April 17, 2025 "Ice Belt Loosening Grip on North Central Minnesota"

The ice belt is losing its grip on north central Minnesota. As yesterday’s satellite image reveals, Mille Lacs Lake was very close to ice-out, and most of the small lakes from there, heading northwest towards Brainerd are already open. North central Minnesota lakes are softening too, Pike Bay and Cass Lake are due to lose their ice cover soon, likely before Easter Sunday. The same is true here in Itasca County, where Cutfoot Sioux and Little Cutfoot Sioux have estimated ice-out dates of about April 19, 2025.

Dan Schermerhorn, Grand Rapids Area Fisheries Supervisor announced yesterday that his staff will begin preparing for the annual walleye egg take at Little Cutfoot. After the weekend, possibly as soon as Monday, fisheries staff will begin placing some of the docks and gear in anticipation of the walleye run.

Once the lake is completely ice-free, oxygen monitors are used to establish a “safe date” for placing trap nets to capture spawning walleyes. If everything goes according to plan, there may be some action at the Grand Rapids hatchery mid-to-late next week.

Regarding fish hatcheries, MN-FISH published a news release yesterday:

St. Paul Fish Hatchery Tours, Saturday April 26, 2025

“You have heard us talk about the embarrassing condition of the MN DNR’s St. Paul Fish Hatchery. Don’t’ take our word for it! Now come see for yourself!

The St. Paul Fish Hatchery, (1200 Warner Road St. Paul, MN 55106) and Fish Hatchery Road is the oldest hatchery in the DNR system. First established in 1877, it plays a critical role in the management of the greater metropolitan area lakes with walleyes, muskies and tiger muskies.
If you have ever been curious about how fish hatcheries work, MN DNR Hatchery Manager Genevieve Furtner will answer all your questions. Because the working conditions are so poor, unsafe and cramped we must limit the numbers of tour participants, therefore we are asking people to register for a specific tour start time.

Use this link to >> Register For St. Paul Fish Hatchery Tour. Look for and 'click' on the red hatchery tour box. We will start at 9:00 am and run tours every 45 minutes with the last tour ending at 12:30. If needed, we will add additional times based on interest. You can also share your thoughts with MN-FISH board members over a cup of coffee and a cookie.”

Folks in search of fishing opportunities this weekend have some options. Big Stone Lake, is open and all of the docks are in place. According to staff at Artie’s Bait and Tackle, crappie, walleye and pike action has been good.

Sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River is good, and now that the walleye season has ended, traffic is manageable. Ice cover has disappeared from Baudette out into Four Mile Bay, so there’s plenty of room to work. Friends of ours have made several trips up there already, and reported lots of action, but not many large fish so far. For them, fish in the mid-50-inch range are setting the high bar. A note from the folks at Royal Dutchman Resort says that their guests are catching some big ones though, they have seen a couple of fish over 70 inches this week.

Further south, folks will be exploring small lakes for panfish. I’m reaching out to some friends for updates on plans for the weekend and with luck, will have an update for crappie anglers tomorrow morning.

Finally, comments and questions about the 4-walleye possession limit continue to pour in. I’m planning a full report, but not until after I compile all of the commentary, and have seen the formal announcement from DNR Fisheries Chief, Brad Parsons.

I’ve received quite a few comments from folks who prefer not to allow me to share their names. I am not big on the practice of quoting anonymous sources, but I might be willing to share some of the concepts contained in their comments, rather than posting them in their entirety.

If you have something to say, now is the time to let me know. But please, if you’re not willing to let folks know who you are, then don’t spend a lot of time writing long essays. Instead, just give me your bullet points and I’ll work your ideas into my research and commentary. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X

Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism April 16, 2025

"For the vast majority of anglers, ice fishing is over for the year on the south side of Lake of the Woods. You may still hear about a few hardcore ice guides targeting pike, and gaining access to ice in select places. Overall, we will now wait patiently, while watching for open holes appearing in the ice. As of today, the Rainy River making its presence known just outside of the Lighthouse Gap and satellite images from clear days show ice that may persist right up until the MN Fishing Opener on May 10, 2025.

As of April 14th, the winter-spring walleye and sauger fishing season is complete. Ditches are running and soon the connected bays will pop open enabling anglers to access the lake in boats. As far as open water fishing on the lake goes, the focus will be on catching big northern pike, and the season remains open, so they can be pursued right up until the MN Fishing Opener. Pike fishing is always open year round on Lake of the Woods and can be excellent during the spring in back bays.

