C-J Johnson
12-05-2002, 08:54 AM
ALEXANDRIA
Anglers are just starting to venture out on Reno and Little Mary lakes. Reports are still a little scarce. However, by next week we should have a full ice fishing report!
BATTLE LAKE
The edges around area lakes are starting to freeze up nicely for some early season northern action. Look for the weedlines and you should be in business using a sucker under a bobber. By next week, we should have a better feel for whatıs happening.
BEMIDJI
Spear fishing has gotten off to a fair start on the south end of Bemidji. Area lake ice is still spotty. However, the north end of Red Lake has plenty of ice. Anglers are using four-wheelers to get out to their favorite northern spots. By the weekend, anglers should have their choice of lakes and depths.
BIG STONE
The lake has finally froze over completely. As of Tuesday, 3 inches was the average
thickness. Anglers working behind the Islands are finding some early action. Otherwise, this weekend should be a better gauge of what areas are hot!
BLACKDUCK
Ice fishing is off to a decent start in our area. The perch bite is fair on Blackduck in the shallows. For walleyes, head deeper to 15 to 20 feet. Working small jigs with live bait are taking some nice eaters. This weekend should really be good.
CHISAGO CITY
Most channels and bays are froze on area lakes. The ice between Chisago and South Lindstrom is producing a fair northern and crappie bite during the day while walleyes are feeding at night. Also, the area around Pancake Island on South Center has been very
productive.
CROSSLAKE
Ice conditions improved over the last week. Most small lakes are frozen over with reports
of 4 to 6 inches of ice. The large lakes are ice covered with 2 to 4 inches. Fishermen are reporting that crappies are biting on the smaller lakes in 14 to 18 feet of water. Pike are hitting tip-ups with shiners and suckers in small bays and along points.
DETROIT LAKES
The ice fishing season has started in the Detroit Lakes area! Please beware that the ice varies from lake to lake. Some area lakes have as much as 6 to 7 inches of ice but some of the bigger lakes like Big Cormorant just have a skim, so as always, be very careful when out on the ice. Little Detroit is kicking out some sunfish and crappies in 10 to 12 feet. Lake
Sallie is producing a few walleyes in the morning and evening hours on jigging spoons and minnows. Sunfish and crappies are going on Prairie Lake. Northern pike are a good bet on Eagle and Town Lake is kicking out some panfish. We are supposed to have below zero temps this week and should really make some great ice! By this weekend most lakes will be going strong, but please use extreme caution and call ahead for the latest ice conditions.
DULUTH
When possible, anglers are still hitting the open water with boats around Sucker Bay in search of loopers and salmon. Local anglers are starting to find some good walking ice on local lakes. By this weekend, fishing should be in full swing.
GRAND RAPIDS
Weıre makinı good ice. Crappie fishing has been good on Big and Little Splithand. Sylvan Bay on the Mississippi has been producing some decent crappie and walleye action during the evenings. This weekend should be very good.
HACKENSACK
The ice has finally arrived, and 4 to 6 inches is common on many lakes. People are fishing on Birch Lake, Pleasant Lake, and others. People are out on Pine Point on Leech, however, Walker bay opened up again with the high winds we had last Friday. The snow cover is gone, so the lakes are slippery. Four wheelers are common place, cars are where they belong, on hard ground. Some walleyes are being caught around sunset in 18 to 22 feet. Shiners seem to be the bait of choice.
KABETOGAMA-NAMAKAN
Lots of activity on Kabetogama this weekend, with spearing opening December 1st. The usual early opening bays, Tom Cod, Duck, Irwin and Daily had enough ice for a safe opener. Most of the house set-ups were on 4 to 6 inches of ice. Caution must be exercised when venturing away from the proven areas, as the park rangers say many iced over areas have only 1 to 2 inches of ice. At this time four wheelers are more prominent than sleds for
transportation. Temperatures expected to be below norm and cold this coming week which will bid well for adding ice. Anglers and spearfishermen report lots of small to mid range pike the largest as of this writing was 18 pounds. No reports yet on walleyes, perch or crappies.
