The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of Nisswa, where numbers of sunnies and crappies are being taken.

The opening dates for the 2005/2006 fishing season for most inland waters in Minnesota are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, -May 14; largemouth and smallmouth bass, -May 28; and muskie -June 4. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous.

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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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

MANKATO FISHING REPORT
The crappie tournament on Madison Lake last weekend resulted in some very large fish taken from 23 feet of water off the narrows. For the crappie tournament this weekend on Lake Washington, hit the points, or Baker’s Bay in 8-12 feet of water. Anglers should also have success by the canal on German Lake, and off shore on Lake Francis at the west boat landing.

MONTEVIDEO FISHING REPORT
Lake Lac qui Parle should best for the walleye opener. The Minnesota River, between Lac qui Parle and Granite Falls, continues to produce catfish on nightcrawlers and cutbait.

ORTONVILLE FISHING REPORT
On Big Stone Lake, anglers are catching crappies at night using a leech and bobber from the docks. Fishing action is expected to really improve by this weekend.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD FISHING REPORT
The area crappie bite is improving, with fish hitting flu flus, waxworms and crappies minnows in the shallows.

ANNANDALE FISHING REPORT
The bays of Clearwater Lake have been good for crappies. Some of the bays to check out include Greenshed, Horseshoe, McBrides and Osterbee’s.

EDEN VALLEY FISHING REPORT
Anglers are taking a few crappies and sunfish off the culverts and in the shallows of Koronis, Eden and the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes. For the most fish, try crappie minnows or waxworms on dark-colored jigs.

WAYZATA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Minnetonka, fishing is picking up with this week’s warm temperatures. Look to the smaller bays holding the warmest water for the most fish. The best approach has been a small presentation worked in 5-8 feet of water at the standing weeds. For sunnies, try an ice jig and waxworm, and for crappies, use a jig and minnow combination.

CHISAGO CITY FISHING REPORT
Fish are expected to move back into the bays with the recent warm temperatures.

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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH FISHING REPORT
On Lake Superior, a few loopers and steelhead are being caught along the North Shore. The Brule River has been good for browns and steelhead–the best approach has been a nymph or stonefly. Loopers are being taken on flies, looper bugs, spawn sacs and crawlers. Trolling for trout and salmon has been good along the South Shore. Area lakes are producing crappies in 10-12 feet of water. For the most fish, use a slow, small presentation. And a few smelt and suckers can still be found in the rivers.

KABETOGAMA FISHING REPORT
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, few anglers ventured out last week due to continued cold temperatures. While the crappies remain hard-to-find in the deeper waters, the northern pike on Lake Namakan were easy to find. Warmer temperatures are in the forecast for later this week which should improve conditions for May 14th opener.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS FISHING REPORT
The northern pike season is open on the border waters of the Rainy River. All fish between 30-40 inches must be returned immediately, and one fish over 40 inches can be in possesion. The lake sturgeon season remains open through May 7, and reports have been good.

GRAND RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Anglers are reporting decent crappie action on Ice and Hale lakes, and in Pooles Bay on Lake Pokegama. Fishing is expected to be good later this week as temperatures rise.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE FISHING REPORT
Sturgeon anglers have been forming flotillas on the Rainy River in search of a trophy-sized fish–reports indicate that sturgeon action has been very good. The walleye season opener is this Saturday, May 14. During the next two weeks the walleye will be spawning in all of the feeder streams leading to Lake of the Woods. The northern pike season is continuous on Lake of the Woods and in the Rainy River–hit the reed beds, feeder streams to the Rainy River, and Baudette Bay for the most fish. Limits of large jumbo perch are also being reported, especially at the Northwest Angle and Island area.

BLACKDUCK FISHING REPORT
A few crappies are being pulled from Upper Red Lake. Smaller area lakes, such as Gilstad, are producing greater numbers. Warmer temperatures should improve the bite considerably.

BEMIDJI FISHING REPORT
This week’s warm up should improve crappie action considerably. For the most fish, hit the bulrushes and bays on the smaller area lakes in 2-3 feet of water. A few suckers can still be found in the deeper pools.

BENA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Winnibigoshish, walleye are expected to be in their typical locations by the upcoming opener. Just some of places to check include the Third River out to Stony Point, Bowen’s Flats, the Dishes, Sugar Point and Musky Bay. Try a fireball jig and smaller shiner for the most fish. During last year’s opener, the walleye would only react to 1/16-ounce jigs and small chubs–be sure to use a small and slow presentation. Also, check out some of the other area lakes and rivers with darker waters, such as Round Lake, Bowstring Lake, and the Mississippi River.

WALKER FISHING REPORT
Crappie action is picking up on Leech Lake. Some anglers are also searching for jumbo perch. This week’s warm-up should greatly improve fishing conditions.

