, MN Fishing Report
Reports indicate that the smaller area lakes should accessible by boat next week.

PARK RAPIDS, MN Fishing Report
Most lakes are either ice-free or will be by this weekend. Local anglers are looking forward to the stream trout opener on Saturday, April 16. Try trout worms, nightcrawlers, or Mepps spinners for the most fish. And the area crappie bite is expected to pick up as temperatures increase.

DETROIT LAKES, MN Fishing Report
Some of the smaller area lakes are now open. Once the panfish bite begins, please remember to practice selective harvesting.

BATTLE LAKE, MN Fishing Report
Area lakes are open, and anglers are now fishing from shore.

ALEXANDRIA, MN Fishing Report
Area lakes are ice-free. Sunnies and crappies are biting in the shallow, backwater bays. Most anglers are fishing from shore, however some are already fishing from boats. Hit Lobster, Oscar, Le Homme Dieu, or any of the smaller area lakes for numbers of fish.

STARBUCK, MN Fishing Report
Lake Minnewaska is free of ice and the crappies are biting all day long. The best action has been at the Starbuck Marina in 2-3 feet of water. Cast small jigs and crappie minnows with a small float, and retrieve slowyly near the dock area. Anglers report having a hard time keeping the bass off their lines! Some anglers are catching crappies from boat at the Fish Hatchery after dark using lighted bobbers in 3 foot depths. Shore anglers are having success at the north end of Pocket Lake, just off County Road 4.

BRAINERD, MN Fishing Report
The smaller area lakes are now entirely free of ice. The ice on the larger area lakes is very dark and all lake travel is highly discouraged.

CROSSLAKE, MN Fishing Report
Horseshoe, Bass and Pine lakes are now ice-free. Edwards and Rush lakes should be open by this weekend. Crosslake, Pelican and Whitefish have open water along the shoreline, and on out 70-80 feet. Trout Lake is open around the edges, and the remaining ice is breaking up rapidly.

NISSWA, MN Fishing Report
Most area lakes will be free of ice by this weekend. At present, the north and the south ends of Gull Lake, as well as North Long, Pelican and Round lakes are open to boat traffic. Look for crappies and sunnies to be congregating in the shallow, dark, muddy bottom bays, as well as at the small canals and channels. For the most fish, try small jigs and plastics alone or with a slip bobber rig. Some anglers are also having success with a small hair jig tipped with a crappie minnow.

The third Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nongame Wildlife Checkoff photo contest is underway. DNR officials are asking Minnesota resident amateur and professional photographers to submit photos featuring live ospreys in the wild by the June 17 deadline.

Winning photos from the contest will be featured in the 2005 Nongame Wildlife Checkoff Poster, said Carrol Henderson, DNR Nongame Wildlife Program supervisor.

The poster which helps promote donations to the Nongame Wildlife Program, is available free to people who donate to the Wildlife Checkoff Fund on their Minnesota state tax forms.

Photographers may submit up to 12 original slides taken in Minnesota. Photos chosen to be included in the 2005 poster will be published with photo credit.

Contest winners will receive a framed copy of the poster featuring the winning photo, along with a choice of a complimentary copy of the best selling CD “Restore Your Shore” or a copy of the award winning book “Landscaping for Wildlife,” both published by the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program.

Entry forms and contest rules may be obtained from the DNR Information Center by calling (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367), or by visiting the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is cooperating with the Boat U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water and the Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association (PFDMA) to announce the “Innovations in Life Jacket Design Competition.”

The goal of the nationwide contest is to encourage and solicit innovative ideas and new technology to design a life jacket that a majority of boaters will want to wear.

“We’re helping spread the word about the contest because when someone comes up with a new life jacket design that is perceived as more desirable and worn by the public, fewer Minnesotans are going to die in boating accidents,” said Tim Smalley, DNR boating safety specialist. “And for the winning designer, the $5,000 cash prize put up by the Boat U.S. Foundation and the PFDMA isn’t a bad thing either.”

