Grand Rapids MN Fishing Report 7-17-24

Grand Rapids MN Fishing Report

warm weather put fish into a transitional summer pattern

This last stage of warm weather definitely put several species of fish into a transitional summer pattern .Locations can vary depending on bodies of water and supporting structures. Following these trends can definitely steer you in a positive direction  more often then not. On some lakes these trends can be repetitious and similar conditions can be found and he delivery system can be the same. Case in point would be walleye fishing and catching fish with the use of slip bobbers and leeches for walleyes at similar suspended depths which is an older type method that continues to astound me with its variations and consistency. It’s making a strong comeback in the world of walleye fishing especially in very clear water during and after a couple big bug hatches. Electronics plays a key role in finding schools of hungry walleyes and putting the bait right in their wheelhouse. I like a slightly longer rod such as a St. Croix 7’6” Avid so I can have the ability to make a sweeping hook set especially on windy days. With a spinning reel that has a higher gear ratio it allows me to pick up lots of line quickly and let the rod and reel do the work. Some of the better summer walleye lakes in the Grand Rapids and Itasca County area are Big Jesse, Winnie, Pokegama, Swan, and Trout Lake in Coleraine.

 Muskie fishing is a species of fish that is pursued by anglers all over the country,  and Itasca County has several lakes and including the Mississippi River that can offer opportunities to catch a trophy of a lifetime. It’s a lot of hard work and casting for hours and days on end, but the results can be heart stopping when a fish of mammoth proportions is on the end of your line and even when they follow your bait to the boat, can give you goose bumps. The warmer weather creates opportunities for Muskies to roam certain areas that are rich in food sources. Large Cabbage flats that contain forage in the summer can put food on the table in a Musky’s world. Heavier tackle with 7-9 foot rods that are capable of throwing large baits great distances allows more flexibility of long retrieves and more time your lure is in the zone. Braided lines of 60-80 pound test will insure firm hook sets when a Musky comes calling. Level wind reels are also an important tool for advanced speed of gear ratio to reel line at an upbeat speed. At times this is needed to trigger a Musky that wants to chase down his or her next meal. Large lures that simulate bigger meals are many times what a Musky prefers. In line spinners such as Cow Girls and several other makes and models are great baits to throw and retrieve. Large Glide Baits and noisy surface types can also be baits that trigger a Musky at times. Minnesota and Itasca County can provide the opportunities to catch a fish of dreams. Hire a good reputable guide to show you the many options you have. Grant Prokop of Thousand Lakes Sports in Grand Rapids is one of the top Musky guides in the region. He has many trophy Muskies to his credit for clients and is a great teacher as well.

Some of the lakes to consider in Itasca County for top Musky producers are Moose Lake, Deer Lake, Big and Little Winnie, the Mississippi River, and North Star lakes. Come enjoy summer fishing in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. There is still a lot of summer left. Check out our Fishing Page for details about fishing guides, and then pick your dates, book the guide, and then book your Grand Rapids Lodging. You can bring the entire family! There is always something to do for all ages in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Check out our Events Calendar Page, Things To Do Page, and our Outdoor Recreation Page to view all types of things to do while on vacation in Grand Rapids, MN.

The weekly Grand Rapids MN Fishing Report provided by Tom Neustrom, MN Fishing Connections. Tom Neustrom is an inductee of both the Freshwater Hall of Fame and the MN Fishing Hall of Fame. 

Grand Rapids MN Fishing Report 7-10-24

Grand Rapids MN Fishing Report

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Grand Rapids MN Fishing Report

Grand Rapids MN Fishing Report 7-10-24

The Heat is on

This week’s Grand Rapids MN Fishing Report is brought to you by Tom Neustrom, owner of professional fishing guide service, MN Fishing Connections. 

The Heat is On”. Temperatures are going to reach into the low to upper 80’s in the next week or so and that could change the fishing around for different species. The summer locations for species  such as walleyes will change, but not dramatically. Off shore structures will start to have “occupants ”but don’t dispel shoreline breaks, weed beds, shallow rock piles and depths of 12-16 feet. Some lakes, especially with maximum depths of 20-25 feet or less most often have darker water than much deeper and larger lakes. These can be key lakes in the summer when warm weather sets in and can give you a decent walleye bite most of the season. As with many species we have learned to catch them a multiple of different ways from simplistic to advanced methods.

