March 16, 2025 "Ice Out: Southern Minnesota Lakes"
It appears that we’re in for another early ice out season this spring. The accompanying photo of open water on Lake Washington, Le Suer County, came in from Chris Andresen on Saturday. Even if the ice wasn’t already gone completely, it’s obvious that it won’t be long before it is ice-free.
Speculating about when other Minnesota lakes might follow Lake Washington’s lead, I reviewed some of the fishing reports from last spring. You might recall that for most of the state, 2024 was an exceptionally early ice-out season. The exception, Lake of the Woods, lays far enough north to have been closer to its average ice-out. I remember how most anglers in the state were getting their boats on open water, while anglers continued to ice-fish on Lake of the Woods.
Chris’ note about Lake Washington gave me the idea of checking some of the popular sources of information. So, just for fun, I logged into the MN DNR website and checked the 2025 Lake Ice Out Dates. As of 7:00 Am this morning (3-16-25), Lake Washington wasn’t on the list of the lakes checked off on the interactive ice-out map. There weren’t many others on that map either, and certainly nothing further north. My guess is that map will be updated on Monday, and Washington, along with a few more will likely show up then.
Next, I logged into the “Ice-Out Clock” on the Minnesota Sea Grant website. I searched for Lake Washington in Le Suer County and received the message “Ice out is imminent or past (3/14/2025)”. So, my scorecard for the ice-out clock is at 100%, at least for my first search for real time information.
Just now, I looked up Lake Bemidji, in Beltrami County to use as a reference for popular lakes in my home region. The estimate provided by the Sea Grant website estimates an expected ice-out between April 11 and April 13, 2025. For future reference, I’ll jot down the estimated dates for a dozen or so lakes, and later, keep track of how close they come to the real time ice-out dates as they occur.
From what I see today, ice free lakes in north central Minnesota might occur somewhat early, but I don’t think anywhere near as early as they did in 2024. I’ll be tracking the information and share notes with you here. However, if you’re the inquisitive type, you can track the progress of your own list of lakes.
Follow this link to use the MN DNR ICE-OUT MAP. Hover over a map marker to get the lake name and the ice out date. Click on a map marker to get the following information: lake name, ice out date, ice out summary statistics, and a link for obtaining all available historical ice out dates for the lake.
Follow this link to use the Minnesota Sea Grant ICE-OUT CLOCK and scroll down the page to find the map. Click on the image of your lake on the map to get the name of the county. Next search for the lake name in the drop-down list and click on the box “GET ICE-OUT FORECAST”. The most current estimate of ice-dates will be revealed. But remember, the ice-out forecast is updated whenever real-time information from the field is reported. So, it’s a good idea to renew your search periodically to be sure your information is up to date.
Meanwhile, in Grand Rapids, the wind is howling, snow is falling, and temperatures are dropping. Despite the arrival of our ice-shelter removal deadline, it looks more like winter now than it has for a few weeks. The ice-fishing season may be over for folks with large permanent shelters and “wheelhouses” but it is far from over for folks with portables. In fact we have a family fishing trip planned for next weekend, and we’ll be checking ice conditions early this week. 
— Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X
News Release March 14, 2025 "Minnesota DNR Summer Walleye Regulations on Mille Lacs Lake"
"Anglers on Mille Lacs Lake will have the opportunity to harvest two walleye daily during the upcoming open water season, which begins on Saturday, May 10, 2025 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. Harvested walleye must be 17 inches or greater, and only one of them can be over 20 inches.