The first modern foam life vests were designed in Minnesota and marketed in the mid 1960s by the late Maurice O’Link, cofounder of outdoor sporting goods maker Stearns Manufacturing in St. Cloud. Life jackets have come a long way from the crude cork vests or orange kapok life preservers to the introduction of slim-line fishing vests and life jackets that automatically inflate when a person enters the water, according to Smalley.

“I’d like to see the next advancement in life jackets come from Minnesota, too,” he said. “Everyone is eligible to enter the competition. It would be great if the next big thing in life vests came from a university engineering student or better yet, an elementary school science class.”

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, more than 80 percent of the people who have died in boating accidents would have survived if they had been wearing a life vest, because most people who perish in boating accidents succumb to drowning.

“It’s a completely different scenario than car accidents,” Smalley noted. “Most boating deaths involve a single-boat accident where the victim falls overboard or the boat capsizes. No thundering crash, no fireballs, no explosions. You just don’t see nearly as many people across the country being killed in boat crashes compared to freshwater drowning.”

DNR records indicate many victims do have swimming ability, but cold water or other factors prevent their survival because they can’t stay afloat long enough to be rescued or climb back in the boat.

“Let’s face it,” Smalley said, “many people, especially men, look at wearing a life jacket as admitting weakness. For them, it is to be avoided at all cost. That’s why we see incidents where a boat capsizes and the two little children on board, who were wearing life vests, survive. Dad or grandpa drowns because they were too embarrassed to be seen wearing a life jacket.”

The winning design is not obliged to meet the stringent U.S. Coast Guard approval requirements to win. However, the necessary design elements should include wearability, reliability, innovation and cost.

“I think the winner will be someone who thinks completely outside the box to solve the age old problem of why boaters won’t wear their life jacket,” Smalley surmised.

The competition runs through Dec 15. The winner will be announced at the Miami Boat Show in Florida in February.

For more information, visit www.boatus.com. or contact Ruth Wood at the Boat U.S. Foundation, (703) 823-9550 ext. 3204, e-mail rwood@boatus.com. or Bernice McArdle at the PFDMA (312) 946-6280, or e-mail BMcArdle@nmma.org.

The Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline provided Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers several leads recently leading to possible fine and restitution amounts totaling nearly $8,000.

Officer Chris Vinton, Detroit Lakes, received a TIP call April 1 about some Indiana anglers fishing Straight Lake near Osage in northern Minnesota. With the assistance of Officer Dennis Lang, Perham, they found violations ranging from license fraud, misdemeanor over-limits of sunfish and crappie, and gross misdemeanor gross over-limit of sunfish. A total of 299 fish were found in excess of legal limits.

Donald B. Blauvelt, 51; Donald M. Chester, 75; David L. Beard, 53; Justin M. Beard, 30; and Robert Leslie Jr., 40; all of Ft. Wayne, Ind., face possible fines and restitution totaling $6,000. Also seized in the investigation were angling licenses, fishing rods and an auger.

Blauvelt, who pled guilty in Becker County District Court on April 5, was sentenced to $3,200 fine/restitution, sentenced to 365 days in jail stayed for two years and prohibited from fishing for two years. Officers found Blauvelt 239 sunfish over the limit (legal limit is 20 sunfish per angler; 20 gifted to a companion).

The court fined Donald M. Chester nearly $175 for purchasing a resident fishing license.

Court appearances are set for May 2 for David L. Beard, Justin M. Beard and Robert Leslie Jr.

The three had 52 crappies (22 over-limit) and 98 sunfish (38 over-limit). Fines and restitution for the three amounts to $1,800.
In another case, Officer Tim Gray, Blackduck, received a call April 2 about a group of anglers keeping walleye and an over-limit of crappies on Red Lake in northwest Minnesota.

When Gray checked the anglers they were putting a walleye down a hole in the ice. Six more walleye were found under the back seat storage compartment of their vehicle.