 Jig and minnow, slip sinker rigs with a leech or crawler have been standards for decades. Even a few spinner combinations have been essential to put walleyes in the boat. Some methods that seem to come to the forefront of late are modifications of existing rigs and new adjustments of tried and true presentations. Case in point are spinner rigs that incorporate a single size 1 or 1/0 long shank Aberdeen hook. Used with live bait or even at times plastics. Appropriate amount of beads as not to interfere with the spinner can be key for the proper adaptation and trigger walleyes into biting. Fished through and around weed beds and other mid to shallow structures this can be a deadly rig. Speed is an important ingredient in the presentation with 1.20-1.50 a preferred trolling or even at times drifting when there is maximum wind. If you are fishing a darker water lake approximately 25-35 feet of line is all you need out. If the water is clearer, then 40 to 60 feet is much more productive. We prefer gold #2 or #3 spinners that will get the job done. 1/8th to ¼ bullet sinkers work best to slip and slide through vegetation in depths of 10-20 feet. Don’t be afraid to use 12-17 pound test Fluorocarbon to tie your rigs. This is not a finesse rig but a triggering one. The leader should be about 30-36 inches in length attached to a swivel  The sinker is above the swivel free to slide freely. Give it a try.

A jig and minnow is still a top producer and can be used all through the season. I like to fish 1/16th to 1/8th ounce jigs and with Northland Tackles assortment of Tungsten jigs there is one for every angler. With needle sharp Gamakatsu hooks they are a jig that every angler needs to have in his arsenal. All around, I am particularly fond of the 1/8th long shank because I can fish it with live bait or plastics. Several of the lakes in the area are giving up walleyes. Big Splithand, Swan, Big Winnie, Bowstring and Jessie have been producing of late. 

Bass fishing has been excellent and the traffic on the area lakes has let up a bit. For Smallmouth Bass, Wabana, Deer, Pokegama and the Mississippi River have all been giving up nice Smallies. For Largemouth spin the wheel. There are hundreds of good Largemouth lakes in the Grand Rapids and Itasca County area with several great opportunities for both. National Bass Tournaments have come here and said this is probably one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the country. That’s a lot to be said from anglers like Mike Icconelli, Kevin Van Dam, Mark Zona, and many others.

 With over 1,140 area lakes, you will catch fish in Grand Rapids, MN. Check back each week for a new Grand Rapids MN Fishing Report by Tom Neustrom.

Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report 7-4-24

Pokegama Small Mouth Bass

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Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report 7-4-24

Report by: Tom Neustrom, MN Fishing Connections

With stable weather approaching in the next weeks to come look for the fishing to remain good across the region. Panfish(Bluegills and Crappies)to continue to get better as the weed growth continues to mature. Recent bug hatches have given more opportunities to feed on insects that give panfish multiple opportunities to find other food sources. With walleye fishing taking center stage early in the season now other species become readily available. Every lake in the Grand Rapids and Itasca County area have good panfishing with several lakes on the top of the list. Little Cutfoot, Pokegama, Bass, Big and Little Balsam, and Big and Little Splithand are all good choices for nice panfish.

Large and Smallmouth fishing has been excellent throughout the area with weed beds starting to grow after a slow start. As with panfish, especially largemouth bass need weeds for food and cover. Also they readily feed on young panfish as a food source and need cover to hunt down their food. Largemouth generally feed on what’s available but can be found around weed beds, wood, rock piles with weeds, and docks. A variety of baits can attract then with top water and explosive way in the morning on a calm day. Some of the best largemouth lakes in the area are Big Rice, Pokegama, Wabana, Big Balsam, Long Lake, and numerous lakes in. the Scenic Hwy. area.

Smallmouth bass on the other hand most often need clear cool water as their preferred territory. They like largemouth need multiple food sources available, but have a preference for hard bottom and rocks for their hangout. Crayfish are their dominant food target but will eat several different food sources. Small baits like a Ned Rig, Jig Worm, Chatter baits, and Top water are irresistible to smallmouths on any given day. Some of the better smallmouth lakes in the area are Wabana, Deer, Pokegama, and at times the Mississippi River.