The limit of pike on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods is a possession limit of 3, with all pike 30 to 40 inches having to be released. An angler is allowed one trophy pike over 40 inches in possession. Some anglers choose to get measurements, take some pictures, release the fish and get a graphite mount. All good options.

Some anglers will use dead bait much like they do on a tip up. Others will cast spoons or troll crankbaits. Pike fishing in the back secluded bays along the south shore of Lake of the Woods offers a unique fishing opportunity you don't need a big boat for and it can produce trophy sized pike.

On the Rainy River, the spring walleye season is in the books! Overall, big numbers of walleyes caught and released on the Rainy River (along with some absolute giants). Thank you to all who traveled up, had patience with some long lines, helped out others and shared in this spring tradition of catching walleyes (and sturgeon).

A sincere thank you to all who help this spring tradition happen behind the scenes. Koochiching County did a great job clearing ice from the boat ramps on the river as soon as possible. Many agencies work together to make this tradition safe, respectful and enjoyable. Again, thank you.

The Wheeler's Point boat ramp at the mouth of the Rainy River located 12 miles north of Baudette is open. Thank you to a number of resort owners combined with some visitors in boats working together to drill holes, make waves, and coax the last remaining stubborn ice away from the ramp. It is teamwork like this that makes the resort / fishing community in these parts special.

Initial reports for sturgeon are excellent. Good numbers being caught and released. Anchored up in a hole or on the slope of a hole with a no roll sinker and sturgeon rig is the ticket. A sturgeon rig is about an 18 inch leader with a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook loaded with crawlers or crawlers and emerald shiners. Local resorts and bait shops have all the equipment you need.

Sturgeon fishing is open through May 15th. Here are the specific seasons for sturgeon fishing...

• Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.
• Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.
• Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.

Up at the Northwest Angle, with many areas of open water showing up along with some heaves and cracks, travel on the ice up at the Angle is pretty much finished up. You may see a local in an airboat which can traverse over both ice and open water delivering mail to the Oak Island post office or bringing supplies to a resort, but the watch for open water is on. For now, folks will be fishing pike and sturgeon and paying attention to aerial images of open water and ice out on the lake until the MN Fishing Opener on May 10th." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

April 16, 2025 "Reader Reactions To Walleye Rationing Commentary"

"For the most part, reader reactions to the published commentary by Karry Kyllo yesterday were amazingly civil. Many of the comments were well thought out nd respectful. As I sifted through public comments on the (Fishing Reports Minnesota Facebook Link), most appear to indicate greater support FOR the walleye limit reduction, than against it. Conversely, email comments sent from website readers tended to voice opposition to limit reduction, than acceptance of it.

One trend I notice is that there are still a number of anglers offering "alternative" ideas and guidance that they believe would be helpful. My best assesment of the situation, based on recent public commentary from Fisheries Chief Brad Parsons is that offering alternative ideas right now is pointless. Unless there's been a last minute change at top levels of MN DNR Fisheries, the rule change would result in a statewide possession limit of 4 walleyes. As of the MN DNR Fisheries Summit on March 31, 2025 DNR, according to Fisheries Chief Brad Parsons had no plans to introduce a split "daily" vs "possession" limit of any kind. It sounded to me like the proposal would be preety much take it, or leave it.

There will be an update about the proposal as soon as it's formally announced. One thing I notice about supporters of the reduction is that many of them do hold the belief that moving to a 4 fish possession limit will improve their walleye fishing success. As I understand it, improving fishing success is not a stated goal for the MN DNR. To date, nobody has suggested that angler success rates are likely to change one way or the other. Rather, the arguments in favor of reducing the number of fish allowed in your freezer are social ones. The idea, they say, is to be "proactive" now in the hopes that walleye fishing populations won't decline in the future.

According to internal messaging that I've read, the announcement is already past their intended release date. So, I don't expect it to be very long before updates will be forthcoming. As always, your thoughts are valued, and comments are always welcome. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X

Reader Comments April 16, 2025 "Walleye Rationing Reactions"

April 15, 2025 Vince Loch wrote, "Hey Jeff, Just wanted in chime in on Karry (Kyllo's) April 15, 2025 email. I thought he made a great point about the invasive not always negatively affecting the walleye fishing.

I look at Winnie as a great example of a lake turning into a better walleye lake AFTER the zebra mussels invaded. While it was always a good walleye lake, in my opinion, it turned into a walleye factory after the zebras settled in. Some of the hatches in the years since the zebra invasion have been off the charts, and the fishing has been really good for a number of years now. They may have changed the perch fishery in a negative way, but they undoubtedly made a great difference with the walleye. Winnie would be a great example of a lake that should be looked at on an individual basis for year to year daily limits. The already in place 18 to 23 inch protected slot limit gives the lake and future fishery all the protection it needs.

