Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing and Hunting Report 12-31-09

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Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing Report
December 31th, 2009

This report is sponsered by:
Zippel Bay Resort

Big Six

LAKE MILLE LACS
East - Despite measurable snow, the ice is in good shape with some roads now plowed to the mud flats. Walleye action has been excellent on the mud in 25 to 30 feet with jigging spoons producing the most fish. The 14- to 16-foot rock piles are giving up walleyes and quite a few nice perch as well.
Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

West - This end of the lake held up pretty well after the snow. There are roads plowed in St. Alban’s Bay, but not out to the flats. Snowmobiles and ATVs are being used to travel further out. There is pockets of slush, but the fish are biting. St. Alban’s Bay is giving up walleyes, perch, and pike in 18 to 20 feet. Limits of walleyes also are coming off the mud flats in 24 to 30 feet.
Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS
Roads are plowed and vehicle travel is an option even after 16 inches of fresh snow. On the south shore, the best walleye action is coming from 20 to 24 feet and saugers are biting in slightly deeper water. Better areas have been west of Pine Island and north to Morris Point Gap. At the Northwest Angle, walleyes are hitting consistently in 20 to 25 feet. There’s also some evening walleye action reported on the Rainy River in 16 to 19 feet.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau (800) 382-FISH

LEECH LAKE
Anglers are finding some slush on the lake, but they continue to find travel conditions to be good in many areas. Walleyes are being taken off Sand Point in 10 to 15 feet and off Cedar Point in 18 to 20 feet. The 25- to 28-foot humps in Walker Bay also have produced walleyes. Perch action is strong near Goose Island, Pine Point, and First Duck Point. Look for sunfish in Shingobee Bay over eight feet.
Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA
Last weekend’s snow mostly shut down ice fishing. A few anglers are walking out, but the slush is making for difficult travel, even by foot. As much as eight inches of water is reported under the snow on most area lakes.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

RAINY LAKE
The slush isn’t too bad in the locations being fished. Even though 12 to 14 inches of snow fell, anglers continue to use snowmobiles and ATVs to get around. Birch Point remains the best walleye spot in 27 to 32 feet. In the Rainy Lake City area, walleyes and pike are hitting spoons or setlines and minnows in 18 feet. Some of the bigger pike have been taken on ciscoes.
Loon’s Nest (218) 286-5850

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
Roads have been plowed about two miles out and the lake seems to have handled last weekend’s snow rather well. Walleyes are hitting in 20 to 22 feet during low-light periods and northern pike remain active in the shallows and on most main-lake bars. The best perch reports are coming off Horseshoe Bar in 28 to 30 feet during the day.
Nodak Lodge (218) 665-2226

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO
Snowmobiles and ATVs continue to be used on area lakes and the slush isn’t as bad as one might expect. On White Bear Lake, you’ll find crappies in 10 to 12 feet and walleyes in 20 feet during the evening. The Bayport area of the St. Croix River also is giving up walleyes in 20 feet. On Lake Peltier, sunfish and crappies can be had in 10 feet and the weedlines of White Bear and Centerville Lake are producing northern pike.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO
There’s nine to 12 inches of ice and a layer of slush on top of it. Walking has been the best option for most anglers on area lakes. A few sunfish continue to be caught in less than 10 feet at Lake Minnewashta and Prior Lake. Tip-ups and sucker minnows are turning pike at Pierson Lake and a few crappies can be had on Hydes Lake in 12 to 16 feet.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

LAKE WACONIA
There is slush on the lake, but there are roads plowed to several areas being worked. Look for walleyes in Waconia Bay in 15 to 18 feet and off Cemetery Reef in 13 to 20 feet. Shiner minnows or spoons have worked. Panfish action is slow, but many traditional sunfish and crappie areas have not yet been reached by anglers. A few pike have been foud along the weedlines in Waconia Bay.
Mases In Towne Marina (952) 442-2096

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA
There’s some water on the ice and you have to watch where you go, but it hasn’t prevented anglers from getting out. Look to Lake Geneva or the north end of Lake Le Homme Dieu for crappies over 20 feet. You can expect “a walleye or two” each night off Lake Miltona in 12 to 18 feet, at Lake Reno in 10 to 13 feet, and the Le Homme dieu Chain in 18 to 21 feet. Find the weedline and you’ll pick up a few walleyes.
Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255