Walleye fishing continues to attract many anglers to the Grand Rapids area and with the stable weather coming that should continue to provide good opportunities. Walleyes are continuing their migration to summer locations of off shore and summer structures. Jig and Minnow is still producing fish on the majority of lakes, but leeches and crawlers have also been working well. Slip bobbers and a leech have been working especially well for suspended walleyes during the day and finding suspended fish with the use of your electronics is key. The Itasca County  area is blessed with great walleye lakes and a few to pay close attention to are Bowstring, Big Winnie, Deer, Pokegama, Big Splithand, and Bass Lakes.

Have a safe and fun weekend enjoying the outdoors in the Grand Rapids and Itasca County area.

Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report 6-26-24

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Tom Neustrom Walleye

Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report 6-26-24

Fishing report by tom neustrom

Tom Neustrom Fishing This week’s Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report 6-26-24 provided by Tom Neustrom, owner of MN Fishing Connections. 

The fishing has been very good when we get consistent weather, but as of late the winds and high amounts of rain have made things a little difficult. After nearly 2 1/2 years of drought conditions it’s refreshing to see our accesses on area lakes up to normal if not higher. Anglers are able to get their boats in and out of area lakes with little or no problems. The Mississippi River current is running fast so extra care should be used in reference to using the river. Small children should probably stay away from the river until the current subsides.

 

Walleye fishing has been good on area lakes with the jig and minnow bite still holding its own. Crawlers and leeches are becoming more of a choice due to incurring bug hatches that have been increasingly noticeable. It’s the time of the year that bringing a little bit of live bait in 2-3 categories makes sense. As opposed to the last few years there seems to be plenty of bait around this year. Being on the water frequently allows anglers to notice conditions and how things can change from day to day. Areas to pay attention to for daytime walleyes are edges of sunken islands, points, new emerging weed beds, and shallow cover on cloudy days. Some of the lakes in the Grand Rapids and Itasca County are Big Splithand, Moose, Deer, Jesse, Big Winnie, and Bowstring. The evening bite due to extremely clear water has been excellent. Some of the best walleye fishing of the summer will be happening in the next few weeks.

 

Bass fishing has been slow to get going, but now with the weather warming and spawn over, both species of bass are starting to recover and bite. With the higher water of late, there are areas that large and smallmouth bass have not had the luxury of exploring uncharted locations because with the low water haven’t existed. Largemouth for instance mostly occupy shallow weed cover, docks, wood and at times deep weeds. This is where their primary food sources exist. Minnows, small bluegills, crayfish, and other forage make up their existence. Small mouth bass are a slightly different critter with similar food categories with a strong diet of crayfish. The habitat smallmouth bass occupy dictates a different food category and opportunity becomes even more identifiable. Smallmouth Bass like cooler water temperature than Largemouth and like rock, gravel and a mixture of sandgrass. As opposed to weeds, Smallmouth like deeper water close by and prefer clearer water to target their food. Small baits such as Ned Rigs, Drop Shot, Tubes, and small crank baits work well when chasing smallmouth bass.

 

Some of the good Largemouth lakes are Big and Little Splithand, Pokegama, Rice, Long lake, Trout lake, and Loon lake just to mention a few. For smallmouth try  Deer lake, Pokegama, Trout lake, Moose lake, or Turtle . All contain both species of bass with smallmouth bass being a good shot at a trophy. Small crankbaits, Ned Rigs, Drop Shot, and jerk baits are all good choices to boat smallmouth.

 

Northern Pike have become very active of late and any number of lakes in the area provide for good pike fishing. Pokegama, Big Winnie, Round, Swan, and Trout lakes are just to mention some and a real good chance at a trophy 10 pounds or larger. They are sort of a flash and dash species of fish a with a very attractant to fast moving baits moved quickly over the tops of weeds and along edges of rock piles. Bigger pike will many times be found in deeper water where the forage they prefer can be found. Deep cabbage weeds are another good location to find big pike. Large Spinner baits, crank baits, jerk baits, and large suckers are sure fire baits to attract pike of all sizes.

 

Itasca County has over 1500 fishable lakes with multiple species providing great opportunities to catch fish. Great fishing, great information, great places to stay all provide fun and excitement when visiting our area.

 

Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report 6-5-24

Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report

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Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report

Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report 6-5-24

Fishing Report by Tom Neustrom

This Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report brought to you by professional fishing guide, Tom Neustrom. Summer fishing has entered in a big way as the heat if summer come and changes below the surface have arrived. There were periods of time the last few weeks that angling for several species had not been consistent.