There’s a moratorium on taking walleye from Red Lake. An over-limit of crappies was found packed inside a suitcase style ice shelter and in several buckets. The total number of fish possessed by the three adults and one juvenile angler were 100 crappies (legal possession limit is 10 per angler), seven walleye and 12 perch.

Charged were Viengxay Sivongxay, 44, and Phouvieng Davannavong, 36, both of Savage, and Thavy Chindavong, 52, of Brooklyn Park. The youth was not charged in the incident. The three men face a combined total of nearly $2,700 in fines and restitution.

Maj. Al Heidebrink, DNR enforcement operations manager, said the DNR appreciates help from the public and encourages people who see illegal fishing activities to call the TIP line at 1-800-652-9093.

The more detailed the description, the more helpful it is to the officers, Heidebrink said. Most important are boat and vehicle license numbers, the number of people and the area where the activity took place.

As of April 1st, the gray-morph GYRFALCON was still in northeastern Dakota County. It was most recently reported by Judy Sparrow at Mile Marker 215 of State Highway 55.

On April 5th, Dan Thimgan reported a PRAIRIE FALCON along Wilkin County Road 26, roughly four miles west and one mile south of the town of Rothsay. This location is about four miles south of where John Ellis reported a Prairie Falcon on the 3rd.

GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS are still easy to find across northern Minnesota, especially in Aitkin County and Pine County. Many observers still report finding multiple Great Gray Owls along Aitkin County Roads 1 and 4, and in Pine County east of the town of Sandstone.

On April 2nd, Al Schirmacher reported a ROSS’S GOOSE at the Princeton sewage ponds in Sherburne County. The ponds are located on County Road 2. Another Ross’s Goose was seen on the 3rd at Ocheda Lake along the east side of Nobles County Road 57, one-quarter of a mile north of 290th Street.

A EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE was in the town of Herman, in Grant County, on April 3rd. Denny and Barb Martin reported the Dove at the corner of 1st Street East and Berlin Avenue South.

The usual variety of early shorebirds have begun to arrive in southern Minnesota. Jim Mattsson viewed both GREATER YELLOWLEGS and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, as well as BAIRD’S SANDPIPER and PECTORAL SANDPIPER at Lake Byllesby in Dakota County on April 6th. MARBLED GODWITS were reported by Melissa Driscoll from Wilkin County on the 5th. On the same day, Kim Eckert found AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER at the Pipestone sewage ponds in Pipestone County. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS were reported from the Albany sewage lagoons in Stearns County on the 5th. Greater Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpipers, and Baird’s Sandpipers were also reported from Stearns, Lyon, and Cottonwood counties.

Tom Nelson found an early PALM WARBLER near the southwest corner of Deep Lake in North Oaks, in Ramsey County, on April 5th. Other migrants reported this past week include BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, OSPREY, BONAPARTE’S GULL, FRANKLIN’S GULL, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, WINTER WREN, VESPER SPARROW, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, and GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE.

It’s spring and with the return of longer days and warmer weather, many Minnesotan’s are anxious to pursue their favorite outdoor activities. For many, that means fishing.

One of the first seasons to open inland is stream trout fishing. In Minnesota, that date is April 16, continuing through September 14. Fishing hours are from one hour before sunrise to 11 p.m.

Trout anglers are urged to check the 2005 Fishing Regulations changes that take effect for the first time this year. Trout regulations have been modified on 22 streams in southeastern Minnesota. Signs will be posted on the up and downstream boundaries of affected stream reaches and at popular access sites. A new publication, “Trout Angling Opportunities in Southern Minnesota,” is now available at many DNR offices. This publication includes color-coded maps that depict the changes and show anglers where there is public access to trout fishing.

Jason Moeckel, Assistant Regional Fisheries Manager at Rochester, said the DNR is making a concerted effort this year to inform anglers of the changes. “We know that a lot of people may traditionally show up at a location on a stream expecting to fish as they have in the past. We do not want their experience ruined by not being prepared for regulation changes that may affect how they fish and what they can keep.”

