April 30, 2026 "Avoid Embarrassing, and Costly Fishing and Boating Violations"

"Yesterday morning, when I opened the garage door to begin getting my boat ready for fishing this weekend, I noticed the 2025 registration decals on the starboard bow. Oops, that would have been a bad, and potentially expensive discovery to make at the boat landing this Friday. Luckily, I had already renewed the registration and obtained the new decals last winter. This morning, the pictured decals, good until 2028 are in their proper places on my Alaskan.

The incident did serve as a reminder of how easily overlooked some of the seemingly minute details can be. It reminded me too about why, last spring, I offered an article about how to avoid making mistakes like this, and other simple, but potentially problematic slip ups.

Every year, I’m amazed by the number of encounters I have with folks who commit innocent, but potentially expensive, fishing violations. Admittedly, many of the violations are not “crimes of the century”, but if they’re serious enough to warrant a citation, then they’re serious enough for us to talk about here.

With assistance of Minnesota DNR Enforcement, Lieutenant Colonel, Robert Gorecki, and Communications coordinator, Joe Albert, I put together a list of the more common offenses anglers make every year. To get assessments from varying geographic regions, Albert consulted with conservation offers (CO-s) from across Minnesota.

Today, the list I’m presenting does not cover every conceivable fishing violation, for that, you NEED to read the MN Fishing Regulations Book. But it does offer guidance that can help you avoid the most common violations that CO-s encounter in their daily work. Knowing and following these guidelines will help keep you out of embarrassing and potentially expensive jams with your local game warden." Read the full article here >> Avoid Embarrassing, and Costly Fishing and Boating Violations During the Early Fishing Season

While you're boning up on fishing regulations, I'll be taking my boat trailer in for a checkup. Trailer bearings, brake cleaning and overall inspection of the running lights and so on. Tomorrow, I'll offer sone additional guidance about last minute service checks that can help keep your rig running smooth for the fishing opener. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Call-Text 218-245-9858 • Email • Facebook • X • Subscribe Insider Newsletter

April 29, 2026 "Deer River Area Lakes Report"

While I was out checking the progress of the walleye spawning run, and MN DNR egg take operation at Cutfoot Sioux, I decided to make a quick spin around the north end of Bowstring Lake. I also took a look at the north side of Cutfoot Sioux Resort to check water and lake level conditions.

Stopping at the boat access near eagle nest, all I could see was open water. Except for some small patches of ice stacked up along shore at Seeley and Battle Points, the lake was wide open and appeared to be completely ice free.

The north boat ramp near Eagle Nest is one that I use frequently, and if you do too, please take note. During the winter, ice has pushed the concrete blocks up onto shore and there’s a severe buckle in the center of the boat ramp. Likely, they will get it repaired before the opener, but you may want to double check with us before counting on it for the fishing opener. I will definitely provide an update, letting you know when the ramp is fixed and useable.

Leaving Cutfoot and heading east along County Road 35. I made another quick stop at the North landing on Bowstring. From that vantage point Bowstring looked like it was completely ice free and I didn’t see any evidence of ice stacked along the shoreline anywhere.

I wish I could say that the water level looked high at that spot, but it wasn’t. The good news is that it wasn’t the lowest I’ve ever seen, but it looked like unless we get another significant rainfall soon, it could be a little bit dicey for large boats on the fishing opener.

I didn’t stop at any other lakes, but responding to my comments, Judi Hart said this about the water level at Round Lake, near Squaw Lake. “Most boats will have a hard time getting in Round. Lowest (water levels) I ever seen, we need rain bad!”

Itasca County AIS inspector Jean Smit wrote, “I have done my landing tours on the northwest Itasca lakes. Sand is fairly good, Bowstring south is the best landing to use, Cutfoot Sioux is fair and Plughat is low but good. We had our pre-season meeting with Bill yesterday. So, we are all ready to go for the opener.

We're in the final countdown to the walleye opener, which is now just 10 days away! Stay tuned for frequent updates, and a special report this weekend from the 1st annual "Sundin Family Birthday Extravaganza!" — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Call-Text 218-245-9858 • Email • Facebook • X • Subscribe Insider Newsletter

Wired2Fish April 29, 2026 "Why Bass Tournaments Can Diminish the Fun of Fishing"

"Ever since I was little, all I wanted to do was fish bass tournaments. Watching the Bassmasters every Saturday morning was a ritual in my grandparents’ house, when I was still too young to join my dad on his boat. The dream of walking upon that big stage to weigh in bass as an audience comprising hundreds of people watched grabbed hold of my little brain.

It wasn’t until I started fishing bigger collegiate tournaments for the SUNY Cobleskill Bass Fishing Team that I started asking myself “Is the tournament game all it’s cracked up to be? Is this even fun anymore?”

Bass fishing, at its core, is supposed to be an escape. It’s early weekend mornings, quiet water, and the simple anticipation of ..." Read Full story >> Why Bass Tournaments Can Diminish the Fun of Fishing

Rainy River L.O.W. Fishing Report April 29, 2026

" Spring has arrived in full force at Lake of the Woods, and the ice-to-open-water transition is happening fast. Signs of big cracks, some open water, and quickly deteriorating ice conditions are showing across the lake. In the meantime, the Rainy River, Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay, Zippel Bay, and many areas with current up at the Angle are open.

The focus is squarely on three outstanding fishing opportunities happening right now: world-class sturgeon fishing, pike fishing and preparation for the Minnesota Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 9, 2026

Sturgeon Harvest Season is Here! The sturgeon harvest season began on April 24, 2026 and runs through May 7, 2026. This is the spring window for anglers pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime legal harvest sturgeon. Anglers, properly licensed, are allowed to harvest 1 fish per calendar year. To be "legal" a fish must be between 45 an 50 inches inclusive or over 75 inches. A kept fish must be immediately tagged and endorsed by the angler, and then registered with the MN DNR within 48 hours of the capture.