Following years of restrictive regulations, the Mille Lacs Lake walleye (ogaa in Ojibwe) fishery appears to be in a healthy state, a viewpoint shared by both state and Tribal fisheries biologists.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Ojibwe treaty Tribes drastically cut harvest more than a decade ago, concerned by a number of factors including changing ecological conditions and lower survival rates of young walleye. This approach has paid off. “The walleye population in Mille Lacs is currently in a good place,” said Brad Parsons, Minnesota DNR fisheries section manager. “Ojibwe Tribes and the Minnesota DNR limited harvest, which allowed for an ..." Read Full Report >> March 14, 2025 Minnesota DNR Summer Walleye Regulations on Mille Lacs Lake
March 13, 2025 "Minnesota Lakes Ice Out Clock"
Last Friday (March 7, 2025), I attended a webinar presented by Dr. John Downing, Director of the Sea Grant College Program. As a research scientist and professor at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, Downing has studied the impacts of ice-out dates for Minnesota lakes. In his presentation, “Minnesota Lakes Ice-out 2025” he discusses why Minnesotan’s care, or why we should care, about the variations in ice-dates throughout the state.
Downing packed a lot of information into his presentation including how variations in a lake’s ice out date can impact its fish populations, recreation and overall water quality. As an angler, I was particularly interested in the importance of how ice-out dates affect water conditions and how fish might respond to them.
- Water clarity, and impacts to fish habitat such as vegetation growth
- Fishing spawning dates, and changes in fish survival rates
- Plankton production, the primary food source for tiny, newly hatched gamefish
- Stratification of the water column and impacts on Oxygen levels
- Potential for increased spread of aquatic invasive species
- How changing water conditions or temperatures might affect a lakes potential to support certain fish species
Obviously, my short list barely scratches the surface of potential impacts from changing water conditions in Minnesota lakes. My viewpoint happens to focus more on fish, and fishing, than anything else. Your favorite lakes, and your interest in them may vary. During the presentation, Downing promised that there will be a link to the full presentation, and when it becomes available, I’ll provide an update with links to it.
In the meantime, the free ice out clock tool is available for you to use. Follow this link to the Minnesota Sea Grant’s interactive map >> Minnesota Lakes Ice-Out Clock. Have questions or comments about your favorite Minnesota lakes?
Toward the end of his webinar, Downing advised viewers that the Q&A will be moderated by staff at Itasca Waters. They’ll combine similar questions and provide answers based on categories. I'd encourage you to contact Downing with specific questions or comments using the email link found here, on the Itasca Waters Website.
If your specific queastion isn't adressed, just let me know and I'll help find a connection to help you. — Office Call or Text 218-245-9858 or EMAIL on Facebook on X
Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report March 13, 2025
"Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing reports continue to be positive for many anglers this last week. Anglers' locations have become really scattered throughout the lake. Large mud flats, humps surrounded by deep water and main lake points have all been producing good numbers of lakes and lots of quality lakers too.
Blade baits like spoons and vibratos have been accounting for the majority of lake trout. Depths this week ranged from 20 to 50 feet of water. Many anglers reported marking and catching lakers 5 to 15 feet under the ice.
Crappies - Crappie anglers continue to report mixed results this last week. Many anglers reported that crappies are now being seen high off the bottom, but remain fussy. Live minnows suspended under a bobber proved too hard for many crappies to pass up. Now that the snow has burned off and warm temps are in the forecast, the crappie bite should only get better.
Stream Trout - Rainbow trout continue to be easy to find and easy to catch. Anglers are finding them over deep water, 30 to 70 feet of water, but are catching them 5 to 10 feet under the ice. Small spoons tipped with waxies. Small soft plastics tipped on a small jig have also been very effective." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358
More Recent Fishing Reports
Follow on X • Follow on Facebook • Mille Lacs 2025 Walleye Limits • Ely MN 03-13 • Mille Lacs Perch • 200 • Ice Out Predictions • Lake of the Woods 3-11 • Ely MN 03-06 • Perch Fishing • Sundin 02-24 • MN DNR Rule Changes 02-13 • Mapping Interpretations • Trout Fishing 02-02 • Walleye Map 01-29 • Weed Flats 01-28 • Mid-Lake Flats 01-27 • Mid-Lake Bars 01-26 • Shoreline Points 01-25 • MN Hall od Fame 01-24 • Charts 1-23-25 • MAPS 1-22-23 • Upper Red Lake 12-8 • Barotrauma Study 1-25-24 • Fis Consumption • Forward Sonar • Panfish Workgroup
News Release March 2025 "Regulation Adjustment: Yellow Perch Limits on Mille Lacs Lake"
From now, through November 30, 2025 the daily and possession limit for yellow perch on Mille Lacs Lake will be reduced from 20 fish, down to five. The perch limit reduction became effective on March 11, 2025 and will remain in effect through the summer and fall, open water fishing season.
