03-30-2004, 03:42 AM
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[font "Arial"][#000000][size 2][/size][/#000000][/font] [font "Arial"][#000000][size 2]LAKE MILLE LACS
The ice is holding up well and the crappie bite in Isle Bay is still worth fishing in 10 to 12 feet of water. The north end of the lake and Nine Mile Flat have produced better numbers of big perch in recent days. The rock-covered bottom and points on the west side of the lake also are producing good-sized perch in 16 to 20 feet of water.
Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811
www.johnsonsportside.com
Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430
LAKE OF THE WOODS
As of this writing, the Rainy River was open as far as mile marker 151 and boats have begun putting in at Birchdale’s Nelson Park Access. Walleye action has been slow on the Rainy, but the sturgeon bite is going strong. Most resorts at the Northwest Angle have concluded their ice fishing season. Walleyes along the south shore are moving towards the shoreline in preparation for the spawn. The best walleye bite has been early and late in the day in 26 to 28 feet of water. Small jigs tipped with smaller minnows are working best.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau
(800) 382-FISH
LEECH LAKE AREA
The ice is in great shape on most area lakes, and the shorelines have remained intact. Crappie action has been very good on Woman Lake in 22 to 25 feet of water during the evening hours. Long Lake also is producing crappies in 30 feet of water. Midge Lake and Portage Lake also are kicking out crappies in 20 feet of water. The best perch reports off Leech Lake are coming from Bear Island, Deadhead Bay, Goose Island, and the Hardwoods in 10 to 14 feet of water. Sand Point in Walker Bay also is giving up a few good-sized perch in five to eight feet of water. Tullibee reports have been minimal on Leech. The fish don’t seem to be congregating like they normally do off the deep water of Stoney Point.
Lakeview Inn (218) 547-1212
LAKE MINNETONKA AREA
Lake Sarah continues to provide the best sunfish and crappie action in this area. The majority of fish have been weedline-related in 15 feet of water. The North Arm on Lake Minnetonka is producing a few sunfish in 10 feet of water. The shorelines have started to open and a few more days of warm weather could put a quick end to the ice fishing season here.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227
RAINY LAKE
The Rainy Lake City area is producing walleyes during the morning and evening hours in 18 to 20 feet of water. Look for some northern pike in the same area during midday hours. Crappie anglers are finding a few fish outside of Black Sturgeon Bay. You’ll also find suspended crappies in Stoke’s Bay over 40 feet of water.
Loon’s Nest (218) 286-5850
LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
There should be no problem getting on the lake during the weekend. Look to Raven’s Point and Mallard Point for consistent perch action in 15 to 20 feet of water. The main lake humps also have produced perch again this week. Depths vary here, but look to the tops of the humps early and late in the day and slide off the edge during midday hours. Stay on the move until you locate a school of bigger fish.
Pines Resort and Campground (218) 246-8546
Nodak Lodge (218) 665-2226![[Image: pixel(1).gif]](http://www.outdoornews.com/OUTDOORNEWS/sites/outdoornews/0001Edition/pixel(1).gif)
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Twin Cities Metro[/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial"][#000000][size 2][/size][/#000000][/font] [font "Arial"][#000000][size 2]NORTHEAST METRO
The north end of Big Marine Lake started producing big crappies in recent days. Square Lake is a safe bet for sunfish and crappies in four to 10 feet of water. The north end of the lake also is best here. On Lake Jane, you’ll find nice crappies on the north end in six to 15 feet of water. Crappie action also has picked up on Bald Eagle Lake in 20 to 22 feet of water. Walleye action finally has improved in Pools 2 and 3 on the Mississippi River.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421
NORTHWEST METRO
The shorelines are holding up well, but walking is now your best option. Maple Lake, Beebe Lake, and Ramsey Lake are producing panfish throughout the day in eight to 12 feet of water. On Buffalo Lake, you’ll find consistent crappie action during the evening hours in 12 to 16 feet of water. Waverly Lake also is worth noting for panfish in six to 10 feet of water.