Great sturgeon fishing is happening right now on the Rainy River and in Four Mile Bay. A variety of sizes are being caught, including fish over 75 inches. These prehistoric giants are aggressive, feeding heavily, and accessible throughout the open water areas.

Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This scent-based presentation draws fish in and triggers strikes from fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds.

Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required for registration if you harvest a legal fish or catch a potential state record.

Lake Sturgeon fishing season will revert back to catch and release fishing from May 8, thru May 15, 2026. The season closes from May 16, thru June 30, 2026

Big northern pike are in the shallows right now, staging near spawning areas and feeding aggressively. The pike season is open year-round, and a small boat is all it takes to access opening bays and shoreline structure.

The possession limit for northern pike is 3 fish, with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike between 30 and 40 inches must be released immediately. Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available for both sturgeon and northern pike trips. There are also charter boats and fishing guides available for walleye fishing trips starting on the opener, May 9, 2026. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and local knowledge. Guides put you on fish and maximize your time on the water." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

April 27, 2026 "Water Levels, Walleye Spawing and More"

As the ice departs, true water levels on lakes are revealed and folks are reporting a mix of conditions. In some regions, water levels look good, and there’s been little concern about water levels for the walleye opener. There are certain regions though, where lakes and small streams still appear to be well below typical early spring levels.

Lake levels aside, most of my home territory has been suffering a drought, fire risks have run high, and whatever snow cover we did have is now long-gone. Fortunately, Grand Rapids is getting a much-needed sip of water this morning. With luck, the forecast of 100% rain all day long will come true and help bolster water levels in the lakes that need it. I’ll be traveling today, camera in tow, and will provide an update on Tuesday morning.

Over the weekend, MN DNR “walleye egg takes” operations around the state were operating at full strength. It is said that the operations, in all cases are nearing completion. The Pike Bay operation near Vermilion is slated to wrap up today. At Cutfoot Sioux, the projected quota may be reached today, possibly tomorrow. So, if you’re planning to visit, I would recommend putting on your raincoat and making the trip today.

Folks who prefer to stay dry may be interested in learning more about the walleye spawning, egg take operations in a series of articles. Last Spring, Lorie Shaull wrote a story for KAXE/KBXE about the annual spring walleye egg take at Cutfoot Sioux. Shaull, "In spring, eggs have been collected at Cut Foot Sioux walleye spawning site in Deer River, MN, since the 1920s. Fertilized eggs are transported throughout the state. The fishing opener is fast approaching and Minnesota’s state fish — the walleye — no doubt will be a coveted catch for any angler.

First things first: walleye spawning season starts not long after ice out, when the waters begin warming into the ..." Read Full Story >> With the ice out, walleye spawning is underway in Minnesota

During past seasons, I've offered reports from both the Bemidji, MN area and the Brainerd, MN regions.

• Follow these links for full stories.
• "Bemidji Area Fisheries Mixing It Up At Big Lake Creek Walleye Eggs Take" — Jeff Sundin May 6, 2022
• Brainerd, Pine River, MN "Eggs Over Easy; Walleye Eggs That Is" — Jeff Sundin April 2019

With luck, I'll make it in time for one more report from the Cutfoot Sioux operation. Check in tomorrow to find out more about that. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Call-Text 218-245-9858 • Email • Facebook • X • Subscribe Insider Newsletter

April 24, 2026 "Cutfoot Sioux Walleye Egg Take Begins Soon"

On Thursday (April 23, 2026), I wrote; "The annual gathering of eggs from spawning walleye at the Cutfoot Sioux operation has not yet begun. As of yesterday, (April 22, 2026), there was a small amount of dock gear set in place near the site, but no signs of anyone setting up for the egg take operation."

"It takes a few days for oxygen levels to replenish once the lakes are completely ice-free. So, until both Little Cutfoot, and connected waters upstream are completely ice-free, the DNR will hold steady before beginning the operation. My educated guess is that Monday or Tuesday next week will mark the start of the operation."

Yesterday afternoon, Amy Perrington at Cutfoot Sioux Resort provided folks with an update. Perrington, "Walleye spawn take update from Doyle Hass, MN DNR Assistant Area Fisheries Supervisor. Dock construction began on Thursday and will continue this Friday (April 24, 2026), and we plan to put the webbing in on Friday. If all goes well, we should start seeing fish on Saturday."

"This year’s quota is just under 600 quarts of fertilized walleye eggs, and we expect the operation to run through next Tuesday (April 28, 2026). Because the Grand Rapids hatchery is still under repair, our local eggs will instead be hatched in either Bemidji or Cass Lake."

"This year, we are also participating in a delayed fry hatching project. This means a small portion of the eggs will be collected later than usual. The experimental egg take will take place about a week later than usual. The dock and webbing will stay in place during that time, but the trap will not be operating for a few days."

For clarification, the 2026 walleye egg quota has not increased. Instead, a small portion of the total egg take is simply being collected later than normal. Based on conversations with MN DNR Fisheries staff at the spring summit, biologists are interested in studying walleye fry survival rates.

Theoretically, walleye fry that hatch later in spring could have a greater survival rate than those that hatch earlier. It is believed that warming water, increasing sunlight and other factors should provide enhanced zooplankton production. Better food supplies for walleye fry may well result in faster growth rates, and therefore better survival over the first year of the walleye year class. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Call-Text 218-245-9858 • Email • Facebook • X • Subscribe Insider Newsletter

Wired2Fish April 24, 2026 "Why Anglers are the Best Conservationists"

"“Hunters And Anglers, The World’s Best Conservationists” read the bumper sticker on the state-provided truck that allowed me to perform my duties as a fisheries technician. After a couple decades of working in fisheries and wildlife management, and later, the broader outdoors industry, I can say that fact remains true. No one does more to care for the world around them than those who actively participate in it.

I would venture to guess that if you asked 100 people if they cared about clean water, 99 would say yes. But that number is significantly lower when it comes to folks who’d willingly dedicate some free time to ensuring that clean water exists.