ANNANDALE AREA
There is slush on most lakes and travel is an issue with ATVs in certain locations where water has set up. Anglers walking or driving snowmobiles are catching a few walleyes in 18 to 26 feet at Clearwater Lake, Cedar Lake, Sugar Lake, Pleasant Lake, and Granite Lake. Crappies can be had during low-light periods in 20 to 30 feet at Clearwater, Pleasant, Buffalo Lake, and Lake John. Look to Pelican Lake for the best pike action.
Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE
Slush is minimal and anglers don’t seem to be having much problem moving around lakes. There’s a good walleye bite on Otter Tail Lake during the day in 25 to 30 feet and in 15 to 20 feet during low-light periods. Walleyes also are hitting on West Battle Lake in 16 to 32 feet and at Eagle Lake in 16 to 31 feet. Look for suspended crappies on West Battle and Pelican Lake over 16 to 20 feet and on Elbow Lake over 14 to 20 feet. Sunfish are biting in 12 to 17 feet on lakes such as Pelican, Norway, Ellingson, Hancock, and East Lost. Sucker minnows are turning numbers of pike in 20 feet at West Battle and Otter Tail.
Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA
Most lakes are accessible, but pockets of deep slush exist. Walleye action has improved on Wolf Lake and Lake Andrusia in 15 to 20 feet and on Lake Plantagenet in 15 to 18 feet. Perch action is consistent in 20 to 25 feet at Plantagenet, Andrusia, Lake Bemidji, and Pike Bay Lake. Look to Larson Lake for crappies over 20 feet and to Grace Lake for sunfish and crappies in 12 feet. Shallow weeds on the east side of Lake Bemidji are turning pike.
Bluewater Outdoors (218) 444-BAIT (2248)

BLACKDUCK AREA
The small lakes seem to have more slush than large lakes and the bite has been tough in the area. A few walleyes and perch are being caught on Blackduck Lake and Island Lake is giving up an occasional walleye in 20 feet. Panfish action has been slow, but most small lakes, those more noted for panfish, have been tough to get on due to slush.
Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA
There’s slush and there are some plowed roads and anglers are managing to hit their usual spots. That means working the south end of Gull Lake for walleyes in 10 to 20 feet or 30 to 32 feet. Pelican Lake also is producing walleyes in 20 feet. The best pike action is coming off Gull and North Long Lake in 12 to 18 feet. Look for panfish in 10 feet at Pelican, North Long, and Lake Margaret.
S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

CHISAGO AREA
A lot of the slush that took shape froze, so travel on area lakes is pretty decent. Walleyes are hitting at the mouths of the bays on the south end of Chisago Lake in six to 12 feet. The channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom Lake and the north end of North Center Lake are producing walleyes in nine to 14 feet. Look to Sunset Point on South Center Lake for walleyes and crappies in 15 to 22 feet. Sunrise Lake is giving up pike and sunfish in six feet, Kroon Lake is a safe bet for crappies in 18 to 20 feet, and look to Chisago for sunfish in 20 feet.
Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA
e.Anglers are finding pockets of slush, but most lakes are accessible. Serpent Lake is producing walleyes in 22 to 25 feet, as is Rabbit Lake in 20 to 22 feet and Pelican Lake in 30 feet. Sunfish and crappies are scattered throughout 15 to 25 feet on Black Hoof Lake and Big Mahnomen Lake. Look to the 12- to 14-foot weed edges of Lower Mission Lake and Black Lake for northern pike.
Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

CUSHING AREA
There’s a lot of slush on area lakes, but anglers with snowmobiles and ATVs are managing to push through it and fish. The 18- to 22-foot points on Fish Trap Lake are producing walleyes during the evening hours. You’ll find suspended crappies over 40 feet on Fish Trap as well. The east and west ends of Lake Alexander are producing walleyes in 18 to 23 feet and look to the bays on Alexander for panfish in 15 feet.
Hilltop Sports (320) 749-2055