MN DNR, "The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is implementing this adjustment to the daily and possession limit to help maintain a good perch population for the future.
Yellow perch are a key species in the Mille Lacs Lake ecosystem and young yellow perch are a primary food source for predators (especially walleye). Maintaining an abundance of older perch will result in ..." Read Full Story >> March 12, 2025 Regulation Adjustment: Yellow Perch Limits on Mille Lacs Lake
Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism March 11, 2025
"The big question from folks considering ice fishing along the south side of Lake of the Woods is, "how good is the ice up there?" The specifics of that answer vary between each individual resort, outfitter, or ice road operator. Overall though, ice conditions are still very good and ice fishing is going strong! Obviously, you'll want to pin down details by contacting your favorite outfitter. Also obvious, we hope, stay on marked ice roads and trails and always put safety first.
Being up along the Canadian border, Lake of the Woods is subject to colder temperatures than much of the region. There are up to three feet of ice and that makes a big difference in how long the ice fishing season lasts. Fish houses are allowed unattended overnight through March 31, 2025 and reports are that a good number of resorts will be fishing through the month, but ultimately, Mother Nature will determine that.
Regarding the fishing, overall, very good reports for walleyes, saugers and perch. There is a strong population of smaller walleyes and saugers in the lake which bodes well for the future, but in the meantime, anglers are sorting through them to catch their keepers.
The one-two punch of jigging and deadsticking remains the most effective technique. Jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head or a lipless crankbait on the jigging line is the ticket. On the deadstick, a live minnow a foot off the bottom on a plain red hook or medium sized ice fishing jig is catching a lot of fish. Using electronics is super helpful. Many nice walleyes are swimming through suspended, keep an eye out.
Anglers tip-up fishing for pike have had a great week and it should continue to get even better. Suckers, frozen alewife and smelt are working well. Putting baits 1 foot under the ice or right off bottom seems to be effective this week. Most common depths, 9 to 15 feet of water.
On the Rainy River, there are no signs of open water yet. Every year can be different, but on average, the Rainy River will start opening up around the third week of March. Typically, the first boat ramp suitable for larger boats is Nelson Park in Birchdale. We will keep you posted about ice out, and ramp conditions as they develop. A reminder, as of March 1, 2025, walleye and sauger fishing on the Rainy River is catch and release only, including Four Mile Bay.
Make plans now for the portion of the sturgeon season you'd like to fish. Once the open water appears, the fish are super active. Here are the seasons.
- 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... Fishing remains very good up at the Angle and the ice is in good shape as well. As on the south end, resorts monitor ice roads and trails daily and there are still some great ice fishing opportunities available.
Walleyes, saugers, perch, and pike are showing up in good numbers. Those targeting crappies are reporting good numbers of fish. Work through a NW Angle resort for ice fishing opportunities on this part of the lake.
The walleye and sauger season is open through April 14, 2025. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well. Whether booking a day house rental, sleeper fish house, or resort stay, there is still plenty of time to plan a late-season ice fishing adventure.
" — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH
March 7, 2025 "Ice Out Date Predictions"
Would you like to know how to predict the exact ice-out dates for your favorite lakes?
Well, it might be possible. This morning, I received a note from Heidi Holtan, producer of the morning show on KAXE-KBXE Radio. She let me know about an interesting presentation about predicting ice out dates. From the Itasca Waters website, I located the links to a program scheduled to air tomorrow, Friday March 7, 2025, called “Minnesota Ice-Out Forecast for 2025”.