Moeckel encourages anglers to contact the following offices if they have questions: Lanesboro Fisheries Office, 507-467-2442; Lake City Fisheries, 651-345-3365; or Rochester Area Fisheries Office, 507-285-7427.

The 2005 Fishing Regulations are available from these offices and at most locations where licenses are sold. The new publication, “Trout Angling Opportunities in Southern Minnesota,” will be available in many bait shops, sporting goods stores, license centers and the aforementioned offices. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please contact the Rochester Area Fisheries Office at (507) 285-7427.

Moeckel also noted that there are two errors in the fishing regulations book that anglers should be aware of:

Page 47, the description for Garvin Brook should read: “All trout from 12” through 16” in length must be immediately returned to the water on a 5.0 mile stretch from the road crossing at Highway 14 going upstream to the confluence with Peterson Creek. Page 53, the description for Whitewater River, North Branch should read Township Road 29 instead of County Road 29.

Maps of all the special regulation locations are available on the DNR website.

The warm days of spring have prompted the return of peregrine falcons to Minnesota skies.

“After being completely wiped out by pesticides in the 1950s and 1960s, the peregrine falcon recovery represents one of the greatest conservation success stories in the nation,” said Carrol Henderson, supervisor, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nongame Wildlife Program.

Peregrine falcon restoration began in Minnesota in 1982. More than 182 falcon chicks have been released at a cost of $3,000 per chick. The first successful nesting occurred in 1987 at the Multifoods Tower in Minneapolis. Since then, the number of successful pairs and fledged young has increased annually.

Last year, 38 pairs successfully raised 84 young at traditional cliff areas along Lake Superior’s North Shore, new man-made habitats, power plant stacks, skyscraper balconies and rooftops, and on bridges over the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester.

“Minnesotans can take pride in the return of the peregrine because they made it happen through their support of the Nongame Wildlife Checkoff Fund on their state tax forms.

The Raptor Center, The Nature Conservancy, The Bell Museum, Raptor Research Project, and the Minnesota Falconer’s Association,” stated Henderson.

The successful restoration of the peregrine falcon, bald eagle and trumpeter swan population is just the beginning. Minnesota is home to more than 800 species of nongame wildlife, some of which are in jeopardy because of habitat loss and environmental threats.

According to Henderson, the piping plover and common tern are two species that are currently in danger of disappearing from Minnesota landscapes.

The DNR Nongame Wildlife Program receives 80 percent of its funding through donations to the Wildlife Fund Checkoff on state income tax forms. Henderson urges Minnesotans to remember to look for the line with the loon and donate to the Wildlife Fund on their state tax forms.

“Every dollar donated will help ensure the future of all wildlife in Minnesota,” Henderson said.

Researchers from Louisiana State University, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other cooperating agencies are asking for help in tracking color-coded ducks as they migrate through the Upper Midwest.

Biologists are currently trapping, banding and color-marking lesser scaup, also known as bluebills, as they move into Pool 19 of the Mississippi River near Hamilton, Ill.

Colored plastic tags have been attached to the bills of each scaup. Observations of these marked will help researchers learn more about migratory corridors and the birds’ movement across the Upper Midwest.

“Scaup populations have been declining in North America for many years,” said Jeff Lawrence, DNR wetland wildlife group leader. “This research is aimed at determining whether food resources in the Upper Midwest are adequate for scaup during spring migration.”

The researchers are soliciting help from the public to help look for color-marked scaup. They will be mailing out an original scaup art print as a reward to participants with confirmed sightings.

If people see a color-marked scaup, they are asked to call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367), and have the following information: name, address; and phone number; date of sighting; color of bill-marker; letter written on bill-marker; (if readable), male or female (if identifiable); and location of sighting (i.e., distance and direction from nearest town or name of lake, county, and state or province).