LAKE OF THE WOODS
Ice fishing on Lake of the Woods is now in full swing. Temperatures have dipped
drastically, creating excellent ice. The Northwest Angle and Islands report 17 degrees below zero and great fishing. There is 12 inches of ice from Flag Island to Youngıs Bay and 6 inches around Oak Island. From the mainland of Northwest Angle to Brush Island is 12 inches of ice and island to island, there is about 8 inches. Anglers are using snowmobiles and guides are starting to put out fish houses The south shore reports 6 to 10 inches of ice with good water clarity. Four wheelers and snowmobiles are venturing out on the ice now, but still exercising caution. Fish are biting in 18 to 19 feet of water. Resorts are starting to put ice houses out this week.Northern fishing in the bays is excellent. The river has ice shore to shore near Clementson with a thin layer in the middle but 4 to 5 inches of solid ice near the shore. Fishermen were jigging over 20 feet of water keeping the jig about 6 inches off the bottom. They caught nice size walleyes and caught and released northerns.
LEECH LAKE
Great ice reports throughout the Leech Lake area. Smaller area lakes have ice from 3
to 8 inches with super panfish reports. Crappie and bluegill action has been great. Leech Lake has ice over most of the lake. Earlier this week Walker Bay was still open. Ice on Leech varies from 6 to 8 inches in Steamboat Bay, Pine Point and Traderıs Bay. Ice fishermen are catching perch and walleye in these areas traveling by foot and ATV. Some 22- to 25-inch walleyes caught off Pine Point using buck-shot spoons and minnow heads in 8 feet of water. Six- to 9-foot depths are the target areas for perch fishing. The perch are
not super aggressive so smaller presentations under floats working well. Waxworms outfishing minnows or minnow heads lately. Guides are using chartreuse forage minnows with two waxworms.
MANKATO
Nothing to report yet. A few ice houses are starting to show up on the bays and channels of local lakes. One more week of this good cold weather and the action and numbers of anglers should really pick up.
MAPLEWOOD
Early season anglers are starting to show up on the channel of Coon Lake and Big Marine. Nobody is saying much yet, but we expect this weekend to really pick up. Be safe and
check your ice conditions.
MAPLELAKE
Ice fishing is set to take off big time this weekend. Little Waverly is starting to show signs of life with about a half dozen houses going on it over the last 24 hours. Although, reports are still hard to come by, stay tuned for next weekıs report.
MILLE LACS
Anglers are starting to venture out on the bays. Right now, the average thickness is about 6 inches and growing. Isle and Wahkon bays are both producing a good mix of perch and
walleyes in depths ranging from 10 to 14 feet. Remember, the less noise, the better. Early ice is definitely the ticket!
MONTEVIDEO
Ice fishing has been very good. The big walleyes are definitely biting in the river right above the dam using a jig and minnow combo. For crappies, check out the Volden Pit area during the evening. The main lake has an average of 3 inches of ice which should at
least double by this weekend.
PARK RAPIDS
Early ice reports are starting to filter in. Lower Battle and Toad lakes have both been producing some nice walleyes along with Lower Twin in 14 to 16 feet. Stay tuned.
PELICAN RAPIDS
Ice conditions have rapidly improved this week with the average thickness being 5 to 6 inches and growing. Crappie anglers are finding some nice eaters on Prairie and Franklin lakes during the evenings.
RAINY LAKE
Although we are forecasted to have normal daytime temps this week, evening temps will
be below zero. Numerous bays have been frozen for almost two weeks. Some foot traffic is starting on the bays ? mainly by folks who know the lake very well and have drilled for ice depths. Do not venture out for a bay, walk if you do not know the lake.
SAINT CROIX
The St. Croix River is making ice. The Bayport area will hold anglers within a matter of days, (it may not be more than 3 inches, but theyıll be out there soon). Working the breakline in 20 to 24 feet for walleyes, saugers, and crappies. Casting 1/16- to 3/16-ounce hair jigs to rock and current and drifting 3/16- to 3/8-ounce jigs and minnows along the edges of the deeper holes are great bets to hook up a fish dinner.
STARBUCK
Ice fishing for walleyes has been very good this past week on Emily, Minnewaska and the east side of Reno. The magic depth seems to be 12 feet. Either a plain hook with a shiner minnow or jig and minnow have both been productive. The magic time seems to be around 3 to 6 p.m.
UPPER RED LAKE
There is ice on Upper Red, but it is still a ways from being driveable. Cold weather this week should make ATV traffic a possibility. The fishing is still pretty slow.