“John Downing of Minnesota Sea Grant will present his 2025 ice-out forecasts and show you how you can win your ice-out pool for your favorite lake. Despite high snowfall in 2023 and nearly a winterless winter in 2024, Minnesota Sea Grant’s Ice-Out Clock yielded accurate ice-out forecasts. This year, the models are improved and now gives forecasts for any lake you choose. The new models consider snow, latitude, how big the lake is, cumulative cold and cumulative thawing. Tune in so you can plan when to put the boat in the water.”
The presentation requires pre-registration, which I’ve done already. So, I’m planning to check out the program and will report back to you soon afterward. If you’d prefer to hear Downin’s presentation for yourself, here are links you’ll need. First login to the “Itasca Waters Website” and scroll to the program announcement. Follow their link to the Zoom Registration Form and sign up to receive your own invitation. — Office Call or Text 218-245-9858 or EMAIL on Facebook on X
March 6, 2025 "Fishing Seasons and Licenses"
The new 2025-2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations books are available now at most outlets where fishing licenses are sold. For folks who buy licenses online, there is also a PDF Version of the full regulation books. For your convenience, available here, on my website I have this full copy of the Minnesota Fishing Regulations as well.
Speaking of regulations, ice fishing shelter removal dates for south central Minnesota arrived last week. Deadlines are fast approaching for folks with shelters on Minnesota’s northern waters. March 17, 2025 is the deadline for removing all shelters except those on Lake of the Woods, Rainy Lake and other Minnesota-Canada border waters.
Minnesota DNR Plans To Reduce Walleye Posession Limits
Also in the news, is an update about the proposed reduction in Minnesota’s walleye possession limit. An email update provided by walleye workgroup member Jim Justesen says; “Brad (Parsons, MN DNR Fisheries Chief) shared that the introduction of the rule making packet reducing the walleye bag and possession limit from six down to four has been delayed due to the late start of the Mn legislature. The original launch was targeted for March 4, 2025. An announcement is forthcoming.
The process will involve a lengthy open comment period, enabling the public to phone, text, E mail, or visit the website, in order to communicate their up or down thoughts and opinions to the DNR. The “opinions or votes” will be recorded and tallied by the DNR personnel who receive them. Currently, there are no plans for any public meetings.”
I’ll be sure to stay on top of the walleye limits story and provide frequent updates, along with links to any online surveys as they become available.
Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report March 6, 2025
"Lake Trout - Lake trout continues to be a boom or bust venture for some anglers. Anglers that are on the trout, are on the trout with big trout and numbers being landed. Many anglers have been reporting that lakers are flying high in the water column, just under the ice. Anglers continue to focus in 30 to 50 feet of water, but are seeing lakers 5 to 15 feet under the ice.
Blade baits and spoons have been the most effective as of late. Anglers have been tipping them with minnow heads to help trigger bites. Dead bait laying on the bottom has also been effective for some anglers.
Stream trout - Rainbow trout have been active and flying high just like the lake trout. Anglers have been fishing 30 to 70 feet of water, but have been catching rainbows 5 to 15 feet under the ice. Small spoons and small jigs tipped with wax worms or soft plastic have been effective for rainbows.
Panfish - Warm, spring-like temps had many anglers thinking crappies this last weekend. While many anglers scraped together some crappies, the bite wasn't hot and heavy yet. Anglers did report seeing some groups of crappies on their flashers.
Soft plastics, crappie minnows And wax worms tipped on a jig were effective. Anglers have been finding them in 20 to 30 feet of water." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358
Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism March 5, 2025
"Ice fishing remains strong along the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Most resorts and outfitters are continuing to offer both day rental fishing shelters, and overnight sleeper fish houses. The bite has been good in most areas, and ice conditions are among the best in recent years.
Some ice roads now extend more than 20 miles out, with resorts and outfitters working hard keeping anglers on schools of walleyes and saugers. With nearly 40 inches of ice in many areas, auger extensions are necessary for those fishing on their own. The March forecast predicts daytime temperatures above freezing and overnight lows below freezing, helping to maintain solid ice conditions through the month. Resort guides and outfitters are on the ice daily monitoring conditions where they travel and fish.
