Gary Engberg Outdoors

Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing and Hunting Report 4-29-2010

gengberg April 29th, 2010

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Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing Report
April 29th, 2010

This report is sponsored by:
Zippel Bay Resort

Big Six

LAKE MILLE LACS
Prior to last weekend’s cooler weather, there were a few crappies and perch being caught in the bays and marinas. This week has provided very limited panfish action in the shallows, but look for the bite to improve once the water warms again.
Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811
Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS
Sturgeon season has started and anglers can keep one fish between 45 and 50 inches or one fish over 75 inches. Reports indicate a good bite with 10 to 20 fish being caught on average per boat. The Rainy River, Four Mile Bay, and Lighthouse Gap have been best in 12 to 20 feet.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau (800) 382-FISH

LEECH LAKE AREA
Crappies have started hitting in the various boat harbors, Steamboat Bay, and Shingobee Bay. Work the shorelines and trees along the shore with minnows and small jigs. Perch are being caught around the Goose Island Flats, the Meadows, and in the Walker Bay Narrows in five to seven feet.
Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA
The majority of crappies are being found in the standing vegetation around 14 to 18 feet of water. You’ll find sunfish along the shorelines in less than six feet of water with lakes such as Minnetonka, Sarah, Independence, and Medicine producing the most fish. Turkey registrations were good during the first couple of seasons, but have dropped off in the seasons since then.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

RAINY LAKE
The crappie bite has been slow to develop although some of the bays are kicking out a few crappies - Black Bay might be the best option now in eight to 12 feet of water. The most consistent action has been on the Rainy River for sturgeon, which tend to prefer crawlers or minnows.
Loon’s Nest (218) 286-5850

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
Fishing reports have been non-existent due to the lack of anglers out fishing. Perch are an option and could be found in shallow water, but there won’t be much happening here until the walleye season begins.
Nodak Lodge (218) 665-2226

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO
The St. Croix River is kicking out crappies in the Anderson Windows Bay. The Prescott area of the St. Croix is producing walleyes in 20 to 25 feet of water and white bass in shallow water mainly on jigs and minnows. Look to White Bear Lake and Demonterville Lake for crappies in four to eight feet. Small sunfish seem to be an easy catch on most lakes, but Carnelian Lake and Lake Peltier are giving up a few bigger fish in four to seven feet.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO
Lake Minnewashta, Lake Bavaria, Lake Parley, Lake Auburn, Dutch Lake, Pelican Lake, and Eagle Lake are all producing sunfish in two to six feet and crappies in slightly deeper water. Small jigs tipped with waxworms or minnows are working best.Turkey registrations continue to be strong and most have been adult birds.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

LAKE WACONIA
Sunfish and crappies are hitting well along the south shore in five to 10 feet. A few panfish have come off the north end near the carp trap in shallower water. Pitch jigs and minnows for the crappies and waxworms for sunfish.
Mases In Towne Marina (952) 442-2096

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA
Small jigs tipped with waxies or minnows are turning crappies and sunfish, although they are moving in and out of the shallows as the weather changes. Look to Lake Carlos, Lobster Lake, Mill Lake, Oscar Lake, Lake Ida, and Lake Miltona. Turkey registrations are up quite a bit from last year and each season seems to be better than the previous one.
Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255

ANNANDALE AREA
Sunfish and crappies continue to be caught in the bays of most lakes and there is some crappie action taking place in slightly deeper water. Lakes worth noting this week include Clearwater, Sugar, Pleasant, Sylvia, Marie, Bass, John, and Cedar. Turkey hunters continue to bring in a few birds each day and most report plenty of them in the area.
Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297 Continue Reading »