Northwest Region Fishing Outlook for 2025

Reminders for a great season

Welcome to the 2025 fishing season! These fishing outlooks contain a wide range of fisheries information compiled
in April by local DNR Fisheries staff. You can find more information about the management, habitat and oversight
work performed by area fisheries staff, and how to contact them, on the DNR area fisheries pages. We hope you
have a great fishing experience. And we’d also encourage you to take a kid fishing or introduce someone new to
fishing!
Check the DNR fishing webpage
The DNR has a fishing page to help answer angler questions. The page links to LakeFinder, which provides maps,
special regulation information for individual lakes, other detailed information on lakes throughout the state, and the
StreamFinder tool that provides a description, species list, regulations and access information for trout streams
throughout Minnesota. The fishing page includes the online versions of the Minnesota fishing regulations booklet in
multiple languages. The regulations booklet is available in print anywhere DNR licenses are sold.
Clean In Clean Out
Remember anglers and boaters, Clean In Clean Out when boating or fishing in Minnesota. Protect your
waters by following state aquatic invasive species laws. Clean, drain, dispose and keep all plugs out
while transporting boats. Find information on aquatic invasive species on the DNR website.
Fish consumption guidance
Anglers can find fish consumption guidance on the Minnesota Department of Health website. Anglers should check
for site-specific advice that pertains to the water they’re fishing. If eating fish from a variety of waters or a specific
water isn’t listed, anglers should follow the statewide guidelines. The MDH website has both site-specific and
statewide guidance on eating fish.
Safety must be the priority around cold water
Cold water is dangerous and unexpected falls can quickly turn tragic. About 30% of fatal boating accidents each year
happen during the cold-water period, and many involve victims who weren’t wearing a life jacket. The most
effective way to survive a fall into cold water is to wear a life jacket and make sure the jacket is buckled or zipped.
For more information about staying safe on and around cold water, visit the DNR cold water safety page.