I know as a several times a year visitor to your state, I feel Minnesota already does an awesome job of protecting the resource with your oversight on the walleye fishery. I don't see any reason to throw a blanket over the entire walleye population. — Vince Loch, Wisconsin"

Reader Comments April 15, 2025 "Opposition To Reduced Walleye Limit"

On the subject of walleye rationing in Minnesota, Karry Kyllo wrote to share his thoughts on the upcoming proposal to cut walleye possession limits.

"Why I Oppose the Proposed 4 Walleye Limit In Minnesota"

Kyllo; "Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) leadership has announced plans to move forward with a proposal to decrease the walleye limit statewide from 6 daily to 4 daily but is it needed? Not according to scientific data. Interestingly, even a number of fisheries biologists within the organization don’t feel that data supports implementation of a 4 walleye limit statewide and DNR leadership has admitted as much publicly. 

On most Minnesota lakes and by most measurements, the walleye fishery in our state is at or close to its healthiest since the current 6 walleye limit was introduced in 1956.  Research conducted by the DNR at 1,267 lakes based upon 11,268 surveys in Minnesota from 1970-2023, and quantified by what is known as catches per unit effort (CPUE) indicate that the health of our walleye fishery is not trending downward and is in fact quite healthy.

Ironically, the DNR even recently increased the 2025 walleye limit on Upper Red Lake from 4 daily to 5 daily because according to a DNR spokesman “if there are too many spawning walleye present, they produce too many fry. When fry are overabundant, the young fish don’t survive well because they are competing for a limited amount of food”. Increasing the daily walleye limit on Upper Red Lake directly contradicts the message from DNR leadership that a 4-walleye limit is needed statewide. It also illustrates that there are biologists within the DNR that feel there are cases when a daily limit higher than 4 is required to maintain the health of a fishery.

Upper Red Lake also shows that if scientific data indicates a need to adjust a daily walleye limit on an individual lake, daily limits can be adjusted accordingly.

Why then is the proposal to lower the walleye limit being pushed forward?  The claim by DNR leadership that changing the statewide walleye limit to 4 daily is a proactive approach to safeguarding our walleye fishery against technology may be a valid approach to managing our walleye fishery with forward facing sonar (FFS) on the scene, but is FFS actually having the negative effect on the walleye fishery in Minnesota that some claim? 

Not according to data from DNR analysis of creel data collected on 39 lakes and totaling 39,456 anglers. The conclusion directly from the study states that “During the open water season there was no significant difference in catch or harvest rates between FFS and all other sonar users for walleyes”.  

Another claim by DNR leadership is that a 4-walleye limit will safeguard our walleye fishery from the negative effects of climate change and aquatic invasive species (AIS) but again, where is the data that supports these claims? Data suggests that after initial adjustments, walleye fisheries are able to adjust and recover from many AIS infestations. As we go forward, perhaps the spread of AIS, climate change or even more proficient use of technology by anglers should play a larger part in walleye fishery management decisions and data will support the need to reduce the statewide limit because of these threats but currently, the scientific data simply does not support the need for a change to 4 walleyes statewide because of them. 

I have serious questions and doubts as to whether the landmark regulation change to a 4-walleye limit statewide for reasons not based upon scientific data is wise in a state where almost 1600 lakes are managed for walleyes.  Is this a precedent that we want to set for future Minnesota walleye fishery management decisions? 

I don’t oppose the proposed regulation change simply because I think that Minnesota anglers should be able to keep 6 walleyes statewide, rather I oppose a change to a 4 walleye limit statewide because scientific data does not support the proposed regulation change." ¬ Karry Kyllo, East Grand Forks, Minnesota

Wired2Fish April 15, 2025 "Tips and Tackle: Your Guide to Spring Perch Fishing"

"As winter hopefully starts to exit the building in the north, it’s time to start shifting gears into open water fishing. With most species being lethargic with the water being so cold, there is one species that loves the cold: the yellow perch. It’s a small, rambunctious fish that makes excellent table fare, fights extremely well, and is for sure to beat those long winter blues. It’s not bass fishing, but spring perch fishing a blast and puts a bend in the rod after a long long winter.

The game is similar to fall perch fishing, but a few things are extremely different. It’s the small, subtle nuances that can turn a good day of fishing into a great day. It can be challenging to get on spring perch in certain lakes, but when you find them, all hell breaks loose.

