Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing and Hunting Report 3-4-2010

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Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing Report
March 4th, 2010

This report is sponsored by:
Zippel Bay Resort

Big Six

LAKE MILLE LACS
East - Isle Bay started producing crappies during low-light periods in nine to 14 feet. Look for bigger perch and tullibees off the mud flats in 30 to 34 feet. The key is to drill holes and stay on the move picking off the occasional jumbo. There is a shallow perch bite closer to shore, but you’ll find a lot more small fish in the shallows.
Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

West - Tullibee fishing continues to be very good off the Eight Mile and Seven Mile flats in 30 to 36 feet. The bigger perch also are being found in this deep water, but the best reports are coming from anglers who constantly stay on the move. The rocks have not yet started to kick out large numbers of perch, but look to Seguchie Point and Brown’s Point in 20 to 30 feet to start producing soon.
Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS
Along the south shore, limits of walleyes and sauger continue to be caught in 28 to 30 feet about eight to 10 miles out from Pine Island. About two miles out from Oak Island, walleyes are being taken in 24 to 30 feet on gold, pink, and orange jigs tipped with minnows. A mixture of jumbo perch and northern pike can be had in these same locations.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau (800) 382-FISH

LEECH LAKE
The Hardwoods and Goose Island areas started giving up perch in 14 to 16 feet. There’s also been consistent perch reports off Sand Point in 18 feet during midday hours. Crappie action has picked up during low-light periods in Miller’s Bay and Shingobee Bay over 21 to 28 feet.
Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA
The shallow weedlines in most small bays such as Black Lake, Parsons, and the North Arm of Lake Minnetonka are holding sunfish and the deep weeds are holding suspended crappies. Anglers on Lake Independence are finding crappies over 30 feet. Lake Sarah and Medicine Lake are giving up sunfish in 10 to 12 feet.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

RAINY LAKE
The American Narrows area is producing walleyes in 36 to 40 feet during the evening hours. The Dryweed Island area is kicking out walleyes early and late in the day over 35 to 38 feet. The islands on the east end of the Brule started giving up walleyes in 34 to 38 feet. Northern pike remain active in the Rainy Lake City area and crappie action remains slow.
Loon’s Nest (218) 286-5850

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
Perch action has been pretty consistent in 17 to 22 feet on Snaghole Bar, Hunter’s Hump, River Bar, and the back side of Center Bar. The humps on the north end also have produced perch in 25 to 30 feet, as are the flats off Raven’s Point in 12 to 15 feet. Gold or green jigging spoons and minnow heads are working best tight to the bottom.
Nodak Lodge (218) 665-2226

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO
Look for crappies on Lake Jane in 15 to 20 feet and at Demonterville Lake in 10 to 12 feet during the evening hours. On White Bear Lake, crappies remain active during the day in 12 to 15 feet. Lake Peltier is producing sunfish in seven to 10 feet, as is Centerville Lake in 15 to 18 feet. White bass and crappies continue to be caught on the St. Croix River over 30 to 35 feet.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO
Lake Parley continues to give up a few crappies in 16 to 18 feet during the evening hours. Look to Hydes Lake and Whaletail Lake for crappies in 14 feet early and late in the day. Sunfish reports have been poor, but look to Lake Minnewashta and Prior Lake for a few in 12 to 15 feet.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

LAKE WACONIA
The marina is now closed until the docks can be put in this spring. The last report indicated an evening crappie bite in 12 to 14 feet near Pillsbury Reef and Center Reef. The weedlines on, or adjacent to, most reefs and in Waconia Bay started producing some keepable sunfish in 10 to 15 feet early and late in the day.
Mases In Towne Marina (952) 442-2096

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA
Crappies have started to bite slightly better during the evening hours in 20 to 25 feet or along the 15-foot weedlines of Lake Le Homme Dieu and Lake Ida. Sunfish action remains slow, but look to lakes such as Carlos, Darling, and Victoria to start producing in the weeks ahead.
Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255

ANNANDALE AREA
You’ll find sunfish and crappies on Pelican Lake in eight to 10 feet. A few crappies continue to be caught on French Lake over 20 to 50 feet during the day. Look to the southeast side of Pleasant Lake for panfish in 20 feet and Constance Lake is giving up sunfish and crappies during the afternoon and evening hours. Lake Marie and Lake John are kicking out sunfish in 20 feet during the day.
Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE
Sunfish are hitting early and late in the day at Buchanan Lake, Lake Lida, Stuart Lake, Lake Marion, and Star Lake in 12 to 20 feet. Crappies can be had during low-light periods at Lost Lake, East Battle Lake, Pelican Lake near Ashby, Walker Lake, and Star over 16 to 22 feet. Perch are hitting on Otter Tail Lake and West Battle Lake in 15 to 30 feet. Look to Otter Tail, Star, Pickeral Lake, and Long Lake for tullibees over 33 to 40 feet.
Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA
Perch action is strong on Lake Bemidji in 30 feet with jigging spoons and minnow heads. At Pike Bay Lake anglers are sight-fishing perch in six to eight feet. Look for bluegills and crappies on Hennepin Lake and Lake Hattie in 10 to 15 feet early and late in the day.
Bluewater Outdoors (218) 444-BAIT (2248)