H & H Sport Shop (320) 963-3818
SOUTHWEST METRO
Nagley’s Point on Lake Minnewashta is producing sunfish in 10 feet of water. The southwest end of Reitz Lake also is providing sunfish in eight feet of water. Crappie action has been very slow, but most reports indicate good ice conditions, although walking out is now recommended.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022 [/size][/#000000][/font]
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Statewide[/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial"][#000000][size 2][/size][/#000000][/font] [font "Arial"][#000000][size 2]ALEXANDRIA AREA
A few of the shorelines have started to open as of Tuesday morning, but you could still get on most lakes. Sunfish continue being caught throughout the day and you will find crappies during the evening hours in eight to 10 feet of water. Waxworms are working best on lakes such as Geneva, Victoria, and Le Homme Dieu.
Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255
ANNANDALE AREA
By this weekend, you’ll really need to watch where you’re going. The shorelines have started to pull away on most lakes, but if you can safely get out, the panfish bite is worth checking out. Look for sunfish in 10 to 12 feet of water on Clearwater Lake, Sugar Lake, Cedar Lake, and Lake Sylvia. The best crappie reports are coming from slightly deeper water on Clearwater, Sylvia, Cedar, and Pleasant Lake.
Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297
BATTLE LAKE
Crappie action has picked up on Battle Lake in 12 to 15 feet of water. Norway Lake is worth noting for good-sized sunfish and crappies in 12 to 17 feet of water. Look to the big bay on Star Lake for sunfish and crappies in six to nine feet of water. The 40-foot hole on Star continues to produce tullibees during the early morning hours as well. East Battle Lake and Molly Stark Lake also are safe bets for a few tullibees. The ice continues to be in good shape with the exception of a few shoreline areas, but ATVs are still being used on most lakes.
Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596
BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA
Most lakes were still very accessible earlier this week, but a few shorelines have started to open. Ice conditions could change for the worse very soon with some warmer weather. The panfish bite has been sporadic with a few crappies coming off Round Lake, Cullen Lake, and North Long Lake in 12 to 18 feet of water. Pelican Lake and Nisswa Lake still are the best bets for sunfish in eight to 10 feet of water.
S & W Bait & Tackle (218) 829-7010
CHISAGO AREA
The two humps, out from the Government Center, on North Center Lake started producing sunfish and crappies in six to 12 feet of water. On Chisago Lake, the A-Frame area is still kicking out panfish in 14 feet of water. The Pancake Island area of South Center Lake also is providing numbers of sunfish and crappies in eight feet of water. The shorelines just started opening earlier this week, so by the weekend, you’ll need to really watch the ice in this area.
Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334
CROSBY AREA
The ice continues to hold up for panfish anglers and ATVs were still being used earlier in the week. Lakes such as Serpent, Black Hoof, Big Manohmen, and Blind are kicking out crappies in 10 to 18 feet of water during the evening hours. The area’s best sunfish reports continue to come off Perry Lake, Cedar Lake, June Lake, and Milford Lake in 10 to 14 feet of water.
Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912
DULUTH AREA
The inland lakes continue to produce a few crappies and the occasional flurry of bluegill action, but the bite has not been real consistent. The area’s best bets for panfish continue to be Fish Lake and Caribou Lake in 12 to 15 feet of water during lowlight periods of the day. Along the north shore of Lake Superior, coho salmon and Kamloops continue to bite. The action actually has improved as the weather warms and should continue to do so. Looper bugs under a float are still working best for most anglers fishing from shore. Tipping these bugs with spawn sacs, crawlers, or waxworms have produced the majority of fish.
Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094
FAIRMONT AREA
There’s now more open water than ice in this area. For example, Lake Sissiton and Hall Lake are just about completely ice-free. Most other lakes also have started to open to the point where open water angling is just a few days away. A few anglers have started to fish from shore with limited success. Look for the crappie bite to really improve as the weather continues to warm.
Master Sport and Bait (507) 235-5225
FARIBAULT AREA
Once you’re on the ice it’s fine, but getting on most lakes has become difficult. Anglers are still sneaking on Shields Lake and catching sunfish in six to eight feet of water. Roberds Lake also is still approachable and you’ll find crappies in 10 to 12 feet and a few sunfish as well.