Cold fronts had arrived and pushed crappies especially into a dilemma of some days the crappies were shallow and other days with cooler temperatures the crappies move out for a couple days to depths of 10-18 feet. A few warms days and they will be right back shallow. Some of the good crappie lakes to try are Little Splithand, Little Moose, Rice, Little Cutfoot, Bass Lake, and many lakes in the Marcell area.

A small jig tipped with a small minnow, wax worm or action plastic tail. A small float fished 2-4 feet above the jig will most often create bites early in the season. As the cabbage weeds continue to grow, pay attention to the thickness of weeds and fish your baits just slightly above the weeds and keep moving until you contact fish.

Walleyes have started to move off the shoreline locations but not quite yet. Many are still there,  but start looking slightly off shore on structures close to spring locations. There are bug hatches starting to show up associated with structures with soft bottoms where many of these hatches occur. Jig and minnow is still producing the majority of walleyes caught on live bait, but crawlers and leeches are also worth taking with you to be fished on rigs or slip bobbers. It seems that walleyes are in a traditional if not seasonal movement but that can change daily. Also look for new emerging weed beds that walleyes and other species look for this time of year. Some of the better lakes to try for walleyes have been Big Winnie, Pokegama, Deer, Big Splithand, Bowstring, Trout in Coleraine, and Swan Lake.  

Bass fishing has been excellent and will continue to get better especially coming off the spawn. Smallmouth Bass have been very active and some of the lakes to try are Wabana, Pokegama, Deer, and Big Splithand. Smaller baits such as Ned Rigs, Drop Shot, Jig and 4 inch plastic worm are great baits to put smallmouths in the boat.  Shallow gravel bars near and around rocks seem to be prime locations.

Bring the entire family to Grand Rapids, Minnesota! Even if not everyone fishes, it is OK. There is so many things to do, outdoor recreation, fun placesto eat & drink, boutique style shops, and relaxing and cozy lodging properties. Book your lodging now: STAY IN GRAND RAPIDS, MN

Grand Rapids Minnesota Fishing Report May 28, 2024

walleye wonderland

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walleye wonderland

Grand Rapids Minnesota Fishing Report May 28, 2024

Fishing Report by Tom Neustrom

Tom Neustrom is a professional fishing guide, owner of MN Fishing Connections guide service, and an inductee of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame.

In the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area there are 1,140 lakes to catch fish. These lakes range in size from a couple of acres to tens of thousands of acres. There are a wide variety of species of fish that you can catch on these thousand grand lakes as well. There are panfish like crappie, bluegill, sunfish, perch, rock bass and bullheads. There are trophy fish such as walleye, northern pike, musky and smallmouth and largemouth bass. And then there are trout species like brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout and splake (a hybrid of two fish species resulting from the crossing of a male brook trout and a female lake trout). *Note: you will need to purchase the trout stamp in order to fish in designated trout waters and to possess trout.

There are a good number of tourists in the area looking to catch fish, and most are looking for walleye, but they just want to catch fish. Right now, the fishing started out really good early in the season. But the water temperatures have not warmed up like they are needed to for the bite to pick up. The walleyes are acting lethargic and not overly active, but as the water warms up to 60+ degrees the fishing will pick up. Right now, many of the lakes are between 56-58 degrees. Lakes that have reached 60 degrees or warmer are: Bowstring, Round, and Splithand and people have been catching more walleyes on these lakes.

Do not look for the fish to be shallow, right now they are in transitional feet of 12-14 feet of water. A jig and a minnow are working to catch fish, as is a leech and split bobber. Being prepared with several presentation options is needed to catch fish. Cannot rely on one presentation right now and be ready to fish for whatever is biting. Some of the other lakes that have been producing well are Sugar, North end of Bass Lake, Bowstring.  On Bowstring Lake the bite has been out deeper in 18-20 ft. And the lake level has come up and the MN DNR has opened the boat landings to the public again.

Crappies are starting to spawn on many of the lakes. Look for pencil reeds and 4-6 ft of water. A slip bobber, a minnow, and jig will provide lots of action. Lakes to consider to fish for crappies right now are: Splithand, Little Splithand, Bowstring, Jessie and Little Cut Foot.