Ultimately, how much you care about something is proportional to ..." Read Full story >> Why Anglers are the Best Conservationists

Rainy River L.O.W. Fishing Report April 22, 2026

"The Rainy River is fully open, as is the majority of Four Mile Bay to the lake, giving anglers significantly more water to explore and fish.

There are four boat accesses remaining open. Wheeler's Point, at the mouth of the Rainy River, in the heart of the resort area. Four Mile Bay provides another fantastic area to sturgeon fish. This area, at this time of year, holds good numbers of lake sturgeon, giving anglers an alternative to the traditional Rainy River stretches. The Vidas landing, provides excellent access to mid-river stretches. The Frontier landing, close to productive water both upstream and downstream. The Birchdale (Nelson Park) landing offers upstream access, with consistent fishing action.

With the Rainy River flowing freely and Four Mile Bay opening up, anglers now have access to prime sturgeon water, trophy pike habitat, and staging areas that will be loaded with walleyes come the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 9, 2026.

Most anglers continue using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This scent-based presentation draws fish in and triggers strikes from these prehistoric giants.

The Lake Sturgeon season is currently catch and release only. Beginning on April 24, 2026 those pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime sturgeon of legal size may harvest one fish.

After May 7, 2026 the season shifts back to catch-and-release through May 15, 2026 before closing for the summer. Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or extra long bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record.

Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record or harvest fish.

Back bays and feeder streams are opening up, encouraging big northern pike to move into shallow water. Bays are starting to show open water, which naturally gets the attention of anglers who like huge pike. This time of year, big pike start shifting towards their spawning areas, and with a pike season that is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and Rainy River, it offers great opportunities.

A small boat is all it takes to put yourself on some fun spring fishing. You don't need a massive rig or specialized equipment. A 14-16 foot aluminum boat with a small outboard gets you into the bays, along shorelines, and into the back corners where big pike are staging and feeding.

Target shallow bays with emerging vegetation, wood structure, rocky transitions, and current breaks near spawning habitat. Pike will hit spoons, swimbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits, and live bait presentations. If they seem lethargic or neutral, try a deadbait under a bobber.

These are trophy fish, reaching 30, 35 or even 40 plus inches in length. The northerns have attitude and the fight is explosive; it's some of the most exciting fishing of the entire year. The northern pike possession limit is 3 fish, with one pike over 40 inches allowed in possession. All pike 30 to 40 inches must be released immediately.

The Minnesota Walleye Fishing Opener is now less than two weeks away, and conditions are setting up beautifully. Given the current ice-out progression, good numbers of walleyes remain in the river, Four Mile Bay, and along shorelines across the south shore and up at the Northwest Angle. As water temperatures slowly climb and fish continue their post-spawn patterns, they'll be accessible and aggressive come opener.

It will continue to be a great jig bite! The jig and minnow or jig and plastic combination that worked so well during the spring catch-and-release season will remain the go-to presentation. Walleyes will be positioned along shorelines, in current breaks, and staging in classic spring locations. The water will be cold and the walleyes will be plentiful." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

Wired2Fish April 22, 2026 "How to Avoid Three Common Ice-Out Bass Fishing Mistakes"

"There’s something special about that first stretch of open water after a long winter. For someone like myself who doesn’t ice fish, it’s a welcome sight after a long, harsh winter.

Ice-out bass fishing carries a mix of anticipation, frustration, and opportunity. The fish are there, often grouped up and predictable; however, they’re also sluggish, moody, and heavily influenced by conditions. Over the years, I’ve learned that success during this window isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things and avoiding the wrong ones.

After much trial and error, here are three of the most common mistakes during ice-out bass fishing, and how to fix them. These mistakes happen way more often than you’d think, so be aware of what you’re doing, pay attention to conditions, and ..." Read Article to Learn More >> How to Avoid Three Common Ice-Out Bass Fishing Mistakes

April 22, 2026 "Any Way the Wind Blows, Doesn't Really Matter"

"Minnesota’s map of open water lakes is expanding fast. So, with another sunny and breezy day on tap today, it should expand even more over the next 24 hours. As of April 21, 2026, Lake Mille Lacs for the most part, was ice-free already. Small lakes in the Brainerd area were almost all open already. Grand Rapids area lakes, including large portions of Pokegama, we covered with slushy, dark ice that should disappear today.

Further north, at William’s Narrows between Cutfoot Sioux and Little Cutfoot, the image shows a good size stretch of open water. Similarly, the current running through the First River from Little Cutfoot has opened some channels under the bridge. So far, there’s no sign of activity at the MN DNR walleye egg take site. Unless there’s a sudden surprise, I’d expect not too see anything set up there until early next week.

The Boy River walleye egg operation has been in operation for a few days already. Today, I have a window of opportunity to take a short tour of the region, and I’ll get some more details about other walleye spawning sites around the region.

A reminder for northern pike fishing enthusiasts, the Zippel Bay Ice Out Pike Tourney is scheduled for the weekend of May 2 and 3, 2026. As of yesterday, April 21, 2026, the bay at the resort was opening and all indications that water conditions will be favorable for the re-scheduled dates."

With just 16 days remaining before the Minnesota Walleye Fishing Opener, interest in open water will intensify. For me, re-rigging the boat is on my mind too. Stay tuned for more updates about that.

As a reminder, I offered an article about how anglers can avoid embarrassing, and unnecessary citations for fishing violations. If you missed it, or if you’re new to the FishRapper, I think it’s worth your time to check it out. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Call-Text 218-245-9858 • Email • Facebook • X • Subscribe Insider Newsletter

Wired2Fish April 17, 2026 "Best Spring Bass Fishing Lures: Top 7 Explained"

"Bass fishing in the spring brings out more anglers than just about any other time or type of fishing. Largely because it’s also the best time to catch big bass and predictable bass. If you said that just about any lure you own will probably catch a bass at some point in the spring, you wouldn’t be wrong. But there are a handful that are proven effective tools for finding bass through the various stages of spring bass fishing.

