Anglers continue to take nice numbers of perch and some walleye on spoons tipped with whole minnows, minnow heads or plastics. Lots of fast northern pike action is being reported throughout the state.
It’s hard to believe that the winter gamefish season will come to a close on Sunday, Feb. 27 for most bodies of water in Minnesota. If you have your heart set on one last ice fishing trip, it’s time to plan your outing. Remember, late season ice fishing can be spectacular!
Ice conditions can vary greatly from one lake to another, and on the same body of water. Learn more about ice safety.
And before dropping a line, take time to brush up on Minnesota’s rules, regulations and other helpful information for fishing.
Northwest Region
Lake of the Woods continues to produce nice numbers of walleye, sauger, perch, northern pike, eelpout and tullibee. In the Bemidji area, Some walleye are being caught early and late in the day on lakes. Jigging spoons and minnow heads are turning most of the fish. A strong perch bite is reported on Leech Lake. Walleye and perch have been active on Lake Winnibigoshish. Jigging lines and dead-sticks with minnows are both producing walleye in Detroit Lakes area lakes. To avoid getting stuck, any travel off the plowed roads should be by sled or track vehicle.
Get more details about fishing in Northwest Minnesota.
Northeast Region
Stream trout anglers continue to have success with splake, brook trout and rainbow trout in Ely area waters. Small spoons and tungsten jigs tipped with a wax worm or salmon egg have been very effective. Near Duluth, the bite continues to heat up on the St. Louis River Estuary, with walleye responding well to spoons tipped with a minnow head during morning and late afternoon hours. Duluth’s inland lakes and lakes in the Grand Rapids vicinity are treating anglers to lots of fun, fast pike action.
Get more details about fishing in Northeast Minnesota.
Central Region
On Lake Mille Lacs, nice-sized walleye are being taken by anglers using a slow presentation in areas without schools of perch. For large perch, hit the basin areas. In Otter Tail Lakes Country, panfish action has been excellent in the basins and at the weeds, especially during low light periods. Small spoons and plastics work well to weed out the smaller fish. Lake Minnewaska has been great for fast panfish, northern pike and bass action.
Get more details about fishing in Central Minnesota.