Faribault Bait and Tackle (507) 334-2768 GRAND RAPIDS AREA
Ice conditions and shorelines are in very good shape throughout the area. The humps in the middle of Bowstring Lake are kicking out crappies and perch in 20 feet of water. Look to Splithand Lake for crappies in 15 feet of water early and late in the day. Tioga Bay on Lake Pokegama started giving up perch in 20 feet of water. Look to Rice Lake for a few crappies as well.
Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281
Rapids Tackle (218) 326-9838
HACKENSACK AREA
The ice is holding up very well throughout the area, but the panfish action has yet to start. Birch Lake started giving up a few sunfish in 20 feet of water, and Pleasant Lake also is worth noting in shallower water as long as the ice holds up.
Swanson’s Bait and Tackle (218) 675-6176
HUTCHINSON
The shorelines have opened up and there are big holes and cracks in the middle of many lakes. Open water has become quite evident throughout the area and walking on the ice is no longer advised. Look for the first open water crappie bite to kick in very soon, if the weather continues to be warm.
The Outpost (320) 587-8177
LAKE OSAKIS
The sunfish and crappie action has picked up again in recent days. The north end of the lake is still your best option in eight to 20 feet of water. The best action has taken place early and late in the day, while grass shrimp are almost mandatory in order to turn fish. The shorelines have started to open so use caution when venturing out.
Fisherman’s Corner (320) 859-2181
MANKATO AREA
The ice fishing season has pretty much ended in this area. The shorelines have opened too far to get on most lakes. Those that can still be approached have produced very few panfish. Open water options are just around the corner here.
The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228
McGREGOR AREA
The main portion of Big Sandy Lake continues to produce numbers of tullibees in 25 feet of water. Waxworms and small jigs have worked best. Crappie action also is going strong in Bellhorn Bay on Big Sandy in 16 feet of water. This bite usually peaks during the evening hours, and minnows have been most productive. On Round Lake, the sunfish bite has picked up in 10 feet of water. Ice conditions remain favorable for ATVs as of this writing, but with a few days of warm weather, expect to be walking out.
Willey’s Sport Shop (218) 426-3382
PARK RAPIDS AREA
Look for suspended crappies on Lake Itasca, Island Lake, and Eagle Lake in 30 feet of water. Minnows and waxworms both have produced crappies this week. The best bluegill reports are coming off Upper Twin Lake in 10 feet of water and off Fish Hook Lake in 14 feet. At this point, the shorelines and ice conditions have continued to hold up very well on most area lakes.
Delaney’s (218) 732-4281
RED LAKE
Crappie action remains strong during the evening hours, but the midday action also is worth noting in certain areas. Red glow hooks tipped with minnows continue to produce the majority of fish in eight to 14 feet of water. Don’t travel too far off the plowed roads because slush is very deep under the snow.
Rogers Campground (218) 647-8262
RED WING AREA
The walleye and sauger bite really has improved on the Mississippi River. The best areas in recent days have been below the dam and near Hay Creek in 15 to 25 feet of water. Jigs tipped with minnows or three way rigs and crankbaits are turning the majority of fish.
Four Seasons Bait Shop (651) 388-4334
ST. CLOUD AREA
Sunfish and crappie action still is going strong on Pearl Lake and Cedar Island Lake in six to 12 feet of water. Many of the other lakes in this area have started to open up along the shorelines, making them tough to fish. Walking is now the only option to get on the ice here.
Corky’s Gas & Bait (320) 251-1567
SAUK CENTRE AREA
There’s no problem catching panfish, but finding good-sized fish has been difficult. Lakes such Maple, Fairy, Lilly, Villard, and Irene all are producing small sunfish and crappies in eight feet of water. As of this writing, ATVs or foot travel was not a problem throughout the area. A few days of warm weather could change that, so use caution by the weekend.