While there are a multitudinous “best bass lures,” a handful of them really excel in the spring. Because they either cover the water depth zones efficiently or they fit the mood of the fish in the spring.

The Top 7 Spring Bass Fishing Lures: Small Cranks, Chatterbait, Spinnerbait, Buzzbait ..." Read Article and Learn More >> Best Spring Bass Fishing Lures: Top 7 Explained

News Release April 17, 2026 "Minnesota DNR Finalizes Long-Range Muskie Plan"

"The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has finalized its multi-year effort to update the state’s long-range plan for muskellunge. The plan is available on the DNR muskie webpage and will be used to guide muskie management in Minnesota through 2040.

The plan uses information from recently completed studies focused on muskie survival and ecology, along with community interactions and extensive stakeholder input. Updates to the plan include revised management goals, objectives and strategies centered on:

• Improving existing muskie populations
• Shifting approaches in the production of muskies to be stocked
• Continuing hybrid (tiger) muskellunge management in the metro area
• Broadening research and education efforts
  

“This plan marks a shift in our focus and a significant pivot in our approaches,” said Leslie George, northeast region fisheries manager. “We know there will be successes and challenges as we begin to put the plan into practice, but starting with a shared vision will position us well as we move forward.”

Among the most significant changes to muskie management is the increased use of yearling muskie stocking, or young muskies raised into a second year and stocked in the fall, which have much higher survival rates after being stocked. The plan also calls for increased focus on the muskie fisheries in Mille Lacs Lake, Lake Vermilion and Lake Minnetonka, an approach that received strong support during the public input process.

Muskies are a large, popular predator fish native to Minnesota. The Minnesota DNR manages muskies by protecting critical habitat on native muskie waters, stocking them into select other waters, setting harvest and season regulations, population monitoring and research, and outreach and education about muskies.

Minnesota has 101 waters managed for muskies, comprising 2% of the state’s fishable lakes and rivers and 22% of the total surface area that is fishable. Muskies have been introduced in 48 lakes and are maintained in these lakes through stocking.

More information about muskie and the long-range muskie plan is available here >> Minnesota DNR Muskie Web Page."

April 17, 2026 "Minnesota Ice Line Softens, Moves Northward"

It’s getting easier to find open water in Minnesota. Just yesterday (April 16,2026) Portage Lake, east of Brainerd was added to the ice-out map. To date, this is the lake located furthest north on the list, but there will be more, and soon.

Thanks to sunshine and clear skies on Thursday, an updated satellite image was made available. As the image reveals, large, north-central Minnesota lakes like Mille Lacs, Winnibigoshish and Leech appear to remain ice covered. Look even closer, the low-resolution map shows darkened areas, portions of the lakes covered with soft, slushy ice.

The weather on Thursday, warm and windy, produced more evidence. The image of Lake Mille Lacs shows a wide swath of open water along the southwest shoreline. My interpretation is that the strong, southeast wind had moved the ice sheet way from shore, likely stacking it up on the northeast side of the lake. Once there’s some wiggle room, any windy day will move the lake closer to being ice-free.

Further north, smaller, but similar grey patches of soft ice can be seen on Winnibigoshish, Leech and Upper Red Lakes too. Progress may stall this weekend as we receive a short cold snap, but warmer conditions are predicted to return on Monday. So, the next week should be filled with news of more lakes opening.

It’s a safe bet that folks in the north central region will find plenty of opportunities to fish on Minnesota’s May 9, 2026, Walleye opener. Northeast Minnesota anglers might find it more challenging. This week, Arrowhead Outdoors in Ely reported up to 2 feet of solid ice in the BWCA. The satellite map shows lakes still covered by brighter, whiter looking ice. We’ll be following reports and providing frequent updates, please stay tuned. — Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Call-Text 218-245-9858 • Email • Facebook • X • Subscribe Insider Newsletter

April 16, 2026 DELAYED "Zippel Bay Ice-Out Northern Pike Fishing Tournament"

Most years, the “Ice Out Pike Fishing Tournament” at Zippel Bay would occur over the last weekend in April. Like last year, the slow ice out on Lake of the Woods has forced the postponement of this year’s Zippel Bay Resort Spring northern pike fishing tournament.

Last year, when I shared similar news about the notice about the postponment of the 2025 tourney, I mentioned my previously published article. The article (Lake of the Woods Spring Pike Trip; Just What The Doctor Ordered) offered guidance about how to fish the post spawn pike run on Zippel Bay at Lake of the Woods. I pulled up that article and dusted it off for publication this week, and just now, I got the job done.

Northern Pike, as always, are the first fish into shallow water spawning territory. Moving under the ice, they slip into shallow water bays and small feeder creeks weeks ago. For them, the spawning run is old news, they’ve recovered and their new plan is finding food along the path back to open water. For savvy Northern Pike anglers, now is the time to set up an ambush.

Locating prime territory on Lake of the Woods isn’t that hard, get started by checking your map for bays that connect to the big lake. Avoid bays that “dead end” and look for fingers that lead into tiny feeder creeks that have flowing water. Most often, the first move the large pike make is to ..." Read Full Article >> Zippel Bay Ice-Out Northern Pike Fishing Tournament

Rainy River L.O.W. Fishing Report April 15, 2026

The spring walleye fishing season at the Rainy River ended on a strong note, with excellent river access and multiple fisheries firing on all cylinders. After a slow start, flowing water and warming conditions encouraged walleyes to move upstream, giving anglers a shot at a strong finish last weekend. For now, sturgeon will take the lead as the most highly sought fish in the river as we await the May 9. 2026 walleye season fihing opener.

With the Wheeler's Point access at the mouth of the Rainy River open as of April 14, there are four boat accesses now open. Located right in the heart of the resort docks, the Wheelers Point Landing provides handy access for sturgeon enthusiasts going forward.