DETROIT LAKES
Travel is favorable with little slush on area lakes. Walleyes are biting in 17 to 20 feet at lakes Melissa, Sallie, Big Detroit, Big Cormorant, Pelican, and Upper Cormorant. Look for sunfish in 12 to 14 feet on Big Detroit, Deadshot Bay, Floyd Lake, and Franklin Lake. You’ll find suspended crappies on these lakes during low-light periods over 20 feet. Spearing has been excellent on Big Detroit, Deadshot Bay, and Upper Cormorant.
Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA
Despite 25 inches of snow last weekend that has caused slush to develop, anglers are walking and driving snowmobiles on area lakes and catching some fish. Suckers continue to produce pike on Rice Lake in six feet. The Highbanks area on Fish Lake is kicking out a few walleyes and crappies in 10 feet.
Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-009

EAST-CENTRAL MINN
There’s quite a bit of slush and most anglers are walking out or using snowmobiles. Walleye action is sporadic with Blue Lake and Green Lake giving up a few fish in 18 feet. Look for panfish in 10 to 12 feet on Blue and Little Elk Lake. Tip-ups and shiners or sucker minnows are turning northern pike in 12 to 14 feet at Green and Spectacle Lake.
Tales and Trails Sport Shop (763) 856-3985

ELY AREA
This area only received about four inches of snow so the ice is in great shape. There isn’t a lot of guys fishing at this point, but most will get going once the lake trout season starts. The only report worth noting is taking place at Shagawa Lake where a few walleyes and perch are being taken in 16 to 23 feet.
The Great Outdoors (218) 365-4744

EMILY AREA
There’s slush, but most lakes are manageable and you’ll find trails on many of them. Lawrence Lake is producing crappies in 18 feet, as is Perry Lake in 20 feet. Sunfish are hitting in 10 to 12 feet on West Fox Lake. Look to Eagle Lake with suckers for pike in 14 feet.
Redding Sports and Spirits (218) 763-2191

FAIRMONT AREA
The lakes are not in great shape with snow and slush limiting most anglers to foot travel - and even that is difficult. Anglers willing to work are catching walleyes and crappies near the powerlines on Fox Lake. Sissiton Lake is giving up bluegills, crappies, and walleyes in 15 feet. On Hall Lake, walleyes, crappies, and perch are biting in 15 to 20 feet. Look to Big Twin Lake for a few walleyes and to Tuttle Lake for pike in shallow water.
Hall Lake Cabins Bait & Tackle (507) 235-5225

FARIBAULT AREA
Most anglers are walking out due to deep snow and slush. Look to Roberds Lake for perch and walleyes in 15 feet. Sucker minnows are turning pike at Cedar Lake in 10 feet. You will find plenty of crappies suspended over 30 to 35 feet at French Lake.
Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341

GRAND MARAIS AREA
Despite heavy snow, anglers continue to get on most lakes and they aren’t dealing with a lot of slush. Walleyes are hitting minnows or spoons in six to eight feet at Northern Lights Lake, in 12 feet at Two Island Lake, in 15 feet at Crescent Lake, and near the islands in 10 feet at Devil Fish Lake. On Pike Lake, perch and walleyes are biting in 12 to 15 feet and on Poplar Lake you’ll find walleyes in 15 to 18 feet and perch in eight feet. Spearers are doing best for pike on Devil’s Track Lake and Northern Lights Lake in shallow water.
Buck’s Hardware (218) 387-2280

GRAND RAPIDS AREA
There doesn’t seem to be any widespread slush issues on most lakes. Walleye action is consistent in 12 to 22 feet on lakes like Pokegama, Sugar, Trout, Wabana, and Moose. Sylvan Bay on the Mississippi River is producing crappies over 17 feet, as are Big and Little Splithand lakes in 20 feet. Look to Tioga Bay on Pokegama and Lake Wabana for sunfish in 12 to 22 feet. Spearing and angling for pike remains good on most lakes.
Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281

HACKENSACK AREA
There hasn’t been a lot of activity since last weekend due to the snow. Most lakes now have pockets of slush, but it isn’t as bad as expected. Look for more activity in the area this weekend as anglers again venture out.
Swanson’s Bait and Tackle (218) 675-6176

LAKE VERMILION AREA
This area didn’t receive as much snow as expected so the lakes are in good shape. The last hour of daylight has been best for walleyes on the structure of Lake Vermilion, but depths have varied. A few pike have been caught in the bays such as Norwegian, Larson, and Wolf on the west end. Lakes such as Pelican and Susan are giving up a few walleyes in 20 feet during low-light periods.
Lake Vermilion Trading Company (218) 666-6052