BLACKDUCK AREA
Look to Blackduck Lake for a few perch on the deep mud or in 12 to 17 feet during the morning hours. Rabideau Lake started giving up bluegills in 15 feet and on Lake Pimushe you’ll hit bluegills and crappies in 20 to 25 feet early and late in the day.
Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA
Nisswa Lake, Cullen Lake, and North Long Lake are kicking out sunfish in 10 to 12 feet. Look for crappies in 16 to 20 feet at Gull Lake, Round Lake, and Cullen during the evening hours. Gull is giving up good-sized perch in 16 to 20 feet as well.
S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

CASS LAKE AREA
Anglers are sorting through numbers of perch for their keepers on the west and south sides of Star Island at Cass Lake. The best reports are coming from 12 feet with a small jig and minnow. Bluegill and crappie action has been inconsistent with an occasional flurry of action during low-light periods on Grace Lake and Kitchi Lake in 14 to 18 feet.
Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831

CHISAGO AREA
The south end of Chisago Lake and the bay below Bluewaters on North Center Lake are safe bets for sunfish in six to 10 feet. Crappies are being caught on minnows during the evening hours at Kroon Lake in 22 to 24 feet and at South Lindstrom Lake in 22 to 26 feet. Some of the bigger fish continue to be found suspended.
Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA
Sunfish, crappies, and some decent perch are coming from Mahnomen Lake in 12 to 18 feet, while crappies can be had at Cedar Lake during the day and into the night. Upper Dean Lake and Milford Lake continue to produce sunfish and crappies. Look for crappies to be suspended and sunfish just below them on most lakes. Bay Lake, Serpent Lake, and Bass Lake are worth noting for crappies as well and the deep holes of Nokay Lake, Pelican Lake, and Cedar are producing tullibees.
Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

CROSS LAKE AREA
Panfish action has been good, although crappies seem to be a little less aggressive at this point on most lakes. The best reports for sunfish and crappies are coming from 16 to 25 feet with waxworms or Eurolarvae and small glow jigs. Trout anglers are reporting good success in the 50- to 60-foot range and the bigger fish continue to be suspended.
Crosslake Holiday Sports (218) 692-2708

DETROIT LAKES
Crappies are hitting during low-light periods at Little Detroit Lake, Lake Melissa, Floyd Lake, Big Detroit Lake, and Deadshot Bay in 12 to 14 feet. Sunfish also can be had on these lakes, but some of the better catches are coming from water as shallow as six feet. Tullibees are being found suspended over deep water on Long Lake, Loon Lake, and Lake Sallie.
Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA
A few crappies continue to be caught on minnows at Fish Lake in 15 feet during the evening hours. Fish Lake also is giving up some keeping-sized perch in 15 to 20 on small minnows. Comstock Lake, Caribou Lake, and Grand Lake also are giving up crappies during low-light periods. Ice along the north shore of Lake Superior is preventing anglers from fishing it.
Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

EAST-CENTRAL MINN
Green Lake started giving up crappies via minnows in 18 to 22 feet during the evening hours. Look to Blue Lake, Briggs Lake, and Lori Lake for a few crappies as well, but it’s been a lot of work to catch numbers of fish.
Tales and Trails Sport Shop (763) 856-3985

ELY AREA
Jigs tipped with smelt are producing lake trout on Burntside Lake during the morning hours over 45 to 50 feet. A few lakers also are coming from the deep holes of Snowbank Lake. Crappies are being found suspended over 30 feet at Farm Lake and over 15 to 20 feet at Bass Lake during low-light periods.
The Great Outdoors (218) 365-4744

EMILY AREA
Look for crappies during the afternoon and evening hours on Lake Esquagamah in 20 to 25 feet. On Island Lake, the sunfish have started hitting in 25 feet. Sunfish and crappies are being caught in the middle of Goodrich Lake in 20 to 25 feet. Lawrence Lake continues to produce crappies over 20 feet during the evening hours.
Redding Sports and Spirits (218) 763-2191

FAIRMONT AREA
A few crappies and perch continue to be caught at Fox Lake in 17 feet and you’ll find a crappie/sunfish mix on the north end of Budd Lake. Hall Lake is kicking out perch and crappies in 18 to 20 feet early and late in the day. Look to Sissiton Lake for panfish in 16 to 18 feet.
Hall Lake Cabins Bait & Tackle (507) 235-5225

FARIBAULT AREA
Hunts Lake is producing sunfish in 15 to 18 feet and the deep holes of Lake Mazaska are producing crappies during low-light periods. Look for sunfish on Mazaska in shallower water throughout the day. French Lake is kicking out small crappies over 30 feet early and late each day.
Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341