Additional open boat ramps: The Vidas landing provides excellent access to mid-river stretches. The Frontier landing is close to productive water both upstream and downstream. The Birchdale (Nelson Park) landing is the original ramp that kicked off the season.
A big thank you to all who participate in opening ramps, keeping anglers safe, and enabling this wonderful spring fishing to take place each year. The work that goes into maintaining these accesses and ensuring safe conditions doesn't go unnoticed. We appreciate everyone who makes spring fishing possible!

Looking ahead to the walleye opener on May 9, 2026, there should be good numbers of walleyes remaining in the river, Four Mile Bay, and across shorelines on the south shore. Typically, warmer springs see fish move through the system faster. This year's extended cold means more fish will be holding in these prime areas come opener.

It will continue to be a great jig bite! Walleyes will be accessible along shorelines, in river current breaks, and staging in classic spring locations. The jig and minnow or jig and plastic combination will remain the go-to presentation.

Now is the time to finalize your opener plans. Resorts are taking reservations, guides are booking up, and prime dates fill quickly. Don't wait—secure your spot for one of the best fishing weekends of the year.

Although most folks will be targeting sturgeon, there are other fishing opportunities. The never-ending northern pike season and the big fish making their way into shallow spawning areas. This is trophy pike time. If you've been wanting to tangle with a big northern, the next few weeks when back bays open up offer some of the best opportunities of the entire year.

Target bays, weed edges, current breaks, and shoreline structure. Use spoons, swimbaits, crankbaits, and live or dead bait presentations. Pike are opportunistic feeders, if you put a bait in front of them, they'll often eat it. The northern pike limit 3 fish in posession, with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30-40 inches must be released immediately.

Perch, bass and panfish are also open, and can provide action as we await the walleye season.

The ongoing sturgeon season is currently in the catch and release window. Beginning on April 24, 2026 is the "keep season" for those pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime sturgeon of legal size. After May 7, 2026 the season shifts back to catch-and-release through May 15, 2026 before closing for the summer. Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or extra long bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record.

Some nice sturgeon are being caught! A variety of sizes continue to come to the net, and the catch-and-release opportunities remain excellent. These prehistoric giants are aggressive right now. If you've never experienced a sturgeon fight, there's nothing quite like it—pure power from a fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds.

Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This combination puts out scent and gives sturgeon something substantial to track down and eat.

Lodging, Guides and Good Food Available!

Fishing guides who must be licensed charter captains from the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing for pike, sturgeon, and walleyes (starting May 9th). Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish. Guides know the river and lake, understand current conditions, network with other guides and adjust techniques based on what's working each day. Whether you're new to the area or a seasoned angler looking to maximize your time, a guide trip is an excellent investment.

The area is full of resorts and a variety of eating and drinking options to enjoy after your day of fishing. Check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website for a complete list of accommodations, restaurants, and amenities.

From classic fish fry dinners to craft cocktails, the Lake of the Woods area offers plenty of ways to relax and recharge between days on the water. Resorts offer food, lodging, guide services, boat rentals, dock slips and everything you need for a successful fishing adventure. Don't miss out, book your trip today." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

Wired2Fish April 15, 2026 "Why All The Hate For Forward-Facing Sonar?"

"Dylan Nutt unknowingly set off another round of a long-standing debate when he used forward-facing sonar to win bass fishing’s biggest prize, the Bassmaster Classic.

Some elevated Nutt to hero status as one of the young lions who can use the latest technology to find and catch bass. Others cast him as almost a villain for using LiveScope, which provides a real-time view of what the fish are doing in their once-mysterious domain.

To scope or not to scope? That’s been a hot issue that has pitted old-school bass fishermen vs. new-era techies ever since Garmin introduced LiveScope in 2018. That debate only intensified when Nutt used the unit to catch many of the bass in his three-day total of 66 pounds, 13 ounces in the Bassmaster Classic on March 13-15 on the Tennessee River.

Nutt earned $300,000 for the championship and earned a berth in the ..." Read Full story >> Why All The Hate For Forward-Facing Sonar?

MN-FISH April 15, 2026 "MN-FISH Angler’s Summit Filling Fast, Join us April 17th, Arrowwood Resort, Alexandria, MN"

"MN-FISH Angler’s Summit Filling Fast, Join us April 17, 2026 Arrowwood Resort, Alexandria, MN

MN-FISH launched the Angler’s Summit to give state anglers a chance to have their voices heard and to update them on some of the hottest topics affecting fishing in Minnesota.

This free event is open to MN-FISH members and other state anglers, but you must reserve your spot now if you plan to attend. To register and see the full agenda go to: 2026 Angler's Summit - MN-Fish. Doors open at 8am, program starts promptly at 9:00. Space is limited!

Our featured speaker is legendary angler Al Lindner. Several other top anglers will be participating, including Jason Mitchell. DNR fisheries managers will also present and available for questions. Topics to include:

• Forward Facing Sonar
• Panfish Regulations
• Invasive Plant Management
• and More!

We’d like to thank Viking Sportsmen Inc. for partnering with us on this event. Click here to register: 2026 Angler's Summit - MN-Fish

MN 2026 Legislative Session

The Minnesota legislature went into session February 14 this year, and as always MN session need to stay alert for bills that affecting fishing in our state. MN-FISH went into this year with a focused legislative agenda. Our number one priority is replacing the aged, but vital, St. Paul Fish Hatchery.

MN-FISH has been working for years to generate attention to the horrific condition this hatchery is currently in. This facility sits on the site of the state’s first hatchery built over a 120 years ago. Primarily responsible for stocking walleye and tiger muskies in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area, it plays an important role in ensuring quality fishing throughout the hatchery system.

MN-FISH has been asking the state to replace this hatchery and appropriate planning money to design a facility that that maintains metro and other fisheries, provides educational opportunities for the public (and especially children) and serves as a research facility capable of solving some of the futures problems.

Watch this video of MN DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen testify in front of the MN Senate Capital Investment Committee earlier this year. Governor’s 2026 DNR Bonding Request - MN-Fish."

Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report April 15, 2026

"Some crappie anglers have been reporting about 20 to 24 inches of ice remaining on Ely area lakes. Areas with current flow have really started to open up, casued by recent rains and snow melt.