PARK RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Early this week, anglers reported numbers of bluegills on Long Lake in roughly 4-6 feet of water, with ice flies and waxworms working best. Trout action has been consistent on the Straight River. For the most fish, use nightcrawlers. And crappie action should improve by this weekend with the warmer temperatures.

PELICAN RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
The warm-up should lead to good crappie action by this weekend–for the most fish, hit the shallows of Lida, Prairie and Mud lakes.

BATTLE LAKE FISHING REPORT
Anglers expect good fishing action by this weekend on South Turtle, Clitheral and Battle lakes. The best approach should be a waxworm or nightcrawler worked in the shallows.

ALEXANDRIA FISHING REPORT
Crappie action has been best on Miltona, Darling and Carlos lakes, with fish hitting small plastic jigs, road runner jigs, taser tails, powerbait, gulps, and Bait in a Bottle.

STARBUCK FISHING REPORT
On Lake Minnewaska, try a jig and minnow off the docks at the Starbuck Marina for numbers of crappies. The Fish Hatchery, along the Glenwood end, should also be good for crappies.

BRAINERD FISHING REPORT
Crappies are expected to move back into the shallows by this weekend. Search for these shallow water crappies in the mud bottomed areas of the backwaters or small bays where temperatures will be first to rise.

NISSWA FISHING REPORT
Crappies can be found in both the shallows and 5-10 foot depths. Some of the better locations include Margaret, Upper Gull, North Long and Hubert lakes. The backwaters and smaller bays of Pelican Lake and Whitefish are also producing crappies. Anglers report that pearl white, smoke or blue ice puddle jumpers are the best approach. Many anglers have also started to use crappie minnows. Sunfish continue to provide decent action and are hitting waxworms and small leeches. Shore anglers are catching a mix of sunnies and crappies at the Bar Harbor Docks.

ISLE FISHING REPORT
On Lake Mille Lacs, the bays along the south end are producing a few crappies and perch.

Take A Mom Fishing Weekend set for May 7-8

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites mothers, who are Minnesota residents, to fish without a license on Take A Mom Fishing Weekend, May 7-8.

“Take A Mom Fishing Weekend was intended to make it easier for families to be together when the fishing opener fell on Mother’s Day,” said Linda Erickson-Eastwood, DNR fisheries program manager. “Even though it doesn’t fall on the fishing opener this year, it’s still a good chance for families to get together.”

During Take A Mom Fishing Weekend, the harvest on inland waters may include crappie, sunfish, rock bass, white bass, channel and flathead catfish, perch, bullhead, whitefish and non-game species (carp buffalo, sucker, sheepshead, bowfin, burbot, cisco, gar, goldeye and redhorse) as well as brown, rainbow and brook trout in streams. Families choosing to fish on border waters during Take A Mom Fishing Weekend have a wider variety of options when it comes to harvesting fish.

Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to fish for species of fish during a closed season, such as walleye, even on a catch-and-release basis.

Additional information regarding what anglers can legally harvest during Take A Mom Fishing Weekend can be found in the 2005 Minnesota Fishing Regulations handbook or on the DNR’s Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

The 2005 fishing season for inland waters opens on May 14, with the exception of muskellunge and smallmouth and largemouth bass in some parts of the state.

“Regulations can and often do vary between bodies of water,” Erickson-Eastwood said. “Before families take their moms fishing, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the regulations on the lake or river they plan to fish.”

Licenses for the 2005 fishing season are on sale now and can be purchased at one of 1,800 electronic license agents throughout Minnesota, by calling the toll free number 1-888-665-4256, and on the DNR’s Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

DNR magazine explores fishing opener traditions

On May 14, thousands of Minnesotans will join family and friends and head to the lake to participate in a beloved tradition - the fishing opener.

On their way, they’ll crowd highways, restaurants, gas stations, resorts, campgrounds and boat launches, collectively spending between $3 and $5 million over opening weekend, according to tourism estimates reported in the Department of Natural Resources ((DNR) May-June “Minnesota Conservation Volunteer”.

The magazine’s cover story, “Opening Day,” explores the traditions that draw Minnesotans to the lake, fishing-opener rituals and weather trends, behind-the-scenes activities that support the weekend’s events and the opener’s impact on walleye.

According to the story, in the first two weeks of the season, anglers catch about 40 percent of the 3 to 4 million walleye harvested in a typical year, but walleye fisheries are replenished through natural reproduction as well as some stocking.

“Walleye are plentiful in this state, and we’re in no danger of overharvesting,” said Jack Wingate, research manager for DNR Fish and Wildlife.

Also in the May-June magazine, readers will find beautifully photographed stories and facts about Minnesota’s ferns, glacial-strewn boulders, and Minneopa State Park.

The issue’s Young Naturalists story introduces young readers to basic camping skills, gear, safety and fun.