GRAND MARAIS AREA
Lake trout action has been very good with ciscoes or a jig and minnow at Gunflint Lake over 35 to 40 feet, Loon Lake over 50 feet, Kemo Lake over 30 feet, and at Trout Lake over 40 feet.Trout Lake also is producing rainbow trout on minnows in 20 feet. On Lake Saganaga, lake trout remain suspended and active over 55 to 60 feet and a few walleyes are being taken in 20 to 25 feet. Waxworms are turning rainbow trout at Mink Lake in 15 feet of water, while Musquash Lake is a safe bet for splake and brook trout in 12 feet of water.
Buck’s Hardware (218) 387-2280

GRAND RAPIDS AREA
On Big Cutfoot Sioux Lake, crappies are being caught over 30 feet and sunfish are hitting in 20 feet. You’ll find crappies in 27 feet and perch in 20 feet at Bowstring Lake. The warmwater discharge area of the Mississippi River is producing sunfish and crappies. Look to Lake Wabana in 15 to 25 feet for bluegills and crappies and Bass Lake is producing ‘gills in eight to 17 feet. Crappies and sunfish are scattered between 13 and 40 feet on Lake Pokegama.
Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281

LAKE VERMILION
With the walleye season now closed, anglers are turning to crappies and perch. The bite is just getting started with panfish showing up in the mud-covered bays and on small area lakes. As it continues to get warmer, look for these fish to start moving shallower.
Lake Vermilion Trading Company (218) 666-6052

MANKATO AREA
Big Jefferson Lake started producing perch over 30 feet. Look for sunfish in Baker’s Bay on Lake Washington in 20 to 26 feet. A few sunfish and crappies have started showing up near Third Point on Washington in 30 to 34 feet of water Church Bar on Madison Lake is producing crappies during low-light periods in 12 to 16 feet.
The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228

McGREGOR AREA
The deep holes on the north end of Big Sandy Lake continue to produce tullibees, most of which are being taken on jigs tipped with waxworms. A few perch also have come off Big Sandy in 28 feet on minnows or waxworms. Sunfish and crappie reports continue to be poor throughout the area.
Willey’s Sport Shop (218) 426-3382

PARK RAPIDS AREA
The Crow Wing Chain continues to produce bluegills, many of which are suspended over 10 to 12 feet. There’s a crappie bite during the evening hours in this same area. On Big Mantrap Lake, you’ll find crappies suspended over 20 to 22 feet during the evening hours. Glow jigs and minnows are the ticket here.
Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

RED LAKE
With the walleye season closed, angler numbers have dropped this week. The few people that continue to fish are working hard for crappies with limited success. If you stay on the move, you’ll come across an occasional pod of fish in the 11- to 13-foot range and when found, they are good-sized fish.
Dr. Tackle Sports (218) 647-8657

RED WING AREA
Anglers fishing in boats below the dam on the Mississippi River are catching sauger, a few walleyes and an occasional catfish in 15 to 18 feet. Bright-colored hair jigs or Sonars have worked best. Glow jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms are producing crappies near the docks at Baypoint Park in eight to 10 feet for ice anglers.
Ike’s Bait and Tackle (651) 388-2111
Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334

REMER AREA
Crappies are being found suspended over 26 to 30 feet at Sugar Lake and you’ll find sunfish near the islands in 17 feet. Big Sand Lake is producing sunfish in less than 10 feet, but panfish reports off other lakes continue to be limited.
Remer Trading Post (218) 566-2338

ST. CLOUD/EDEN VALLEY AREA
Crappies continue to be caught at Rice Lake and Lake Koronis in 25 to 30 feet. Horseshoe Lake is giving up a few crappies over 20 feet and Cedar Island Lake is producing sunfish in 12 feet. Look to Pearl Lake for crappies and sunfish in eight to 10 feet and the deep holes on Long Lake are kicking out catfish.
Mike’s Bait and Tackle (320) 453-2248

SAUK CENTRE AREA
The north end of Lake Osakis continues to produce sunfish and a few crappies in 18 to 22 feet. Eurolarvae and grass shrimp tend to produce more fish and look for schools of suspended panfish to be most active. Lake Irene and Lake Miltona started to give up some decent sunfish in 10 to 14 feet early and late in the day.
Fletcher’s Bait (320) 352-2155

STARBUCK AREA
Sunfish have bit better in front of the Lakeside Ballroom on Lake Minnewaska in 12 to 15 feet. Crappie and sunfish reports continue to be slow throughout the rest of the area.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA
Crappies are hitting on Foot Lake early and late in the day in 23 to 30 feet. Hit Norway Lake in 20 to 30 feet for sunfish and crappies and on Eagle Lake you’ll find some keeping-sized perch in 10 to 15 feet. There’s a few crappies being taken at night on minnows on the southwest corner of Diamond Lake.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097

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