Crappies, bluegills and yellow perch have taken center stage now that the winter gamefish season has ended on most lakes in the state. This time of year can offer some of the best ice fishing of the season for panfish as fish begin feeding more heavily prior to the upcoming spawn.
The deadline to remove fish houses from inland lakes in the southern two-thirds of the state is March 7 — fish houses on lakes in the northern one-third must be removed by March 21. On Minnesota-Canada border waters, the removal deadline is March 31. Anglers are asked to properly dispose of all garbage, sewage or waste water on the ice. Learn more.
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2022-2023 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: Stream trout: April 16; walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass (catch-and-release) and lake trout: May 14; muskie: June 4. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. The walleye and sauger season for Minnesota waters that border Canada remains open until April 14.
Please remember that 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.
Northeast Region
Stream trout lakes in the Ely vicinity are giving nice numbers of rainbow trout, especially early in the morning at the downed trees. Anglers are also taking some lake trout and eelpout.Grand Rapids area lakes are producing lots of crappies, bluegills and yellow perch. Inland lakes near Duluth are giving up nice numbers of crappies and sunnies. Schools of panfish are starting their transition from the vegetative areas to the basin areas in search of hatching larvae. Don’t miss the Trout Derby on Gunflint Lake this Saturday, March 5!
Get more details about fishing in Northeast Minnesota.
Northwest RegionAnglers continue to report hot panfish and tullibee action on lakes in the Detroit Lakes vicinity. Gamefish anglers are enjoying the extended season on Lake of the Woods. In addition to walleye, sauger and pike, lots of jumbo perch, eelpout and tullibee are being reported. Get more details about fishing in Northwest Minnesota. |
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Central RegionThe northern pike season remains open through March 31 on Lake Mille Lacs, and many resorts are keeping their ice roads open to pike, perch and tullibee hot spots on the lake. No further fishing information is available for this region of the state. Get more details about fishing in Central Minnesota. |