The smallmouth bass season has opened for the Grand Rapids, MN area lakes. Many anglers are out looking for smallmouth bass in their spawning beds. Lakes to consider for smallmouth bass are: Deer Lake, Wabana, and Pokegama.

The Grand Rapids, Minnesota area is the perfect fishing vacation destination where you will find many area lakes to fish, numerous boat landings with good access, and a wide variety of species of fish you can catch. There are a lot of overnight lodging options from in town Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, and Air BnB’s to Minnesota Lake Resorts and Lake Vacation Rentals. Visit Grand Rapids represents 35 lodging properties that offer night by night to long term stays less than 30 days. Check out the STAY PAGE to book lodging before you arrive.

Bring the entire family and make a Family Vacation at a going to the lake destination in Grand Rapids. There is something for the entire family, young and old alike. You will find cozy lodging to fit the entire family’s needs from family suites to full cabin and home rentals. You will find fun places to eat and drink, boutique style shops, historic sites and attractions, weekly live music and entertainment, fun summer events, and beautiful art and cultural experiences. Come together this summer in Grand Rapids, Minnesota where you will reconnect, relax and recharge in Minnesota’s nature.  Find THINGS TO DO in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area.

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walleye wonderland

Grand Rapids Minnesota Fishing Report May 28, 2024

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walleye wonderland

Grand Rapids Minnesota Fishing Report May 28, 2024

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Grand Rapids Fishing Report by Tom Neustrom

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report | 2-28-24

grand rapids mn ice fishing

ice conditions

Ice conditions are still relatively good. Most lakes still have 10” – 15” of ice. Some cracks have opened up on many of the local lakes, so we advise being cautious when traveling across any body of water. Warmer weather will certainly begin to play a role on ice conditions in the next couple of weeks.

ice fishing report

Panfish are biting well. In some cases we have noticed fish beginning to move closer to shallow water as we get later into the ice season. The edges of weed lines near spawning areas can begin to be good this time of the year. Small tungsten jigs with plastics have been working best.
Trout fishing has been pretty slow. Some people have been using small tubes to trick finicky trout into biting to moderate success. Ice conditions have been rough on the trout lakes all season, and now with warming weather they will likely get worse. If you plan on going out for trout be very cautious.
Fisherman are also starting to see some eelpout moving up close to their spawning areas. Eelpout can usually be caught on steep break lines adjacent to deep water after dark. Most anglers experience their best success in the 20’ – 30’ range. 

Ice fishing resources

Even though it doesn’t seem that it is late ice fishing season, but in a low snow and warmer than normal temperatures, we are there. Use caution when out of the nice, and utilize the MN DNR Ice Safety Resources before you head out. Tell someone where you are going, when you expect to be back. Test the ice as you walk out. Use the MN DNR Ice Fishing Ice Thickness Guide  Ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water; it can be two feet thick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away.

Fishing licenses are effective from March 1 to the last day of February of the following year. A fishing license for the current 2024-25 license year is effective until Feb. 28, 2025.

The purchase price of every fishing license goes into the Game and Fish Fund, a dedicated account that can only be used for fish, wildlife, law enforcement and certain other related activities.

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 2-21-24

Ice fishing Report

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Ice fishing Report

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 2-21-24

Late season Ice Fishing

The weather has been pretty stable resulting in minimal gain or loss of ice in the past week.  We are still seeing 11 to 14 inches of ice in most areas.  The lakes are snow free and cleats are definitely recommended for foot travel. 
 
Bluegills and crappies seem to be willing to bite if you can get on top of a school without spooking them. Small tungsten jigs  tipped with plastics, larvae, or wax worms is the ticket.  Look for fish in the basins in 18 to 25 feet of water. 
 
Walleyes are still biting well as we near the end of the season.  20 to 28 feet of water on jigging spoons tipped with fathead minnows has been best.  
 
2024 fishing licenses are now available for purchase. Keep in mind that although your 2023 license is good through the end of February, the walleye and pike season closes February 25th.   

Book Your 2024 Fishing Trip To Grand Rapids

Now is the perfect time to book your 2024 Fishing Trip to Grand Rapids. With the warmer than normal winter, and early spring upon us bookings for Minnesota 2024 Opening Fishing have already started. Minnesota Opening Fishing is May 10, 2024. 

Now is the perfect time to book your 2024 Fishing Trip to Grand Rapids. With the warmer than normal winter, and early spring upon us bookings for Minnesota 2024 Opening Fishing have already started. Minnesota Opening Fishing is May 10, 2024.