LAKE VERMILION AREA
The walleye bite is on! McKinley Park on Lake Vermilion in Tower-Soudan has about 6+inches of ice as does much of the good fishing holes around the lake. Be careful around current and big water areas, fishermen are driving all terrain vehicles but not cars and
trucks. Mornings and evenings are still the hot fishing times. Other area lakes have at least 6 inches of ice. Whiteface Reservoir near Biwabik reports good fishing for walleyes. Crappie fishing has been good at best on area lakes, small fish reported. Spear fishermen finally have the luxury of being able to spear on the opener and reports have been good with plenty of ice on the small lakes. The word around the cracker barrel stove is, ³If you can go, you will catch fish!²
WABASHA
The River has basically shut down with the frigid weather. Anglers working the backwaters in the Wabasha Marina are finding some awesome bluegills using ice flies and waxies.
WATSON
Fishermen are venturing out on 4 to 5 inches of ice and catching plenty of small walleyes all over the lake with just a few keepers. Good numbers of nice size crappies have also been biting around the pit area. A few walleyes are still being caught below the dam.
WAYZATA
Emerald Lake is producing a few nice pike for early ice anglers. Shoreline fishing is about the only safe bet right now. By this weekend, activity should really be rockinı. If you havenıt already done so, tune up your auger and change your reel line. We have all of your fishing
and equipment needs!
WILLMAR
We are excited about the early ice season. Lakes such as Green and Willmar Foot should be very good for walleye and crappie by this weekend, we expect a good amount of ice
to form with the cold weather finally here!
WINNIBIGOSHISH
Our dark houses are out on the ice. We now have 4 to 6 inches out from the Harry Lake Landing, 5 to 7 inches by the Mississippi. A report of 8 inches off Stony Point by the Third River landing. There are 6 to 8 inches in Cut Foot. There has been some great northern and perch action in front of the West Winnie Campground landing in 8 feet of water.
C-J Johnson - Outdoor Media Relations
Minnesota Office of Tourism
100 Metro Square
121 7th Place
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
For further assistance or interviews contact:
curt.johnson@state.mn.us
651-297-3488
Anglers are just starting to venture out on Reno and Little Mary lakes. Reports are still a little scarce. However, by next week we should have a full ice fishing report!
BATTLE LAKE
The edges around area lakes are starting to freeze up nicely for some early season northern action. Look for the weedlines and you should be in business using a sucker under a bobber. By next week, we should have a better feel for whatıs happening.
BEMIDJI
Spear fishing has gotten off to a fair start on the south end of Bemidji. Area lake ice is still spotty. However, the north end of Red Lake has plenty of ice. Anglers are using four-wheelers to get out to their favorite northern spots. By the weekend, anglers should have their choice of lakes and depths.
BIG STONE
The lake has finally froze over completely. As of Tuesday, 3 inches was the average
thickness. Anglers working behind the Islands are finding some early action. Otherwise, this weekend should be a better gauge of what areas are hot!
BLACKDUCK
Ice fishing is off to a decent start in our area. The perch bite is fair on Blackduck in the shallows. For walleyes, head deeper to 15 to 20 feet. Working small jigs with live bait are taking some nice eaters. This weekend should really be good.
CHISAGO CITY
Most channels and bays are froze on area lakes. The ice between Chisago and South Lindstrom is producing a fair northern and crappie bite during the day while walleyes are feeding at night. Also, the area around Pancake Island on South Center has been very
productive.
CROSSLAKE
Ice conditions improved over the last week. Most small lakes are frozen over with reports
of 4 to 6 inches of ice. The large lakes are ice covered with 2 to 4 inches. Fishermen are reporting that crappies are biting on the smaller lakes in 14 to 18 feet of water. Pike are hitting tip-ups with shiners and suckers in small bays and along points.
DETROIT LAKES
The ice fishing season has started in the Detroit Lakes area! Please beware that the ice varies from lake to lake. Some area lakes have as much as 6 to 7 inches of ice but some of the bigger lakes like Big Cormorant just have a skim, so as always, be very careful when out on the ice. Little Detroit is kicking out some sunfish and crappies in 10 to 12 feet. Lake
Sallie is producing a few walleyes in the morning and evening hours on jigging spoons and minnows. Sunfish and crappies are going on Prairie Lake. Northern pike are a good bet on Eagle and Town Lake is kicking out some panfish. We are supposed to have below zero temps this week and should really make some great ice! By this weekend most lakes will be going strong, but please use extreme caution and call ahead for the latest ice conditions.