Volunteers play an important role in the success of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A record number of 33,304 volunteers assisted DNR staff members with a variety of projects and programs last year. The value of their services is estimated at $7.8 million.

“We’re extremely grateful for the efforts of our volunteers,” said Renee Vail, director, DNR volunteer programs. “We’re fortunate to have so many dedicated and highly educated Minnesotans who are willing to donate their services.”

The volunteers donated a total of 455,219 hours of work, which represents the equivalent of an extra 218 full-time people helping the DNR expand and improve services throughout the state’s natural resources.

“The volunteers provide work which supplements, but does not supplant DNR personnel,” Vail said. “All our volunteers share a common desire of donating their time, talents and energy to a worthwhile cause. Their efforts add significant value to the DNR, which relies on the community for assistance. Many of our projects would not be possible without volunteer help.”

Volunteers work with DNR managers, professionals and technicians to help manage the state’s diverse natural resources. Volunteer positions range from jobs requiring no previous experience to specialist positions requiring extensive skill and experience.

Last year people volunteered to assist with a wide variety of projects including loon monitoring, firearms safety instruction, walleye hooking studies, trail clearing, issuing burning permits, wildlife research, and campground hosting.

Volunteer opportunities occur throughout Minnesota at state parks, state forest campgrounds, wildlife management areas, fisheries and hatcheries, the more than 100 DNR area offices, four regional headquarter offices, the St. Paul central office and at special event sites.

Volunteers work individually and in groups undertaking projects in both field and office settings. Training is provided by DNR staff. The DNR volunteer programs office also works with the DNR Alumni Volunteer Association, a program that utilizes retired DNR employees in special DNR projects throughout the state.

More than 600 volunteers assist the DNR each year at the Minnesota State Fair acting as Smokey Bear, dispensing lake data reports, and providing entertainment and environmental education presentations on the DNR volunteer outdoor stage.

For more information about the volunteering opportunities at the DNR, contact Renee Vail, director, DNR volunteer programs, (651) 297-1449, or visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

Water levels on Minnesota rivers can rise without warning any time of the year, especially during the spring thaw. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises recreational boaters to be aware of the potential for flooding on the Mississippi, Minnesota and Lower St. Croix rivers, and other canoe and boating routes.

“Flooding inundates the river banks, resulting in hazardous debris in the water,” said Tim Smalley with the DNR’s Boat and Water Safety program. “This includes both natural and man-made objects that have been swept into the river by high water.”

Smalley said debris often floats just at or below the surface of the water, which means boaters may not be able to see the obstruction until it is too late. Because the water is still frigid, boaters could be subject to hypothermia if they take a spill.

The DNR urges all boaters to check river level conditions, which are available on the DNR’s Web site www.dnr.state.mn.us, before taking a trip. River level reports for 33 Minnesota rivers are updated weekly from April through October.

The reports are based on automated river level gauges and gauge readings recorded by volunteers. The DNR cautioned boaters that river levels could change dramatically over a short period of time due to inclement weather conditions.

Steve Mueller, river recreation program coordinator for the DNR Division of Trails and Waterways, said, in addition to safety, the river level reports can also assist with planning a successful trip. The DNR manages 26 designated canoe and boating routes throughout the state, totaling more than 3,400 river miles.

“It is important to know what the conditions are like before paddling down a river,” Mueller said. “During the spring, the water level may be too high and too hazardous for a canoe or boat trip.”

“Current is another threat,” Smalley added. “There is a lot of water flowing through a river system, especially in the spring. This increases both the speed of the river and strength of the current, which makes it more difficult for even an experienced swimmer to stay afloat. This means it is important to wear a lifejacket at all times, now and throughout the year.”

Smalley also suggested that boaters let people know where they are going and when they expect to return from their trip.

Information on the state’s 26 canoe and boating routes, including river level reports, water trail maps and outfitters, is available on the DNR’s Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.