A Minnesota fishing trip to Grand Rapids is all about making memories with friends and family. There are 1,140 lakes around Grand Rapids to catch a wide variety of fish from crappies, bluegill, sunfish, bass, walleyes, northern pike, trout and musky.

There are many overnight places to stay in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. You will find in town Hotels, Motels, Vacation Rentals and Bed and Breakfasts. Then there are Minnesota Resorts and Vacation Rentals that are located on beautiful area lakes. You can select the perfect place to stay that will fit your individual or group needs. Find Places To Stay in Grand Rapids.

Come make Fishing Memories in Minnesota’s nature.

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report | 2-7-24

ice fishing report

Ice Fishing Report

This week’s Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report is provided by Sam Westensee and Bryce Busching. Photo Caption: Brooks Bauchman with nice winter walleye.

ICE CONDITIONS

Ice conditions seem to be holding steady on area lakes with 10 to 13 inches being the average.  Ice cleats are recommended as there is little to no snow cover on the ice. 

ICE FISHING REPORT

Panfish have been spooky over the past week. This could be due to lack of snow cover.  If you plan on chasing panfish, consider how much noise you’re making on the ice. This could make or break your success.  

The walleye bite has still been good overall.  Morning and evening hours have still been best but there are some daytime feeding windows on the overcast days.  Spoons tipped with fatheads and shiners or rainbows on the dead stick are the go to baits.  

A few decent pike are being caught on tip-ups with sucker minnows or frozen smelt.  The warm weather we have is perfect for chasing flags!

Remember that NO ICE IS SAFE ICE. During this time of late ice (we know it doesn’t seem possible that early February is late ice) it is good to test the ice as you walk out. Checking with bait shops and sporting goods stores on conditions is a good idea too.

COZY LODGING

Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers a wide variety of cozy lodging from in town Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts and Vacation Rentals. Minnesota Resorts and Vacation Rentals that are open year-round that are located on area lakes. Find Lodging HERE.

FUN PLACES TO EAT & DRINK

Once you have caught your limit, then it is time to warm up and stop at one of many locally owned restaurants, bars and grills, and craft breweries. These places are welcoming to all outdoors men and women, and families. Maybe you are looking for the best bar burger or the best made from scratch wild rice soup, or the best char broiled steak, or the place that will clean, batter and cook your fresh fish and serve family style for the fishing crew. Find Places to Eat & Drink HERE.

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the perfect place for the entire family. If your family isn’t into fishing, that is OK. There are fun places for the kids, places for your spouse to shop and get pampered, pools for the kids to swim, and family friendly places to explore. Find Family Friendly Things To Do HERE.

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ice fishing report

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report | 2-7-24

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Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-24-24

ice fishing report

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ice fishing report

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-24-24

Ice Fishing report

We built some good ice during the last cold spell and many anglers are utilizing snowmobiles or ATV’s for travel on local lakes. There is little snow cover so travel hasn’t been an issue. With the spring-like temperatures that we are supposed to see this week, we don’t expect to build much ice in the near future.    If you have any doubts, always check ice thickness before taking any vehicle on the lake. 
 
Ordinarily, fishing can get tough in what we refer to as the “mid-winter” period.  But this winter has been anything but ordinary. Walleyes seem to be biting better with the warming temps. 18 to 25 foot structure during the evening hours has produced the best results.  Fish are biting jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head, or shiners and rainbows on dead sticks. 
 
Panfish are being found in the 15 – 25 foot basins and and can be caught on small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms or soft plastics.   
 
Lake trout reports have been few and far between for the area, but stream trout anglers are still finding success.  9 to 12 feet of water has been best. 
Ice Fishing Safety: Make sure that you tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to be back. Also, check the ice as you go. Check with local bait shops about ice conditions, and check out the MN DNR Ice Safety guide.
Brought to you by Sam Westensee and Bryce Busching.

Warm and Cozy Lodging

You will find many warm and cozy places to stay while you are ice fishing in the Grand Rapids, MN area. There are in town Hotels, Motels and Bed and Breakfast. Then there are vacation rentals, Minnesota Resorts that are open year round that are located on frozen lakes. Whatever type of lodging that you are looking for you will find in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Find overnight lodging options HERE.