“Depending upon the type of weather we have in the winter, these perch are going to have two things on their mind, spawning and finding warmer water,” says Craig Sleeman, a National Walleye Tour pro. “Depending on the lake, perch will ..." Read Full Story and Learn More >> Tips and Tackle: Your Guide to Spring Perch Fishing

April 11, 2025 "Minnesota Walleye Opener 29 Days and Counting"

Just a year ago today (April 11, 2024), the scene at Little Cutfoot Sioux included open water and a full setup of walleye trapping gear. The trap nets were in the water, the docks and decking were in place, and DNR fisheries staff were making ready for the annual walleye egg take operation.

As shown in the accompany photo, there's a little bit of open water revealed by the webcams at Williams Narrows Resort. Except for that, most of the small lake remains ice-bound and according to the “Ice-Out Clock” will remain that way for nearly two weeks. That’s right, the current estimated ice out date, if weather conditions remain stable, is slated for April 25, 2025. We’ll see how it plays out, and I’m very curious to learn how accurate that ice-out clock estimate is. As of today, it “appears” that a later than average walleye spawning run should be anticipated at Cutfoot Sioux.

A delayed start to the spawning season could mean that angler access to certain areas will be restricted, but it’s too soon to predict that.

For walleye production, a late start to spawning is not necessarily bad news at all. In fact, there’s evidence to suggest that a late start can actually be good for walleye survival. That’s because during a typical 2-to-3-week walleye egg incubation period, warming lake water may remain more stable than it would during an extended period of changeable weather. Plankton, the food source for tiny walleyes may then be more plentiful, offering faster growth rates and better survival.

While that story unfolds, I’m watching and waiting for the formal announcement from DNR fisheries about the proposal to reduce walleye possession limits from 6, down to 4 fish. I’ve already received quite a few comments about the rule, but I’m holding off any formal responses until there is an official document and can see the rule in full context.

As you likely know already, I’m not necessarily opposed to reducing the “daily” limit. But I am not in favor of reducing the “possession” limit. Reducing possession limits is unfair in my view and disproportionately affects tourists who fish infrequently. Anglers who fish often, and enjoy higher catch rates tend not to care about walleye rationing because they can catch fish whenever they like. Folks who don’t fish a lot or are highly skilled at fishing tend to value the “potential” to amass a half dozen fish to take home.

You may also recall this article from March 8, 2022 Minnesota Already Imposes Most Restrictive Walleye Possession Limits, Why Make It Worse. In it, I present evidence that Minnesota is already the most restrictive state in terms of walleye possession limits. A simple man, the first question that pops into my mind is this; when we’re already the most restrictive state, why would we push to be the even more most restrictive state?

Your thoughts? — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X

April 10, 2025 "Countdown to the Minnesota Walleye Fishing Opener"

The countdown to Minnesota’s statewide walleye fishing opener has begun. Thirty days from now, there will be roughly 500,000 anglers vying for position at boat landings across the state. Most will be in pursuit of the walleye, some, like me, will happily “take whatever they can get.” All of them, sights set on simply having a good time.

This year, anglers fishing in northern Minnesota will likely be fishing cold water, spawning stage fish, while those further south will find warmer water, and walleyes well into their post spawn period. To get an idea about the contrast in conditions for the opener, I checked in with the “Ice-Out Clock” on Minnesota Sea Grant’s website. Here are estimated dates for a handful of popular walleye lakes in Minnesota.  

As of today, April 10, 2025, Lake Minnetonka (upper left) near my old stomping grounds at Wayzata Bay is already open. So, metro area anglers will be likely fishing walleyes that are well past spawing phase before opening day. Mille Lacs Lake isn’t open yet, but should be soon, estimated between April 16 - April 19, 2025. Bowstring Lake, in my back yard is estimated to be between April 27 - May 1, 2025, and Upper Red Lake should be ice-free sometime between May 2 - May 6, 2025. As you can see in the accompanying photo (lower right) from Roger’s on Red, Upper Red was still frozen solid as of April 8.

To check out the estimated ice-out date for your favorite lakes, use this link >> Minnesota Sea Grant Ice-Out Clock, scroll down to the interactive map to select the county, then scroll don to select the lake name from the drop-down menu.

While we’re preparing for the walleye opener, more news about forward facing sonar, walleye bag limits and special fisheries projects will continue to pour in. One of the projects to follow is a new study aimed at assessing musky and pike mortality is slated to begin this summer on Leech Lake.

Grand Rapids, Minn. (April 9, 2025) — A critical Leech Lake Muskie Movement and Survival Study is set to begin this spring funded by MN-FISH, a state fishing organization. MN-FISH president, Ron Schara, said the information provided by the 3-year study will be a significant step forward in muskie conservation and address growing concerns among some anglers about sustaining muskie populations in the face of advancing fishing technologies and angler skill.