There are still a handful of crappie anglers heading out onto the ice, searching for crappies. Recently the fish have been very active. Anglers continue to find them in water depths over 20 to 30 feet of water. Most fish are suspemded, and can be caught anywhere from to 5 to 15 feet down below the surfce of the ice. Crappie minnows and soft plastics have been doing the trick for crappie anglers.

Northern Pike season is closed on inland lakes. But there are a handful of anglers who made the trip up to the border waters where the fishing season for pike remains open. Success for them was reportedly mixed. Anglers reported catching pike in 8 to 12 feet of water, at the mouths of shallow bays or river mouths. Large frozen Alewives accounted for the majority of the big pike caught.

As we await ice-out, and the beginning of a new open water fishing season, fishing reports will likely be sporadic. For folks seeking a last minute ice trip, or in preaparation for the walleye opener, give us a call for up-to-date information." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358

Lake Winnie Cutfoot Sious Ice Conditions Update April 9, 2026

"As a rule, I wouldn’t send readers away from the FishRapper to any of the so-called “social media” pages. Today though, I think many of you may be interested in a video that reveals the current ice conditions at Cutfoot Sioux, north of Deer River. The video, posted by my friend Jens Heig at Bowen Lodge shows the current ice thickness. So, with one month to go before the 2026 walleye fishing opener, I’ll offer you this link to the recently posted video. >> Bowen Lodge Facebook Video Cutfoot Sioux Ice Thickness.

For those of you who don’t have a facebook account, or prefer to skip the video, here’s a transcript of the conversation as Jens walks out on the ice, drills the holes and measures the ice thickness.

Heig, “It’s one month until opening of fishing for the 2026 season. It still looks, and it feels like winter but we’re gonna go out and see how much ice we have now. Today, we want to compare the thickness to what we found last year around this same time.” (Video shows Heig walking and drilling holes with background music.)

Heig, “Last year, we still had about 24 inches of ice at this time. So, with a little bit of rain, some wind and warmth from the sun over there, melting should go quick. Here we are, right out front of our marina, using a specially modified construction tape measure, thank you Mr. Piper. Here we go again, we’re right at about 24 inches, just like last year.”
“We’ve got a long way to go, and there are lots of chores to do. So, we’re taking volunteers to help melt some of this ice. Folks with the heat guns, bonfires, whatever it takes.” (Video Ends.)

Rainy River L.O.W. Fishing Report April 7, 2026

"Spring is slowly arriving, and the focus at Lake of the Woods has shifted away from ice fishing on the big lake, and over to open water fishing on the Rainy River.

Rainy River access continues to expand as ice clears downstream. Currently open are the boat ramps at Nelson Park in Birchdale, MN which is fully operational and the Frontier Boat Ramp just downstream of Birchdale about 8 to 9 miles. Opening soon, should be the Vidas Boat Ramp (about 8 miles downstream from Frontier) which now has open water in front of it with just a bit of shoreline ice and should be ready to go very soon. The open water is making its way downstream each day. As more ramps open, anglers gain access to additional stretches of productive water and can spread out along the river system.

The Walleye bite has been good and getting better. Much like last week, there are more numbers of walleyes being caught versus huge walleyes. But don't let that discourage you, this is the normal progression of the spring run. Some big girls are in the river, just not in the numbers that can happen this time of year. As the water temps increase, the big females will be entering the river in larger numbers. We're on the front end of the run right now. The best fishing, both in terms of numbers and size, still lies ahead.

Important reminder: The walleye season on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release through April 14, 2026 and all walleyes must be released immediately. Take photos, enjoy the fight, but put them back to swim another day.

Most anglers are jigging for walleyes using a jig and plastic or jig and minnow. These remain the go-to presentations that consistently produce fish on the Rainy River. Two primary jigging methods are working well.

• Stationary jigging: Anchored up or spot-locked and vertical jigging, or fan casting shoreline structure. This allows you to work a specific hole, current seam, or piece of structure thoroughly. When you find active fish, you can stay on them and pick them off one at a time.
• Slip jigging: Trolling slowly and dragging a jig at 45 degrees against the current, then slowly drifting back downstream. This covers water efficiently and helps you locate fish when they're scattered or moving.

Some days, fish want it one way over another. Other days, it doesn't matter, they'll bite either presentation. Pay attention to what's working and adjust accordingly. The river will tell you what it wants if you're willing to listen and adapt.

The Sturgeon bite remains strong and this week again, some nice sturgeon are being caught! A variety of sizes continue to come to the net, and the catch-and-release opportunities remain excellent. These prehistoric giants are aggressive right now. If you've never experienced a sturgeon fight, there's nothing quite like it—pure power from a fish that can weigh over a hundred pounds.

Most anglers are using a sturgeon rig with a glob of crawlers or crawlers combined with frozen emerald shiners. This combination puts out scent and gives sturgeon something substantial to track down and eat. Come prepared with heavy tackle, an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, and camera. Know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record.

The Lake Sturgeon season is currently catch and release only through April 23, 2026 and all fish must be released immediately. The harvest season will start on April 24, 2026 and run through May 7, 2026. Angler with a sturgeon tag may harvest 1 fish per calendar year. To keep a fish, it must meausure between 45 and 50 inches or over 75 inches. A harvested fish must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours.

Catch and release sturgeon fishing resumes on May 8the and runs through May 15, 2026. Sturgeon fishin is closed from May 16 through June 30, 2026.

Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing for walleyes and sturgeon. Everything is provided—boat, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish. Guides know the river, understand current conditions, and adjust techniques based on what's working each day. Whether you're new to the Rainy River or a seasoned angler looking to maximize your time, a guide trip is an excellent investment.

Anglers enjoy year around opportunities to fish for northern pike. The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. Pike are staging near spawning areas right now and feeding aggressively. As the river continues to open up, more anglers will target these apex predators. Pike possession limit is 3 fish, with one over fish 40 inches allowed in possession. All pike 30 to 40 inches must be released immediately.