DULUTH
When possible, anglers are still hitting the open water with boats around Sucker Bay in search of loopers and salmon. Local anglers are starting to find some good walking ice on local lakes. By this weekend, fishing should be in full swing.
GRAND RAPIDS
Weıre makinı good ice. Crappie fishing has been good on Big and Little Splithand. Sylvan Bay on the Mississippi has been producing some decent crappie and walleye action during the evenings. This weekend should be very good.
HACKENSACK
The ice has finally arrived, and 4 to 6 inches is common on many lakes. People are fishing on Birch Lake, Pleasant Lake, and others. People are out on Pine Point on Leech, however, Walker bay opened up again with the high winds we had last Friday. The snow cover is gone, so the lakes are slippery. Four wheelers are common place, cars are where they belong, on hard ground. Some walleyes are being caught around sunset in 18 to 22 feet. Shiners seem to be the bait of choice.
KABETOGAMA-NAMAKAN
Lots of activity on Kabetogama this weekend, with spearing opening December 1st. The usual early opening bays, Tom Cod, Duck, Irwin and Daily had enough ice for a safe opener. Most of the house set-ups were on 4 to 6 inches of ice. Caution must be exercised when venturing away from the proven areas, as the park rangers say many iced over areas have only 1 to 2 inches of ice. At this time four wheelers are more prominent than sleds for
transportation. Temperatures expected to be below norm and cold this coming week which will bid well for adding ice. Anglers and spearfishermen report lots of small to mid range pike the largest as of this writing was 18 pounds. No reports yet on walleyes, perch or crappies.
LAKE OF THE WOODS
Ice fishing on Lake of the Woods is now in full swing. Temperatures have dipped
drastically, creating excellent ice. The Northwest Angle and Islands report 17 degrees below zero and great fishing. There is 12 inches of ice from Flag Island to Youngıs Bay and 6 inches around Oak Island. From the mainland of Northwest Angle to Brush Island is 12 inches of ice and island to island, there is about 8 inches. Anglers are using snowmobiles and guides are starting to put out fish houses The south shore reports 6 to 10 inches of ice with good water clarity. Four wheelers and snowmobiles are venturing out on the ice now, but still exercising caution. Fish are biting in 18 to 19 feet of water. Resorts are starting to put ice houses out this week.Northern fishing in the bays is excellent. The river has ice shore to shore near Clementson with a thin layer in the middle but 4 to 5 inches of solid ice near the shore. Fishermen were jigging over 20 feet of water keeping the jig about 6 inches off the bottom. They caught nice size walleyes and caught and released northerns.
LEECH LAKE
Great ice reports throughout the Leech Lake area. Smaller area lakes have ice from 3
to 8 inches with super panfish reports. Crappie and bluegill action has been great. Leech Lake has ice over most of the lake. Earlier this week Walker Bay was still open. Ice on Leech varies from 6 to 8 inches in Steamboat Bay, Pine Point and Traderıs Bay. Ice fishermen are catching perch and walleye in these areas traveling by foot and ATV. Some 22- to 25-inch walleyes caught off Pine Point using buck-shot spoons and minnow heads in 8 feet of water. Six- to 9-foot depths are the target areas for perch fishing. The perch are
not super aggressive so smaller presentations under floats working well. Waxworms outfishing minnows or minnow heads lately. Guides are using chartreuse forage minnows with two waxworms.
MANKATO
Nothing to report yet. A few ice houses are starting to show up on the bays and channels of local lakes. One more week of this good cold weather and the action and numbers of anglers should really pick up.
MAPLEWOOD
Early season anglers are starting to show up on the channel of Coon Lake and Big Marine. Nobody is saying much yet, but we expect this weekend to really pick up. Be safe and
check your ice conditions.
MAPLELAKE
Ice fishing is set to take off big time this weekend. Little Waverly is starting to show signs of life with about a half dozen houses going on it over the last 24 hours. Although, reports are still hard to come by, stay tuned for next weekıs report.