Leech Lake was selected by the DNR for the study because of its vital role as the primary source of stocked muskie fisheries across the state. Each year during the first week of May, adult muskies-captured by the DNR on Leech Lake - serve as the origin for eggs and brood stock used in Minnesota's Mississippi-strain muskie stocking programs.

The study is designed to help the DNR effectively management muskie fishing in Leech Lake as well as muskie waters throughout the state. In addition to MN-FISH and the Minnesota DNR, the Leech Lake Muskie Movement and Survival Study will be conducted by researchers from Bemidji State University, led by Dr. Andrew Hafs.

Study Goals — In recent years, anglers have displayed increasing success targeting post-spawn muskies, which often move to deep-water areas where they are easily spotted and targeted using the advanced electronics. The study will provide needed data on the impact of increased levels of angling pressure on the trophy fish. Researchers will employ state-of-the-art telemetry devices to track muskie movements in deep water and determine hooking mortality of muskies caught and released.”

Stay tuned for updates, and as always, let us know what you think. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X

Wired2Fish "Spring Jerkbait Fishing Walleyes | Advanced Tactics"

"Join Wired2fish contributor Scott Walsh as he dives into springtime walleye fishing using jerkbaits. Throughout the year, especially post-spawn, a large population of walleye set up in the shallows to feed on baitfish. Walsh demonstrates how the combination between modern electronics and jerkbaits effectively put walleye in the boat.

Exploring the benefits of advanced fishing technology, Walsh incorporates tools like high definition mapping, MEGA 360 Imaging, and forward-facing sonar to pinpoint the ideal fishing spots and individual fish without wasting time. He shares insights into how these technologies not only assist in locating fish but also in making informed decisions about ..." View Video to Learn More >> Spring Jerkbait Fishing Walleyes | Advanced Tactics

Wired2Fish April 9, 2025 "How To Fish the Ice-Out for Big Bass"

"This is the time of year we all wait for: ice-out! After spending all winter organizing tackle or staring through a 6-inch hole in the ice, we finally get to stretch our wings and cast! For some anglers, this can be one of the toughest times to get a bite, but for others, it results in some of the biggest bass of the year, especially largemouth.

Truth be told, this is a favorite time to be on the water for me and my friends. In New York, the ice-out period brings some of the biggest bass in the lake, heading shallow in search of warmer water and bright sunshine. You may not get a lot of bites, but the ones you do get, you’d better keep them pinned, because they could be your biggest bass of the season. Here are some of our favorite tips and techniques that every early ice-out angler should ..." See the Full Story and Learn More >> How To Fish the Ice-Out for Big Bass

Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism April 9, 2025

"On the south side of Lake of the Woods, there is still some ice fishing taking place by a handful of hardcore ice anglers. Most anglers have called it a year, and are looking forward now to the open water fishing season. For those still getting out on the ice, fishing has been good. because, most resort ice accesses have been closed for the year access is liited, and safety should be your first consideration, as always.

Ditches are running along the south end of the lake which means water is running into the bays. Moving water will soon pop open the bays and anglers will be out open water targeting huge pike while they head to spawning areas. Pike fishing is year round on Lake of the Woods and can be excellent during the spring in back bays.

On the Rainy River, the spring open water fishing began over a week ago and has started out very good with some big walleyes being caught and released! As of April 8th, there are three boat ramps open. The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale, the Frontier Access (about 8 miles to the west of Nelson Park) and the Vidas boat ramp just east of Clementson and the Rapid River. The Rainy River is open to the west of Baudette too, and gaining more open watetr every day.

With warm temps in the weekly forecast, not only will the ice deteriorate quickly, but the walleye bite should get even better. Weather forecast in the next week predicts air temperatures in the 60's.

Most walleye anglers are jigging with either plastics or minnows. Use bright plastics such as chartreuse, orange, pink and white. Some are slowly drifting a jig with a minnow such as emerald shiners, fatheads or rainbows. Trolling crankbaits against the current is also effective and will catch fish. This is also a good technique to cover water if you are not on fish. Rainy River walleye fishing is catch and release from March 1, 2025 through April 14, 2025 on all of Four Mile Bay and the entire Rainy River.

Initial reports for sturgeon are also good. Anchored up in a hole or on the slope of a hole with a no roll sinker and sturgeon rig is the ticket. A sturgeon rig is about an 18 inch leader with a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook loaded with crawlers or crawlers and emerald shiners. Here are the seasons for sturgeon fishing.

• Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.
• Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.
• Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.

Up at the Northwest Angle, it has been a great ice fishing season, and while there are a few locals still getting out, resorts have pulled off their fish houses and called it a year. There are many areas showing open water primarily where there is current. Progress to open water is being made.

The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14, 2025. Northern pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well. You can fish for sturgeon through May 15, 2025." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

April 7, 2025 "Comments From The Court Of Public Opinion"

It was a busy weekend as I checked off more annual evets from my “social calendar”. On Friday, the first half of my day began at the Ray’s Marine boat show in Grand Rapids. From there, I drove to Little Falls for the Minnesota Fishing Museum “Night with the Fishing Pros” fundraiser on Friday evening. On Saturday, I spent the day back in Grand Rapids for another appearance at Ray’s Marine, then on Sunday, we hosted most of our family for a party to celebrate Charolette’s 4th birthday.

For me, the best part of these gatherings is the opportunity to greet and chat with “average anglers”. Sure, there are also some advanced anglers represented in the mix. Overall, though, my conversations are typically dominated by people who participate in fishing at a much more casual level than me. For most, fishing is NOT about acquiring technical skills or buying expensive equipment, it’s about personal gratification. Having a fun day on the lake or on the ice with family takes precedence over the pursuit of high catch rates.

Interestingly, even folks with a wide range of interests in fishing still share some common opinions. Over the course of 3 days chatting with folks who are interested in fishing, there are two opinions that kept coming at me like runaway wakeboard boats. First, the average angler in Minnesota is apparently prepared for, and accepts the proposal to reduce the walleye possession limit. Second, the average angler in Minnesota does not like “Forward Facing Sonar” and many would support an outright ban on it’s use in our state.

Fairness, when you think about it, is the common thread that connects the two topics. Most folks believe that elite anglers with highly developed fishing skills have too much technology and use that technology to catch a disproportionate number of fish. Many have said that the reason for banning FFS, or for slashing possession limits is to keep more fish in the lakes, and level the playing field for average anglers.

I understand the emotional appeal of both opinions. I acknowledge too that if the “Court of Public Opinion” were in session today, the judge may well rule in favor of both banning FFS, and further restricting possession limits on fish in Minnesota. The problem, I fear, is that neither of these solutions will produce the desired result. In the coming weeks, I’ll explain why, offering as much “scientific” support as I can muster.

As the MN DNR formally proposes the reduction of walleye possession limits for 2026, chatter about the reasoning will heat up. Part of that noise from the gallery will surely relate to FFS and related issues. While you’re reading, listening, or watching videos non the subject, I’d simply ask you to keep this one important question I mind.

Why do we need to pass blanket regulations that affect every citizen, when all we’re trying to address are the actions of a handful of elite anglers who happen to be highest on the skill level curve?

Thanks to everbody who made time to chat with me over the weekend, it was gartifying to see you. Especially gratifying was seeing the great turnout at the Minnesota Fishing Museum's Night with the Pros event. They said it was another sold out event, and that's good news for folks who want to see the history of fishing in Minnesota carried forward. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X

Wired2Fish April 3, 2025 "Veteran Pros Sound Off: Are Anglers Forgetting How To Fish?"

"Jimmy Houston has mixed feelings about forward-facing sonar. He doesn’t want to come off like a grumpy old-timer and say it should be banned. He uses LiveScope, which shows real-time movement of fish, at times and enjoys studying how the fish react to his baits. His point is, it can go too far. Many of the young guns who grow up fishing video-game style are missing out on some of the basics that will make them a better angler, Houston said.

“Forward-facing sonar has taught a lot of younger people to stop ‘fishing.’ They’re hunting now,” said Houston, one of the sport’s all-time greats. “They’ve got their heads down, staring at that screen, and they won’t even make a cast until they spot a fish. That’s really changed the ..." Read Full Story and Learn More >> Veteran Pros Sound Off: Are Anglers Forgetting How To Fish?

News Release April 2025 "MN DNR seeks public comment on Lake Superior fisheries rule proposals"

"News release: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is taking public comment on a proposal that would adjust the trout season dates for Lake Superior anglers and allow more harvest of Atlantic salmon.

The proposed rule revisions would change the start and end dates for the open season of trout fishing in stream tributaries above and below posted barriers.

For brook trout, splake, rainbow trout, and brown trout above barriers and splake and brook trout below barriers, the change would move the opener date from the Saturday nearest April 15 to the second Saturday in April. The season close date would move from Labor Day to Sept. 30 annually. These proposed dates would provide more consistency in trout fishing regulations in streams across northern Minnesota.