Fletcher’s Bait (320) 352-2155
STARBUCK AREA
The shorelines have started to open, and there are northern pike and suckers already showing up in a few of the creeks in this area. In short, the ice fishing season has pretty much wound down, and most anglers are waiting for open water.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239
WILLMAR AREA
The shorelines have started to open up, and it has limited the number of anglers who have gone out. Those that continue to walk out are finding sunfish and crappies, mainly in less than 12 feet of water. Lakes such as Nest, Andrew, Florida, Norway, and Games are all worth checking out as long as the ice holds up.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097 [/size][/#000000][/font]
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Big Six[/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial"][#000000][size 2][/size][/#000000][/font] [font "Arial"][#000000][size 2]LAKE MILLE LACS
The ice is holding up well and the crappie bite in Isle Bay is still worth fishing in 10 to 12 feet of water. The north end of the lake and Nine Mile Flat have produced better numbers of big perch in recent days. The rock-covered bottom and points on the west side of the lake also are producing good-sized perch in 16 to 20 feet of water.
Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811
www.johnsonsportside.com
Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430
LAKE OF THE WOODS
As of this writing, the Rainy River was open as far as mile marker 151 and boats have begun putting in at Birchdale’s Nelson Park Access. Walleye action has been slow on the Rainy, but the sturgeon bite is going strong. Most resorts at the Northwest Angle have concluded their ice fishing season. Walleyes along the south shore are moving towards the shoreline in preparation for the spawn. The best walleye bite has been early and late in the day in 26 to 28 feet of water. Small jigs tipped with smaller minnows are working best.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau
(800) 382-FISH
LEECH LAKE AREA
The ice is in great shape on most area lakes, and the shorelines have remained intact. Crappie action has been very good on Woman Lake in 22 to 25 feet of water during the evening hours. Long Lake also is producing crappies in 30 feet of water. Midge Lake and Portage Lake also are kicking out crappies in 20 feet of water. The best perch reports off Leech Lake are coming from Bear Island, Deadhead Bay, Goose Island, and the Hardwoods in 10 to 14 feet of water. Sand Point in Walker Bay also is giving up a few good-sized perch in five to eight feet of water. Tullibee reports have been minimal on Leech. The fish don’t seem to be congregating like they normally do off the deep water of Stoney Point.
Lakeview Inn (218) 547-1212
LAKE MINNETONKA AREA
Lake Sarah continues to provide the best sunfish and crappie action in this area. The majority of fish have been weedline-related in 15 feet of water. The North Arm on Lake Minnetonka is producing a few sunfish in 10 feet of water. The shorelines have started to open and a few more days of warm weather could put a quick end to the ice fishing season here.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227
RAINY LAKE
The Rainy Lake City area is producing walleyes during the morning and evening hours in 18 to 20 feet of water. Look for some northern pike in the same area during midday hours. Crappie anglers are finding a few fish outside of Black Sturgeon Bay. You’ll also find suspended crappies in Stoke’s Bay over 40 feet of water.
Loon’s Nest (218) 286-5850
LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
There should be no problem getting on the lake during the weekend. Look to Raven’s Point and Mallard Point for consistent perch action in 15 to 20 feet of water. The main lake humps also have produced perch again this week. Depths vary here, but look to the tops of the humps early and late in the day and slide off the edge during midday hours. Stay on the move until you locate a school of bigger fish.
Pines Resort and Campground (218) 246-8546
Nodak Lodge (218) 665-2226
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Twin Cities Metro[/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial"][#000000][size 2][/size][/#000000][/font] [font "Arial"][#000000][size 2]NORTHEAST METRO
The north end of Big Marine Lake started producing big crappies in recent days. Square Lake is a safe bet for sunfish and crappies in four to 10 feet of water. The north end of the lake also is best here. On Lake Jane, you’ll find nice crappies on the north end in six to 15 feet of water. Crappie action also has picked up on Bald Eagle Lake in 20 to 22 feet of water. Walleye action finally has improved in Pools 2 and 3 on the Mississippi River.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421
NORTHWEST METRO
The shorelines are holding up well, but walking is now your best option. Maple Lake, Beebe Lake, and Ramsey Lake are producing panfish throughout the day in eight to 12 feet of water. On Buffalo Lake, you’ll find consistent crappie action during the evening hours in 12 to 16 feet of water. Waverly Lake also is worth noting for panfish in six to 10 feet of water.