MILLE LACS
Anglers are starting to venture out on the bays. Right now, the average thickness is about 6 inches and growing. Isle and Wahkon bays are both producing a good mix of perch and
walleyes in depths ranging from 10 to 14 feet. Remember, the less noise, the better. Early ice is definitely the ticket!
MONTEVIDEO
Ice fishing has been very good. The big walleyes are definitely biting in the river right above the dam using a jig and minnow combo. For crappies, check out the Volden Pit area during the evening. The main lake has an average of 3 inches of ice which should at
least double by this weekend.
PARK RAPIDS
Early ice reports are starting to filter in. Lower Battle and Toad lakes have both been producing some nice walleyes along with Lower Twin in 14 to 16 feet. Stay tuned.
PELICAN RAPIDS
Ice conditions have rapidly improved this week with the average thickness being 5 to 6 inches and growing. Crappie anglers are finding some nice eaters on Prairie and Franklin lakes during the evenings.
RAINY LAKE
Although we are forecasted to have normal daytime temps this week, evening temps will
be below zero. Numerous bays have been frozen for almost two weeks. Some foot traffic is starting on the bays ? mainly by folks who know the lake very well and have drilled for ice depths. Do not venture out for a bay, walk if you do not know the lake.
SAINT CROIX
The St. Croix River is making ice. The Bayport area will hold anglers within a matter of days, (it may not be more than 3 inches, but theyıll be out there soon). Working the breakline in 20 to 24 feet for walleyes, saugers, and crappies. Casting 1/16- to 3/16-ounce hair jigs to rock and current and drifting 3/16- to 3/8-ounce jigs and minnows along the edges of the deeper holes are great bets to hook up a fish dinner.
STARBUCK
Ice fishing for walleyes has been very good this past week on Emily, Minnewaska and the east side of Reno. The magic depth seems to be 12 feet. Either a plain hook with a shiner minnow or jig and minnow have both been productive. The magic time seems to be around 3 to 6 p.m.
UPPER RED LAKE
There is ice on Upper Red, but it is still a ways from being driveable. Cold weather this week should make ATV traffic a possibility. The fishing is still pretty slow.
LAKE VERMILION AREA
The walleye bite is on! McKinley Park on Lake Vermilion in Tower-Soudan has about 6+inches of ice as does much of the good fishing holes around the lake. Be careful around current and big water areas, fishermen are driving all terrain vehicles but not cars and
trucks. Mornings and evenings are still the hot fishing times. Other area lakes have at least 6 inches of ice. Whiteface Reservoir near Biwabik reports good fishing for walleyes. Crappie fishing has been good at best on area lakes, small fish reported. Spear fishermen finally have the luxury of being able to spear on the opener and reports have been good with plenty of ice on the small lakes. The word around the cracker barrel stove is, ³If you can go, you will catch fish!²
WABASHA
The River has basically shut down with the frigid weather. Anglers working the backwaters in the Wabasha Marina are finding some awesome bluegills using ice flies and waxies.
WATSON
Fishermen are venturing out on 4 to 5 inches of ice and catching plenty of small walleyes all over the lake with just a few keepers. Good numbers of nice size crappies have also been biting around the pit area. A few walleyes are still being caught below the dam.
WAYZATA
Emerald Lake is producing a few nice pike for early ice anglers. Shoreline fishing is about the only safe bet right now. By this weekend, activity should really be rockinı. If you havenıt already done so, tune up your auger and change your reel line. We have all of your fishing
and equipment needs!
WILLMAR
We are excited about the early ice season. Lakes such as Green and Willmar Foot should be very good for walleye and crappie by this weekend, we expect a good amount of ice
to form with the cold weather finally here!
WINNIBIGOSHISH
Our dark houses are out on the ice. We now have 4 to 6 inches out from the Harry Lake Landing, 5 to 7 inches by the Mississippi. A report of 8 inches off Stony Point by the Third River landing. There are 6 to 8 inches in Cut Foot. There has been some great northern and perch action in front of the West Winnie Campground landing in 8 feet of water.
C-J Johnson - Outdoor Media Relations
Minnesota Office of Tourism
100 Metro Square
121 7th Place
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
For further assistance or interviews contact:
curt.johnson@state.mn.us
651-297-3488