The Lake of the Woods area is very appreciative of everyone who had the chance to make it up this year. Thank you! Your support means everything to our local resorts, businesses, and community. We hope you made memories on the ice and we look forward to seeing you back on the water this spring and summer.

Looking ahead, the Minnesota Fishing Opener is May 9, 2026 and now is the time to make your plans. By opener, water temperatures will be warmer, the big female walleyes will be in the system in force, and the bite will be at its peak. The jig bite will be strong, and walleyes will be accessible along shorelines on the lake and current breaks throughout the river.

Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offer world-class walleye fishing during opener weekend and throughout May. Resorts are taking reservations now. Prime dates and guides book quickly, don't wait to secure your spot." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

Wired2Fish April 7, 2026 "Choosing the Right Panfish Rod"

"If there’s one thing panfish have taught me over the years, it’s that small fish demand serious attention to detail. Bluegills, crappies, perch, and pumpkinseeds might not pull like a big bass or pike, but they’ll humble you fast if your gear isn’t right. More missed bites and lost fish happen because of rod choice than most anglers care to admit.

I thought I knew about panfish, until I moved to the Finger Lakes Region and started targeting them more. Panfish in larger water bodies are a whole different breed, requiring more than your standard short ultralight with a small reel. It can be extremely technique specific. Plus, even though they’re on the smaller side, you need control over the fish. Choosing the right panfish rod isn’t about grabbing the lightest stick on the rack, the secret is to ..." Read Article and Learn More >> Choosing the Right Panfish Rod

Rainy River L.O.W. Fishing Report April 1, 2026

"Spring has arrived at Lake of the Woods, and the transition from ice to open water is in full swing. The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale on the Rainy River is open for all boats, marking the official start of the spring fishing season on one of North America's premier fisheries.

Fishing Guides Available Step Aboard and Fish! Fishing guides from Rainy River and Lake of the Woods resorts are available to take you fishing on the Rainy River for walleyes and sturgeon. Avoid any lines and simply step aboard! Everything is provided including the know-how, tackle, bait, and local expertise. Guides put you on fish, handle the logistics, and maximize your time on the water. Whether you're chasing trophy sturgeon or filling your camera with walleye photos during catch-and-release season, a guide trip is the best way to experience spring on the Rainy River.

For late season ice anglers, most resorts have finished up for the season. There are still some ice accesses that are allowing ATVs and side-by-sides with portables for those looking to squeeze in one final trip, but the focus has clearly shifted to boats and open water opportunities. Ice conditions vary across the lake, and caution is essential this time of year. If you're going out, check conditions with the resort or ice road operator frequently, avoid areas with current or pressure cracks, and always let someone know your plans.

Rainy River Open Water Report - Spring Season is Here! The Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale is open and seeing steady boat traffic. The next access downstream is Frontier, and with just a bit of ice on the landing but open water throughout that stretch and to the west, it will be open very soon as well.

The bite is on! Good numbers of walleyes are being reported. Some anglers are catching big fish, but the norm so far has been numbers over size. Don't let that discourage you—the best is yet to come! As we move deeper into spring and closer to the opener, the size and quality will continue to improve.

What's Working on the Rainy River. Most anglers on the river are catching walleyes using a jig and minnow or jig and plastic. These are the bread-and-butter presentations that work consistently throughout the spring season.

Trolling slowly upstream and dragging a jig behind the boat has been effective. This covers water, keeps your bait in the strike zone, and allows you to find active fish. Others are anchored up and vertical jigging in proven holes and current breaks.

Another technique to keep in the back pocket is trolling upstream with crankbaits. Some troll the shorelines working structure and transitions, while others use a three-way rig with a 2 to 3 ounce dropper and 6 foot piece of mono or fluorocarbon to a shallow diving crankbait. This setup gets the bait down in the current and covers a lot of productive water.

Important reminder: The walleye season on the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release through April 14, 2026. You can catch them, photograph them, and enjoy the fight—but all walleyes must go back in the water until the harvest season opens.

Great Sturgeon Reports, Trophy Fish Being Caught. Some great sturgeon reports are coming in from the Rainy River! A variety of sizes are being caught, including some fish over 75 inches. These prehistoric ,giants are aggressive right now, and the catch-and-release opportunities are outstanding.

Lake Sturgeon Season:

• Catch and release through April 23rd (current season)
• Harvest season: April 24 - May 7, 2026 (1 per calendar year; fish must be 45"-50" inclusive or over 75"; must be immediately tagged/endorsed and registered within 48 hours)
• Catch and release: May 8 - 15, 2026
• Closed: May 16 - June 30, 2026
  

Come prepared with heavy tackle—many anglers use their muskie or catfish gear. Bring an oversized net or tail lasso, needle nose pliers, measuring tape or bump board, camera, and know what documentation is required if you catch a potential state record.

Pike Season Year-Round Action Continues. The pike season is open year-round on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. Great action continues for late season ice anglers targeting pike with tip-ups, and soon, anglers will be targeting them in open water as well.

Pike are aggressive right now as they stage for spawning. They're feeding heavily, and both ice and open water anglers are connecting with trophy fish. This is prime time for big pike. Pike limit: 3 fish in posession with one over 40 inches allowed. All pike 30 to 40 inches must be released immediately.

Looking Ahead. The Minnesota Fishing Opener is May 9, 2026. The jig bite will be on fire in that cold water and walleyes are close to shore. By opener, we'll see even better size distribution and the harvest season will be in full swing.

Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River offer world-class walleye fishing during the fishing opener weekend and throughout the summer. Resorts are taking reservations now, and prime dates fill quickly. Don't wait—book your trip and secure your spot for one of the best fishing weekends of the year." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH

Wired2Fish April 1, 2026 "Bank Fishing for Great Lakes Brown Trout in the Spring"

"There’s something different about chasing browns from the bank. No electronics, no boat, no long trolling passes: It’s just you, your rod, and a stretch of shoreline that might look empty until it suddenly isn’t. Shore fishing for brown trout in the Great Lakes and their tributaries is raw, seasonal, and deeply personal. It’s about reading water, grinding through weather, and believing the next cast could connect you to a fish that’s seen more miles than most people.