“Minnesota Conservation Volunteer” is supported by readers’ donations. Subscriptions are free to Minnesotans, $20 for out-of-state subscribers. To request a copy or subscribe, call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

To read the magazine or subscribe online, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us.

The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of Duluth, where numbers of coho salmon, chinooks, kamloops, steelhead, crappies and perch are being taken.

The opening dates for the 2005/2006 fishing season for most inland waters in Minnesota are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, -May 14; largemouth and smallmouth bass, -May 28; and muskie -June 4. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous.

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 FISHING REPORT
Anglers trolling the top 10 feet of water on Lake Superior are taking good numbers of cohos, chinooks and kamloops using purple or pink stickbaits on the surface. Along the North Shore, steelhead continue to move into the rivers–for the most fish, hit the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers using yarn flies and spawn bugs. Coho salmon action is great off the river mouths, along the shorelines. Try white looper bugs, and worms just off the bottom for some good action. Crappie action has been best on Caribou, Elora, Nickles and Grand lakes. Perch remain active on Pike Lake.

KABETOGAMA FISHING REPORT
Cold temperatures this past week have kept anglers off of Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, however water temperatures and lake levels continue to rise. Crappie anglers are finding some fish in the deeper waters. Northern pike action has been fair on Lake Namakan in the shallow, weedy bays. The majority of fishing action lately has been for suckers, which are being taken on a hook and line–as of May 1st, anglers may also use nets and spears.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS FISHING REPORT
The northern pike season is open on the border waters of the Rainy River, however all fish between 30- and 40-inches must be released immediately, and only one northern over 40 inches is allowed. The lake sturgeon season opened April 24 and will remain open until May 7. The regular fishing season is expected to be a good one.

GRAND RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Cold temperatures have caused crappies to move into deeper waters, with one angler pulling crappies from 40 feet of water just a couple of days ago. The smelt have also moved into deeper waters, and if the cold temperatures remain, there may not be much of a smelt run.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE FISHING REPORT
On Lake of the Woods, catch-and-release sturgeon fishing has been great at Four Mile Bay. Sturgeon anglers can also watch the Minnesota DNR Fisheries personnel tag these monsters. There were 371 northern pike weighed in, and over 300 fish released, at the 9th Annual Ice-Out Trophy Pike Tournament at Zippel Bay last weekend. Fish between the 30- to 40-inch slot were not weighed. The largest northern weighed 19 pounds, 3 ounces.

BLACKDUCK FISHING REPORT
Anglers took limits of crappies from Upper Red Lake last weekend. The best approach was a jig and minnow under a bobber in 4-6 feet of water. Recent cold temperatures have moved both crappies and sunnies into deeper waters on most area lakes.

BEMIDJI FISHING REPORT
Trout fishing has been good on area streams, such as Clearwater, Kabekona and Necktie. For sunnies and crappies, try fishing the edge of the reeds and brush piles on Plantagenet, Bemidji and Big lakes.

BENA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Winnibigoshish, DNR Fisheries personnel are already done taking eggs from the Little Cutfoot walleye stripping station. The eggs will be used to help stock walleyes in lakes throughout the state. Anglers predict that the early ice out will lead to excellent walleye fishing by the May 14th opener. Crappie anglers had been doing well on area lakes, however recent cold temperatures have caused the crappies to retreat into deeper waters. Until the weather warms back up, vertically jig in depths of 18-25 feet–electronics will help you locate these fish. Once temperatures warm, move back into the shallows and switch to a slip bobber and small jig tipped with a power grub or small minnow.

WALKER FISHING REPORT
A few anglers are venturing out for perch and crappies on Leech Lake. Crappie action has been best in the bays of Leech Lake, and in the shallows of Pleasant, Birch and Ten Mile lakes.

PARK RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
The crappie bite has been best on Big Mantrap Lake, with waxworms and minnows taking fish from the shallows. For brown trout, hit the Straight River.

DETROIT LAKES FISHING REPORT
Crappies and sunnies were very active on area lakes until the weather turned cold and windy. Most of the fish were being caught in the shallow bays in 3-5 feet of water on little nipper jigs and tiny tails placed under a float. Sunfish can still be found in the shallows, but the crappies have moved back to deeper water areas. Try fishing the first deep break out from the shallow water bays and you should find fish. Once the temperatures rise, expect the crappies to move back into the shallow water bays of Little Detroit, Little Cormorant, Pelican, Floyd, Cotton, Big Cormorant, Crystal and Lizzie lakes.

PELICAN RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Last week, anglers were catching fish on Sand, Prairie, Lida and Mud lakes. Crappie action has slowed this week due to cold and windy weather.

BATTLE LAKE FISHING REPORT
Although fishing has slowed, crappies can still be found on most area lakes using crappie minnows and fatheads in the shallow bays. Some of the better locations include West Battle, Clitheral, Blanche and Stalker lakes.

