state fishing report
Lake Minnetonka: Overall it was a pretty good opener, according to Wayzata Bait and Tackle. Good crappie fishing and the walleye fishing provided a 1-2 punch. Early-morning anglers caught walleyes in the shallows with Rapalas. The water temperature of 49 degrees is still a little cold for the opener — 51-55 degrees is preferable.
St. Croix River: A week after the Wisconsin walleye opener, anglers had success in the channels and under the I-94 bridge, according to Beanie's Resort on the St. Croix. Besides walleyes and crappies, sheepshead were common.
Lake Mille Lacs: Despite the cold water temperature and the cool, rainy weather leading up to the day, it was a positive opener, according to Terry's Boat Landing (3 miles south of Garrison). The water temperature ranged from 37 to 42 degrees — 52 to 54 degrees is normal — and at the south end of the lake there is still ice. Anglers out trolling early Saturday morning had success, and late-morning anglers were successful using jigs and minnows. The midday fishing was slow. The lake is still cloudy from the recent rain, and visibility is only 2-3 feet.
Upper Red Lake: Just a couple of days after the ice went out and despite temperatures in the low 30s overnight, it was a successful opener, according to the Waskish Minnow Station.
Leech Lake: The main lake and Walker Bay were ice-free with water temperatures in the low 40s, according to Reed's Sporting Goods in Walker. Anglers were having success in three areas of the lake — the northwest side of the main lake in the hardwoods area, Pine Point and Goose Island. Anglers were catching a lot of fish in the protected slot.
Lake Winnibigoshish: Two days after the ice went out, the water temperature was 40 degrees (nearby Bowstring Lake's water temperature was 50). According to Rick Leonhardt of High Banks Resort, a lot of fish in the 17-26-inch slot were being caught and there was a decent perch catch.
Ottertail Lake: Anglers had success in shallow waters near the mouth of the Ottertail River and the south side of the lake jigging with fathead minnows, according to Ben's Bait Shop of Battle Lake.
STAFF REPORTS