Anglers are sorting through smaller fish but are consistently catching limits of walleyes and saugers, along with jumbo perch, eelpout, pike, tullibees, and even a few crappies. The one-two punch of jigging and deadsticking remains the most effective technique. Jigging spoons with rattles, lipless crankbaits, and jigging rap-style lures are producing well, while deadsticks with a live minnow a foot off the bottom are catching less aggressive fish.
March is prime time for trophy northern pike, with tip-up fishing proving to be highly productive. It was a great week for big pike and should only get better through March and into April.
The Rainy River has been decent for fishing over most of the winter, and continues to do so. Walleye fishing has been best in the mornings and evenings using jigs and minnows. Sturgeon fishing has been solid, with some large fish being caught. Anglers should check with resorts before heading out, as ice conditions on the river can change quickly due to current and runoff during the day.
Up at the Northwest Angle, fishing remains very good. Resorts continue to move fish houses to keep guests on active schools of walleyes, saugers, perch, and pike. Big crappies are still being caught just over the border in Canada, and those interested should check with resorts for the latest conditions and guide services.
Lake of the Woods being border water with Canada has an extended ice fishing season, with fish houses allowed on the ice through March 31st. In addition, the walleye and sauger season is open through April 14th. Pike fishing never closes, and perch and crappie remain open year-round as well. Whether booking a day house rental, sleeper fish house, or resort stay, there is still plenty of time to plan a late-season ice fishing adventure." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH
Wired2Fish March 5, 2025 "Beau Browning’s Minnow Tactics for Deep Prespawn Bass"
"Beau Browning shows us how to target deep prespawn bass using a minnow and forward-facing sonar on highland reservoirs. The key for Browning is locating the highest bass density in the standing timber of deep-water ditches, then dialing his minnow presentation until the fish commit.
FINDING BASS IN STANDING TIMBER AND DITCHES: Browning explains that fishing around standing timber requires a slow, methodical approach. By following major creek arms and tracking the deepest parts of the ditch, Browning locates fish at various depths, from 30 to 60 feet. Timber creates the perfect ambush point for bass, and when multiple fish gather in one area, competition increases, making them ..." View Video to Learn More >> Beau Browning’s Minnow Tactics for Deep Prespawn Bass
Wired2Fish February 27, 2025 "Dustin Connell’s Clear Water Finesse Swimbait Tips"
"Dustin Connell breaks down the effectiveness of using a finesse swimbait in clear water conditions, particularly around current and suspended bass. When bass are in a pre-spawn feeding mode, the right bait presentation can make all the difference.
WHY FINESSE FISHING SWIMBAITS CATCH MORE BASS IN CLEAR WATER
Bass in clear water environments are often more finicky and rely heavily on sight to locate prey. A small finesse swimbait, like a 2.5-inch paddle tail, creates a natural and subtle movement that mimics a dying baitfish. The key is maintaining a natural fall rate and letting the bait shimmer as it sinks. Connell emphasizes that bass in strong current ..." View Video and Learn More >> Dustin Connell’s Clear Water Finesse Swimbait Tips
Maps and Charts 101 | "NEW FishRapper Angling Education Section"
Interpreting the information contained on paper maps and interactive electronic charts was a topic brought up in a recent reader question. In a nutshell, the reader asked where he could find basic information about definitions that outdoor writers, television hosts and other "pro-anglers" use in their reports. Answering those questions led to a week-long project aimed at helping define common terms like breaklines, bars, points and weedlines.
Those individual Q&A replies are now consolidated ito a new FishRapper web page called "Mapping and Charting 101". With the launch of that page, a completely new section of the website "Angling Education" was born. The new section will expand as we add more fishing articles, videos and fishing reports aimed at answering the basic "How-To-Questions" that anglers, new to the sport will find helpful.
As always, your questions and comments are invited, so don't be shy! — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X
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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.