ALEXANDRIA FISHING REPORT
The crappie bite was excellent last week, however the cold temerpatures have slowed things down. Last weekend, anglers were taking numbers of fish from the shallows of Miltona, Ida, Latoka, Oscar, Lobster, Darling, Geneva and Le Homme Dieu lakes. The best approach was a tube jig, cubbie, powerbait or gulp tipped with a minnow. Warmer weather is forecasted for next week, when good fishing action should resume.

STARBUCK FISHING REPORT
On Lake Minnewaska, the cold temperatures have not seemed to slow the panfish and crappie bite. At the Starbuck Marina, anglers continue to catch numbers off fish right off the docks. For crappies, use a jig and crappie minnow; for sunfish, switch to small leeches or waxworms. On the Glenwood end of the lake, near the Fish Hatchery, many anglers fishing from boat are having success using the same presentations. Channel catfish action has been excellent on the Chippewa River near Benson, with fresh chicken livers and nightcrawlers taking the most fish. The river is currently high, which will be good for the walleye season opener.

BRAINERD FISHING REPORT
The channels and backwater areas are the key locations for finding crappies at this time. Good crappie options include Crosslake, Rush, Margaret and Pelican lakes. Locate water temperatures over 50 degrees and you’ll locate crappies. The best baits have been small jigs tipped with minnows or puddle jumpers. When fishing at dusk, search for a lighted dock or bridge, which seem to be crappie magnets this time of year.

NISSWA FISHING REPORT
Anglers continue to catch crappies, despite the recent cold temperatures. For the most fish, hit the shallows using a pink jighead tipped with a pearl white puddle jumper. Crappie minnows are the second best approach. Recommended lakes include Gull Lake Chain, North Long, Hubert, and many of the smaller area lakes. Nice-sized bluegill are being pulled from the small, muddy bays using small hair jigs tipped with a waxworm.

ISLE FISHING REPORT
On Lake Mille Lacs, a few anglers are venturing out in search of crappies and perch. For the most fish, hit the bays along the south end of the lake.

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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD FISHING REPORT
Fishing has slowed with the cool temperatures. On Grand and Rice lakes, crappies have moved into deeper waters–try 7-10 feet of water with a flu flu and crappie minnow for the most fish. Panfish action has also slowed a bit. The best approach has been a waxworm in depths of 4-7 feet. On Lake Koronis, panfish are hitting in the bay off Hwy 55. Anglers continue to pull panfish from the deep waters near the shallow water bays on Brigg’s and Little Rock lakes, as well as on the Mississippi River. For some good catfish action, hit the holes in the channels on Horseshoe Lake.

ANNANDALE FISHING REPORT
Anglers are taking some crappies from Greenshed, Horseshoe, McBrides and Osterbee bays on Clearwater Lake.

WACONIA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Waconia, Waconia Bay and the much of the northern end of the lake are giving up crappies on flu flus and minnows.

WAYZATA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Minnetonka, the bite has been tough, however consistent days of sunshine should result in greater action. For the most fish, try a small jig or ice fly tipped with a waxworm in 8-10 feet of water. Use a slow presentation due to cold water tempertures.

CHISAGO CITY FISHING REPORT
Sunnies and crappies are biting on most area lakes. Many shore anglers are catching numbers of fish in the shallows, with the largest fish found in 8-12 foot depths. Some of the better locations include Chisago, North and South Center lakes, as well as the beach on South Lindstrom Lake. The best approach has been a small jig tipped with a waxworm, crappie minnow or panfish leech. The St. Croix River walleye fishing opener, this Saturday, April 30, is expected to be good near Franconia.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

WABASHA FISHING REPORT
Large walleye are biting on the Mississippi River. Anglers are taking fish by trolling #11 firetiger rapalas, as well as by using spinnerbaits, casting spoons, and sucker minnows. Last weekend, a young woman caught a northern weighing nearly 16 pounds. Stripers are hitting jig and minnow combinations below the Alma Dam. Action at the foot of Lake Pepin has also been good.

MANKATO FISHING REPORT
Anglers report catching crappies on most area lakes in 10-12 feet of water. Off Buckmasters on Madison Lake, shore anglers are catching sunnies and crappies on a slip bobber and crappie minnow. Between German and Jefferson lakes, crappies are hitting chartreuse or orange flu flus and tube jigs cast from shore. On Washington Lake, try working 10-12 feet of water in Baker’s Bay, or just off the narrows in depths of 15-18 feet.

MONTEVIDEO FISHING REPORT
Crappie action has been okay on Lake Lac Qui Parle. Catfish action has been excellent on the Minnesota River. For this Saturday’s walleye opener on Big Stone Lake, work the shallows at the very south or north ends of the lake using a slow presentation. A jig tipped with a minnow or leech should produce fish, especially during evening hours.