Across the basins, brown trout offer legitimate shore-bound opportunities for anglers willing to put in the time. It makes great early season fun on both spinning and fly casting gear.

Unlike some open-water species that roam deep and suspend offshore, browns are structure-oriented and temperature-driven. They relate to current breaks, creek mouths, rocky points, pier heads, and stained water edges. That makes them accessible, especially in the spring when they are stacked in the mouths of ..." Read Article and Learn More >> Bank Fishing for Great Lakes Brown Trout in the Spring

Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report April 1, 2026

"Crappies again showed signs of going strong only for us to get another cold snap to cool it off. When it was going strong anglers reported catching a good number of quality crappies and gills mixed in. These anglers reported catching crappies up high, while fishing over 20 to 30 feet of water. Fish were uspended, holding at about 10 to 15 feet under the ice.

Crappie minnows fished under a bobber or deadstick, with a purple, white or pink jig, were very effective here for many anglers. Many anglers also did well fishing a white colored soft plastics.

Sunfish were still holding tight to the bottom. Oftentimes not coming off the bottom more than 5 feet. Small jigs loaded up with wax worms was the ticket for getting them to bite. Some real giants stretching the tape past 10 inches were reported by anglers.

Whitefish/tullibees: Many anglers fishing for panfish with soft plastics caught a handful of nice tullibees. Tullibees are a lot like crappies, when the suns out, they are often very high in the water column and actively chase your baits up and down like a lake trout would, but when the clouds come in they cool off and often are unwilling to chase your baits.

Small jigging spoons you would use for stream trout and small panfish jigs, both loaded with waxies, are a very effective way to catch tullibees. Anglers should look for deep holes between 20 to 40 feet of water for schools of tullibees." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358

Today's Feature Fishing Report: Minnesota Fisheries Summit 2026 "Muskie Plan, hatchery upgrades, shore fishing expanded"

Minnesota Long Range Muskellunge Plan

One exciting development revealed at the 2026 MN DNR Fisheries Summit last weekend is the newly revised long range Muskie management plan”. In the presentation, the co-chair of the northern pike and muskellunge technical committee highlighted some key differences between the new plan, and former plan, which expired in 2020.

Unlike the former plan, which sought to combine muskie and northern pike management efforts, the new plan focuses solely on muskies. Another key departure from previous plans is a switch from focusing on adding new waters, to an emphasis on preserving and improving populations in existing muskie lakes and rivers. Specifically mentioned, Lake Vermilion, Lake Mille Lacs and Lake Minnetonka are slated to receive special attention.

How muskie populations are maintained is slated to be updated too. Whenever possible, stocking of muskie fingerlings, the previous standard, will be replaced by stocking of larger and more fully developed yearling fish. Survival of the yearling fish is typically much better than that of fingerlings. So, if the plan yields the expected results, stocking a smaller number or larger size fish, should make maintaining populations easier going forward.

A potential downside of the proposed muskie plan “could be” diminished emphasis on northern pike management. It’s too soon to make any judgement about that, but as a northern pike enthusiast, I’ll be working to learn more about future plans for statewide northern pike management; more on that later.

Minnesota Get Out More Projects Update

An initiative that’s receiving high praise from fisheries managers and users alike is the “Get Out More” project.

The “Get Out More” project came about in 2023 when MN-FISH helped secure $110 million dollars in funding from the state of Minnesota general funds. Specific use of those funds that were in focus at the summit were upgrades to Minnesota’s fish hatcheries and expanding access to shore fishing locations around the state.

First off, a presentation by Mandy Erickson who highlighted progress of 2 big projects, and another dozen or so small projects. Plans for the Waterville, Minnesota hatchery, a 24-million-dollar project, are nearly complete. The new hatchery provides not only improved efficiency for species currently stocked from the location but makes it possible to expand into other species too. Classrooms and public viewing stations will allow access to observers, without risking contamination of sensitive elements of the process.

Another project, 15 million dollars in scope, is being planned for the Crystal Springs hatchery. Plans are still in development but approaching completion. As I understand, the Crystal Springs facility will be different from others in that it will feature a closed water system. To help prevent the introduction of unwanted water born invasions, water will be filtered, temperature controlled and re-circulated throughout the hatchery.

Expect more updates about the Crystal Springs project, as well as some smaller projects as details become available.

For his part in the presentation, Jim Levitt updated attendees about progress of various shore fishing expansion projects. There were 21 projects already completed in 2024-25; there are 37 in the hopper for 2026 and for 2027, another 15 projects pending.

In past years, shore fishing piers, or other shoreline access points were developed based primarily on availability of a spot. These days, Levitt reports that there is a much stronger emphasis on developing shore fishing sites with good potential that fish will be available to catch. Working with DNR fisheries, sites are selected in areas with access to fish habitat, or in some cases, where habitat enhancements can be added.

From my perspective, the importance of access for youngsters, or anglers who don’t have boats cannot be overstated. Angler recruitment depends on providing folks from all walks of life with opportunities to participate in fishing. Judging by the enthusiasm in the room, most everyone in attendance agrees. So, the program is likely to expand in the future. If you live near a location that would be a good fit for a shore fishing structure, take a minute to let them know. Contact Jim Levitt 651-259-5819 or email jim.levitt@state.mn.us

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. You see, with just a few words about general trends, seasonal patterns or local weather conditions you can help steer your fellow anglers to more gratifying fishing experiences. So, be like Dan and Sean, and become a duly deputized "Cub Reporter", it's good for fishing and that's good for everybody!

Use the Contact Us page, or if you prefer to be "social", use our community page on facebook Fishing Reports Minnesota, that is the Facebook counterpart to this page and it is open to the public, so you can post your own fishing update or just share a photo of a nice catch.