H & H Sport Shop (320) 963-3818
SOUTHWEST METRO
Nagley’s Point on Lake Minnewashta is producing sunfish in 10 feet of water. The southwest end of Reitz Lake also is providing sunfish in eight feet of water. Crappie action has been very slow, but most reports indicate good ice conditions, although walking out is now recommended.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022
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Statewide[/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial"][#000000][size 2][/size][/#000000][/font] [font "Arial"][#000000][size 2]ALEXANDRIA AREA
A few of the shorelines have started to open as of Tuesday morning, but you could still get on most lakes. Sunfish continue being caught throughout the day and you will find crappies during the evening hours in eight to 10 feet of water. Waxworms are working best on lakes such as Geneva, Victoria, and Le Homme Dieu.
Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255
ANNANDALE AREA
By this weekend, you’ll really need to watch where you’re going. The shorelines have started to pull away on most lakes, but if you can safely get out, the panfish bite is worth checking out. Look for sunfish in 10 to 12 feet of water on Clearwater Lake, Sugar Lake, Cedar Lake, and Lake Sylvia. The best crappie reports are coming from slightly deeper water on Clearwater, Sylvia, Cedar, and Pleasant Lake.
Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297
BATTLE LAKE
Crappie action has picked up on Battle Lake in 12 to 15 feet of water. Norway Lake is worth noting for good-sized sunfish and crappies in 12 to 17 feet of water. Look to the big bay on Star Lake for sunfish and crappies in six to nine feet of water. The 40-foot hole on Star continues to produce tullibees during the early morning hours as well. East Battle Lake and Molly Stark Lake also are safe bets for a few tullibees. The ice continues to be in good shape with the exception of a few shoreline areas, but ATVs are still being used on most lakes.
Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596
BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA
Most lakes were still very accessible earlier this week, but a few shorelines have started to open. Ice conditions could change for the worse very soon with some warmer weather. The panfish bite has been sporadic with a few crappies coming off Round Lake, Cullen Lake, and North Long Lake in 12 to 18 feet of water. Pelican Lake and Nisswa Lake still are the best bets for sunfish in eight to 10 feet of water.
S & W Bait & Tackle (218) 829-7010
CHISAGO AREA
The two humps, out from the Government Center, on North Center Lake started producing sunfish and crappies in six to 12 feet of water. On Chisago Lake, the A-Frame area is still kicking out panfish in 14 feet of water. The Pancake Island area of South Center Lake also is providing numbers of sunfish and crappies in eight feet of water. The shorelines just started opening earlier this week, so by the weekend, you’ll need to really watch the ice in this area.
Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334
CROSBY AREA
The ice continues to hold up for panfish anglers and ATVs were still being used earlier in the week. Lakes such as Serpent, Black Hoof, Big Manohmen, and Blind are kicking out crappies in 10 to 18 feet of water during the evening hours. The area’s best sunfish reports continue to come off Perry Lake, Cedar Lake, June Lake, and Milford Lake in 10 to 14 feet of water.
Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912
DULUTH AREA
The inland lakes continue to produce a few crappies and the occasional flurry of bluegill action, but the bite has not been real consistent. The area’s best bets for panfish continue to be Fish Lake and Caribou Lake in 12 to 15 feet of water during lowlight periods of the day. Along the north shore of Lake Superior, coho salmon and Kamloops continue to bite. The action actually has improved as the weather warms and should continue to do so. Looper bugs under a float are still working best for most anglers fishing from shore. Tipping these bugs with spawn sacs, crawlers, or waxworms have produced the majority of fish.
Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094
FAIRMONT AREA
There’s now more open water than ice in this area. For example, Lake Sissiton and Hall Lake are just about completely ice-free. Most other lakes also have started to open to the point where open water angling is just a few days away. A few anglers have started to fish from shore with limited success. Look for the crappie bite to really improve as the weather continues to warm.
Master Sport and Bait (507) 235-5225
FARIBAULT AREA
Once you’re on the ice it’s fine, but getting on most lakes has become difficult. Anglers are still sneaking on Shields Lake and catching sunfish in six to eight feet of water. Roberds Lake also is still approachable and you’ll find crappies in 10 to 12 feet and a few sunfish as well.
Faribault Bait and Tackle (507) 334-2768
GRAND RAPIDS AREAIce conditions and shorelines are in very good shape throughout the area. The humps in the middle of Bowstring Lake are kicking out crappies and perch in 20 feet of water. Look to Splithand Lake for crappies in 15 feet of water early and late in the day. Tioga Bay on Lake Pokegama started giving up perch in 20 feet of water. Look to Rice Lake for a few crappies as well.
Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281
Rapids Tackle (218) 326-9838
HACKENSACK AREA
The ice is holding up very well throughout the area, but the panfish action has yet to start. Birch Lake started giving up a few sunfish in 20 feet of water, and Pleasant Lake also is worth noting in shallower water as long as the ice holds up.
Swanson’s Bait and Tackle (218) 675-6176
HUTCHINSON
The shorelines have opened up and there are big holes and cracks in the middle of many lakes. Open water has become quite evident throughout the area and walking on the ice is no longer advised. Look for the first open water crappie bite to kick in very soon, if the weather continues to be warm.
The Outpost (320) 587-8177
LAKE OSAKIS
The sunfish and crappie action has picked up again in recent days. The north end of the lake is still your best option in eight to 20 feet of water. The best action has taken place early and late in the day, while grass shrimp are almost mandatory in order to turn fish. The shorelines have started to open so use caution when venturing out.
Fisherman’s Corner (320) 859-2181
MANKATO AREA
The ice fishing season has pretty much ended in this area. The shorelines have opened too far to get on most lakes. Those that can still be approached have produced very few panfish. Open water options are just around the corner here.
The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228
McGREGOR AREA
The main portion of Big Sandy Lake continues to produce numbers of tullibees in 25 feet of water. Waxworms and small jigs have worked best. Crappie action also is going strong in Bellhorn Bay on Big Sandy in 16 feet of water. This bite usually peaks during the evening hours, and minnows have been most productive. On Round Lake, the sunfish bite has picked up in 10 feet of water. Ice conditions remain favorable for ATVs as of this writing, but with a few days of warm weather, expect to be walking out.
Willey’s Sport Shop (218) 426-3382
PARK RAPIDS AREA
Look for suspended crappies on Lake Itasca, Island Lake, and Eagle Lake in 30 feet of water. Minnows and waxworms both have produced crappies this week. The best bluegill reports are coming off Upper Twin Lake in 10 feet of water and off Fish Hook Lake in 14 feet. At this point, the shorelines and ice conditions have continued to hold up very well on most area lakes.
Delaney’s (218) 732-4281
RED LAKE
Crappie action remains strong during the evening hours, but the midday action also is worth noting in certain areas. Red glow hooks tipped with minnows continue to produce the majority of fish in eight to 14 feet of water. Don’t travel too far off the plowed roads because slush is very deep under the snow.
Rogers Campground (218) 647-8262
RED WING AREA
The walleye and sauger bite really has improved on the Mississippi River. The best areas in recent days have been below the dam and near Hay Creek in 15 to 25 feet of water. Jigs tipped with minnows or three way rigs and crankbaits are turning the majority of fish.
Four Seasons Bait Shop (651) 388-4334
ST. CLOUD AREA
Sunfish and crappie action still is going strong on Pearl Lake and Cedar Island Lake in six to 12 feet of water. Many of the other lakes in this area have started to open up along the shorelines, making them tough to fish. Walking is now the only option to get on the ice here.
Corky’s Gas & Bait (320) 251-1567
SAUK CENTRE AREA
There’s no problem catching panfish, but finding good-sized fish has been difficult. Lakes such Maple, Fairy, Lilly, Villard, and Irene all are producing small sunfish and crappies in eight feet of water. As of this writing, ATVs or foot travel was not a problem throughout the area. A few days of warm weather could change that, so use caution by the weekend.
Fletcher’s Bait (320) 352-2155
STARBUCK AREA
The shorelines have started to open, and there are northern pike and suckers already showing up in a few of the creeks in this area. In short, the ice fishing season has pretty much wound down, and most anglers are waiting for open water.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239
WILLMAR AREA
The shorelines have started to open up, and it has limited the number of anglers who have gone out. Those that continue to walk out are finding sunfish and crappies, mainly in less than 12 feet of water. Lakes such as Nest, Andrew, Florida, Norway, and Games are all worth checking out as long as the ice holds up.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097 [/size][/#000000][/font]
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