MANKATO AREA
There’s a “fair amount” of slush, but travel is not impossible with ATVs and snowmobiles. Walleyes are active between Second Point and Third Point on Lake Washington in 16 to 18 feet. Baker’s Bay on Washington is producing sunfish in 12 to 14 feet, as is St. James Lake in nine feet. A few walleyes are being taken off Scotch Lake in six feet and look for crappies in the narrows of Madison Lake. On German Lake, you’ll find crappies hovering over 18 feet and Lake Francis remains the area’s best option for pike.
The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228

ORTONVILLE AREA
Slush has developed on most lakes, but it’s manageable. The shorelines seem to be most sloppy with pockets of slush once you’re on the lakes. There is a perch bite on Big Stone Lake in 12 to 14 feet about five miles up from Ortonville. Artichoke Lake is kicking out a few walleyes during low-light periods in 12 feet. Look to Long Tom Lake for crappies in 10 feet early and late in the day.
Bud’s Bait (320) 839-2480

PARK RAPIDS AREA
Flooding is minimal and vehicle traffic is an option on area lakes. Fish Hook Lake remains the most consistent spot for walleyes in 23 feet. Lakes such as Potato, Island, and Eagle also have produced a few ‘eyes in 18 to 22 feet. Look to Big Mantrap Lake in 17 feet for crappies and Fish Hook for bluegills in 12 feet. Sucker minnows continue to produce pike in 12 feet at Big Mantrap and Long Lake.
Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

RED LAKE
The slush that did exist is freezing and the roads are in good shape. The best walleye action is coming from 10 to 14 feet on the south-end structure and “popples” area on the east end. The flats on the main-lake basin also are producing walleyes and a few more crappies in recent days. The big pike have started hitting with a couple of 46-inch fish caught this week - look to the mouth of the Tamarack River for better numbers of pike.
Dr. Tackle Sports (218) 647-8657

RED WING AREA
The ice seems to be layered with a coating of slush, but most anglers are still getting out. Crappies are biting on the Mississippi River during low-light periods near Baypoint Park in eight to 10 feet and off Methodist Point in 24 feet. The Wabasha area of the river is producing northern pike and look to the points in the Lake City area for sauger in 16 to 18 feet.
Ike’s Bait and Tackle (651) 388-2111
Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334

ST. CLOUD/EDEN VALLEY AREA
There are pockets of slush, but snowmobiles and ATVs are viable travel options on most lakes. At Rice Lake, walleyes and crappies are being caught in 16 to 20 feet. Anglers are finding walleyes scattered from 10 and 30 feet on Lake Koronis. Look to Horseshoe Lake and Cedar Island Lake for crappies in 15 to 20 feet. Pike are active in shallow water on Rice, Koronis, and Browns Lake.
Mike’s Bait and Tackle (320) 453-2248

SAUK CENTRE AREA
There hasn’t been a lot of people fishing since last week’s snow. There is nine to 12 inches of ice on area lakes, but quite a bit of water on top of it. The only report early this week was coming off the north end of Sauk Lake where crappies continue to be caught.
Fletcher’s Bait (320) 352-2155

STARBUCK AREA
The ice is in great shape with no slush and vehicle traffic reported on Lake Minnewaska. Fatheads and shiner minnows are producing walleyes on Minnewaska in 18 to 20 feet. Tip-ups and sucker minnows are a safe bet for pike in 12 to 14 feet and the Glenwood end of Minnewaska just started giving up a few sunfish in 12 to 15 feet.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239

WATERVILLE AREA
There’s “quite a bit of slop” on area lakes, but it has started to freeze allowing foot or ATV travel. Spearing for pike has been very good in the shallows of Lake Tetonka and Lake Sakatah. Walleye reports are slow, but there is a good crappie bite off the swimming beach on Tetonka in 15 to 17 feet.
Axel’s Tackle Box (507) 362-4444

WILLMAR AREA
There’s a lot of water on the lakes, up to a foot on some, and it has limited fishing action. Before the snow the walleyes were biting on many lakes, but there hasn’t been enough guys out since to get a handle on the bite.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097

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