The rulemaking proposal would also eliminate a ..." Read Full Story >> MN DNR seeks public comment on Lake Superior fisheries rule proposals

April 2, 2025 "Minnesota Minnows Growing The Grow-Able"

Supplying Minnesota’s anglers with live minnows for fishing bait has always been a big job. Amidst concerns about importing “Aquatic Invasive Species”, strict regulations prevent the importation of minnows from out of state. Regulations prevent trapping minnows from AIS infested lakes and rivers taking a lot of prime water out of production too. Minnows that were once easy to harvest are now off limits because of fear that bait dealers will inadvertently transfer zebra mussels, faucet snails, spiny water fleas or a dozen other nasty critters that we haven’t even heard about yet.

Climate changes may also be altering the biomass of small ponds and streams, allowing predator species to flourish, while forcing declining minnow populations in the process.

Competition between bait trappers is fierce too; locating places to catch live minnows is increasingly complex. And when they find them, potential fishing waters must first be tested for purity, at the trapper’s expense, before any minnows can be taken. Add it all up and it’s easy to see why keeping up with angler demand is a seemingly impossible job for bait dealers in Minnesota.

One bright spot, or at least a potential point of light has been the birth of commercial bait farming in the state. A small number of private growers are beginning to deliver farm raised minnows to local bait shops. In Monday’s recap of the MN DNR Fisheries Summit, I mentioned one presentation about how supplying farm raised live bait can mitigate shortages of wild caught minnows.

“We’ve let our lakes and streams down and now, our lakes and streams are letting us down”, said Barry Thoele, owner, operator of Lincoln Bait LLC, in Staples Minnesota. Also serving as the baitfish representative for the Minnesota Aquaculture Association, Thoele provides consultation to the MN DNR. A veteran in the live bait business, Thoele has operated a wholesale bait business for over 32 years. Thoele believes that the historically fruitful methods of trapping wild minnows is simply not going to work going forward.

Thoele’s fish farm in Staples MN, features 13 ponds, a 3-raceway spawning system, 7000 square feet of hydroponic greenhouses, and 1 aquaponic research greenhouse. Dedicated to baitfish and locally grown food in central Minnesota, Thoele also raise produce for hospitals, school districts and local sales and is currently working on LCCMR funded research directed at producing Golden Shiners (a well-known baitfish) in modified systems.

As I followed along with Thoele’s presentation, I couldn’t help but think that if I had known about this 20 years ago, I’d probably be in the commercial bait farming business myself right now.  The initial investments are modest, the turn-around times are reasonable and the demand for product is both immediate and robust.

During a break, I asked Thoele about the potential for raising other minnow species besides golden shiners. One species of particular interest to me, the Brassy Minnow is a wonderful alternative to both shiners and large fatheads. Brassies are lively, hearty, have a goldish-silverish shiny sheen and are the perfect size for walleyes and large panfish. Thoele, familiar with the Brassy Minnows says; “I don’t see any reason why they can’t be raised commercially, its just that nobody has thought of trying them yet. I’m pretty sure that if we tried them, it would work.”

I Thoele’s view, the bait industry would be better served by having lots of small growers, rather than a handful of large producers. “If bait store owners become dependent on a few large operators, and one of them suffers a crop failure, or seasonal setback, we’d be right back in the same pickle we’re in now,” Thoele concluded.

What, raising minnows for live bait doesn’t trip your trigger? Okay, aqua culture offers other opportunities too, produce like leafy greens, tomatoes and strawberries flourish in Thoele’s greenhouses. Used as a method of filtration for the minnow water, fresh produce offers a short-term and ongoing income source while minnows reach maturity and can be sold to bait stores. Walleye fingerlings, adult trout, sucker minnows and other larger gamefish can all be produced using these methods.

This is a developing story that I’ll be following and updating frequently. In the meantime, I can honestly tell you that if I was younger, and if I still owned my “hobby farm”, I’d already be making calls about how to get started in my own bait production business. If you’re thinking, “maybe this could be a good fit for me”, then I’d encourage you to investigate this right away. In my opinion, there is a lot of opportunity staring us in the face.

The Minnesota Aquaculture Association was formed in 2019 to support aquaculture in Minnesota. Their website slogan has a nice ring to it; “HEALTHY FISH | HEALTHY PEOPLE | HEALTHY PLANET”. The MNAA is currently seeking volunteers, members and sponsors. I’d suggest using this link to contact them as the initial source for more information. >> The Minnesota Aquaculture Association

Barry Thoele, Lincoln Bait LLC, offered his assistance too. You can learn more about his aquaculture and aquaponics operations with a simple internet search. I'm awaiting permission to share his contact information, and will update that as soon as possible.

