Fishing outlooks all year long

Talk about it

Anglers curious about regional fishing conditions can visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources web site to view information compiled by area fisheries managers.

Regional fishing outlooks organized by city and body of water can be viewed online. “We’re looking forward to another great fishing season,” said Dirk Peterson, DNR fisheries chief. “Anglers may want to see what’s going on around the state prior to the Saturday inland opener for walleye and northern pike.”

For information on specific areas of the state, contact area fisheries offices at:

Northeast Region

218-327-4414

- Aitkin, 218-927-3751

- Brainerd, 218-828-2550

- Duluth and Lake Superior, 218-525-0853, ext. 200

- Finland, 218-353-7591

- Grand Marais, 218-387-3056

- Grand Rapids, 218-327-4430

- International Falls, 218-286-5220

- Tower, 218-753-2580, ext. 221

Central Region

651-259-5831

- Hinckley, 320-384-7721

- Lake City, 1-651-345-3365

- Lanesboro, 507-467-2442

- Little Falls, 320-616-2450, ext. 225

- Metro East, 651-259-5831

- Metro West, 952-826-6771

- Montrose, 763-675-3301

Northwest Region

218-308-2623

- Baudette, 218-634-2522

- Bemidji, 218-308-2339

- Detroit Lakes, 218-846-8340

- Fergus Falls, 218-739-7576, ext. 238

- Glenwood, 320-634-4573

- Park Rapids, 218-732-4153

- Walker, 218-547-1683

Right now

Ice out was two to three weeks earlier than normal over much of northern Minnesota, and even set records on some lakes. Snowpack was gone by the first of April with little new runoff. Temperatures have been and are forecast to be warmer than normal with below average precipitation. Fish spawning activity was ahead of normal. Unlike some spring fishing seasons, rivers and streams in northern Minnesota should be very fishable for the opener. Whether it’s a trophy walleye or pike, or bluegill or crappie for that matter, remember to practice CPR (Catch/Photo/Release) with these trophies. Recycling is the very best way to ensure there’ll be trophies again for your next trip. Please handle all fish carefully and immediately release any fish not destined for the frying pan. Last but not least, please help prevent the spread of invasive species by keeping your boats, motors and trailers clean of water and vegetation. Clean and disinfect boats and fishing equipment and empty all water from boats and bait buckets after leaving a lake.

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