As always, your comments and questions are welcome, let us know what's on your mind. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X

Wired2Fish Spring 2025 "The Best Pike Lures of All Time"

"Northern pike (Esox lucius) are eating machines. Highly predatory, they will devour young of their own species and even fish close to their own size, not to mention other game fish, especially perch, walleyes, panfish, and pelagic baitfish like herring and ciscoes. All that considered, the best pike lures are typically outsized, but smaller than you’d fling for muskies, unless, of course, you’re fishing northern Canada or some place in Scandinavia.

These are my go-to baits; before making a choice from this list, I consider water depth, clarity, temperature, the vegetation in the area, and overall weather. I like spoons for cold water, and spinnerbaits slow-rolled. As water temps rise, I’ll fish the same lure, but speed up my retrieve. If I’m fishing around heavy weeds, I reach for the ..."Read Full Story and Learn More >> The Best Pike Lures of All Time

News Release April 1, 2025 "DNR sets open water fishing regulations for Upper Red Lake"

"Anglers fishing on Upper Red Lake during the 2025 open-water season that starts Saturday, May 10, will have a five-walleye possession limit, with only one walleye over 17 inches allowed.

“Upper Red Lake female spawning walleye have been managed at a level that has resulted in a number of strong year classes recently,” said Edie Evarts, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources area fisheries supervisor for Bemidji.

“The summer regulation is an opportunity for anglers to keep abundant young walleye while also maintaining the breeding fish at a level that continues to produce successful year classes.”

To continue producing the most successful year classes, enough female spawning walleye need to ..." Read Full Story >> DNR sets open water fishing regulations for Upper Red Lake

Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism April 1, 2025

Spring open water fishing has begun on the Rainy River! The river channel is fully open in many areas and as of Monday, March 31, 2025, there are two boat ramps open. The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale and the Frontier Access (about 8 miles to the west of Nelson Park) are both clear of ice. Boats are running the river and the ice pack is deteriorating by the day.

Initial reports for walleyes are very good with some big fish being caught. Most are jigging with either plastics or minnows. Use bright plastics such as chartreuse, orange, pink and white. for minnows, emerald shiners, fatheads and rainbows have all been productive. Trolling crankbaits against the current is also effective and will catch fish. This is also a good technique to cover water if you are not on fish.

Rainy River walleye fishing is catch and release from March 1, 2025 through April 14, 2025 on all of Four Mile Bay and the Rainy River.

Initial reports for sturgeon are also good. Anchored up in a hole or on the slope of a hole with a no roll sinker and sturgeon rig is the ticket. Lots of walleye anglers reporting sturgeon hookups as well. Here are the seasons for sturgeon fishing.

• Catch and Release Season: May 8th – May 15th and October 1 – April 23rd.
• Harvest Season: April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – September 30.
• Closed Season: May 16th – June 30th.

There is still some ice fishing taking place in select areas along the south shore. That said, most of the resorts and outfitters have pulled their fish houses and called it a good year. Make sure to call ahead to the resort or outfitter for current conditions if you plan on getting on the ice. Safety first always.

For those still fishing, some are still targeting walleyes. There continues to be a good morning or evening bite along the south shore just prior to sunset. Quality fish are being caught in a number of areas.

Most still ice fishing are targeting trophy pike. It was another great week with some big fish caught. Another week of big fish tipping that 40 inch mark with big girths. Suckers, frozen alewife and smelt set about a foot under the ice or just off of the bottom have proven effective.

It has been a great ice fishing season up at the Northwest Angle, but it's winding down. While there are a few locals still getting out, resorts have pulled off their fish houses and called it a year.

Plan for the MN Fishing Opener which is Saturday, May 10, 2025! The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14, 2025. Northern pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well. You can fish for sturgeon through May 15th, 2025." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

You Are Invited To Become A Duly Deputized Fishrapper Cub Reporter Too!

If you've been waiting for a gold engraved invitation to participate in the daily reports, then stop waiting and consider this your own personal invitation.

Helping your fellow fishermen and women stay abreast of fishing conditions in your area is good for everybody and it's easier than you think! You don't have to write a book, you don't have to share your secret fishing spots and you don't even have to mention your lake. But even a few words about general trends, seasonal patterns and local weather conditions can really help.

Be like me, become a duly deputized "Cub Reporter", it's good for fishing! Contact Us or if you prefer to be "social", Fishing Reports Minnesota, the Facebook counterpart to this page is open to the public, so you can post your own fishing update or just share a photo of a nice catch.