Outlook by areas
Baudette Area
The Baudette fisheries area, located in the far northwestern portion of Minnesota, offers a variety of fishing
opportunities for anglers for a variety of species and waterbody types. Generally, it is looking like we are going to
have another excellent season of fishing. Lake of the Woods is the most popular fishing destination in the Baudette
fisheries area (see the northwest region large lake profiles later in this report).
Walleye are the most popular fish with anglers in the area and there are a number of good options for targeting
them. Rainy River offers excellent walleye fishing. Each spring, walleye migrate from Lake of the Woods to the Rainy
River to spawn. Many of those fish are still in the river when the walleye season opens in May. Besides great fishing,
the Rainy River corridor can also offer some protection from the cold winds that often occur during the early part of
the walleye season. This can lead to some great fishing opportunities for anglers. Although thousands of anglers
flock to Lake of the Woods for the annual walleye opener, not many people fish on the Rainy River at that time of
the year.
In the western portion of the Baudette fisheries area, Red Lake River Reservoir, and the Red River all offer
opportunities to fish for walleye. Based on recent monitoring conducted by area fisheries staff anglers can expect to
find healthy walleye populations in Red Lake River Reservoir. Opportunities also exist to target other fish in the
Baudette fisheries area including species such as northern pike, lake sturgeon, channel catfish, bass and various
panfish species. Northern pike can be targeted in nearly every public waterbody in the Baudette fisheries area. The
Rainy River offers an excellent opportunity to target large northern pike though large pike have been caught in other
waterbodies in the Baudette fisheries area. Lake sturgeon are most likely to be encountered by anglers fishing the
Rainy River and fish exceeding 100 pounds have been observed in the river. The best options for anglers looking to
target channel catfish in the Baudette fisheries area are the Red, Roseau, Red Lake and South Branch Two rivers.
Hayes Lake is a great place to target largemouth bass while the Rainy River provides opportunity to target
smallmouth bass. Hayes Lake is also a good option for anglers wishing to target various panfish. Lake Bronson is
currently not accessible to fishing opportunities because the lake was drawn down for the replacement of the
reservoir dam. Construction will continue through 2026 and will not provide opportunities for anglers until
completed.
There is good public access to all the fishing locations referenced above. There are several public boat ramps located
along the Rainy River, a public fishing pier located on Baudette Bay in the City of Baudette, and shore fishing
opportunities near most public boat ramps and in Franz Jevne State Park. On the Roseau River there are multiple
concrete boat ramps. There is a fishing pier at Roseau City Park and bank fishing opportunities at the Stoies bridge
access and at Roseau City Park. There are bank fishing opportunities on the Red Lake River in the city of Thief River
Falls and the South Branch Two Rivers in the city of Hallock. There are also multiple boat accesses to the Red River in
the Baudette fisheries area. Shore fishing opportunities on the Red River exist at the Frank Rose Aquatic
Management Area. Access to Red Lake River Reservoir includes two public access points located on the reservoir in
the city of Thief River Falls as well as a fishing pier in located in the city park. A concrete boat ramp and fishing pier is
located at Hayes Lake. Only electric motors are allowed on Hayes Lake.
Hayes Lake and Lake Bronson are both located entirely within state parks and as such vehicle permits are required.
As a reminder, the Rainy River and Red River both have special border water regulations. Also, northern pike now
are managed according to zones and all water bodies that do not have special regulations fall into the northwest
zone regulations. For more information on regulations pick up a regulation booklet or check the Minnesota DNR
website.
Bemidji area
It’s looking like an average year for ice-out which means many good options for opener fishing.
Anglers should have good luck targeting their favorite opener lakes. Shallower lakes such as Blackduck and Pike Bay
are popular choices for area anglers around fishing opener because they are warmer and often have more active fish
than deeper lakes. Deeper lakes such as Big Turtle, Turtle River, Plantagenet, Bemidji, Big Wolf, Big Lake and Lake
Andrusia, may start slow but are excellent choices with their healthy walleye populations. Gull Lake and Grace Lake
also present good opportunities for opener walleyes.
The tradition of the walleye opener often overshadows quality springtime fishing for a number of other fish species
found in the area. The early catch and release bass season is May 10-23. Many lakes in the area offer great fishing
opportunities for largemouth bass, which are often pre-spawn during this timeframe. Some of the more popular
largemouth bass lakes in the area include Balm, Big Bass and South Twin. Various lakes in the Turtle River chain of
lakes present good opportunities for largemouth as well.
Many area lakes also have high quality populations of panfish such as bluegill and black crappie. Anglers should be
aware of reduced bag limits for sunfish (five fish daily) on a number area lakes and their connected waters: Andrusia,
Beltrami, Big, Big Bass, Big Rice, Buck, Campbell, Cass, Deer, Fox, Gull, Julia, Kitchi, Little Rice, Little Turtle, Medicine,
Minerva, Movil, Pike Bay, Pimushe, Three Island, Turtle, Turtle River, Windigo and Wolf lakes.
Detroit Lakes area
Ice-out dates for area lakes look be in the normal range of mid to late April. This will result in most species
completing spawning activity within the normal chronology. That is, fishing locations and techniques should be
predictable with better odds on small to medium sized lakes with darker water where water temperature may be
higher. Walleye should remain shallow and be found around traditional spottail shiner runs. As such, most bait
shops in northern Minnesota should be stocked with this popular bait. The lack of significant snow cover for most of
the winter suggests aquatic vegetation growth should also be ahead of schedule. Anglers may be surprised to find
significant vegetation on fishing opener growing on shallow flats that traditionally had little to no new vegetation
growth at that time.
Traditional walleye lakes in the Detroit Lakes area that continue to have strong walleye populations include Sallie,
Detroit, Maple, White Earth and Many Point. Recent lake surveys on Many Point and Maple recorded the second
highest catch rates for walleye since surveys began on those lakes.
Northern pike are always active during the first month of the fishing season. Anglers are reminded of the statewide
zone regulations for northern pike. In the North Central Zone, the bag limit is 10, all pike from 22 to 26 inches must
be released, and no more than two pike over 26 inches long can be kept. Popular lakes that offer quality pike fishing
are Big Cormorant, Acorn, Munson and Sauer.
Black crappie and bluegill fishing are always good bets in the Detroit Lakes area. Popular lakes such as Sallie, Melissa,
Detroit, Buffalo, and Big Sugar Bush have black crappie populations with good numbers of harvestable fish. Bluegill
anglers can find fish in almost all lakes within the Detroit Lakes area, but common destinations include Little Sugar
Bush, Big Floyd, Upper Cormorant and Island lakes. Anglers should be aware that the popular sunfish lakes of Height
of Land and Tamarack experienced significant winterkills in 2023. As a result, anglers will find few fish available for
harvest for several more years. A reminder to be on the lookout for reduced bag limits of sunfish. There are now 13
lakes within the Detroit Lakes fisheries management area that have such regulations.
The catch and release angling season for largemouth and smallmouth bass also begins on the May 10 opener, while
the harvest season opens May 24. Largemouth bass are common across area lakes, while good smallmouth bass
populations can be found in Big Cormorant, Island, White Earth and Strawberry lakes.
Muskellunge were introduced into Detroit and Many Point lakes. A trophy fishery has developed in Detroit Lake and
has become very popular among muskie fishermen. The muskie population in Many Point Lake is excellent though
not yet known as a destination for trophy sized fish as stocking was only initiated in 2006. The muskie angling season
begins the first Saturday in June.
Additional angling opportunities exist for rainbow trout in the Detroit Lakes Area at Bad Medicine Lake and Hanson
Lake. Catchable-sized fish have been stocked into both lakes, with periodic stocking of larger fish when they are
available. Anglers traditionally have very good success fishing Bad Medicine in May before surface waters warm past
60 degrees. The season for stream trout in lakes runs from May 10 to Oct. 31 and requires the purchase of a trout
stamp.
Fergus Falls area
The Fergus Falls area encompasses all of Otter Tail County and the Red River of the North along the Wilken County
border with North Dakota. As of late March, area lakes are still ice covered and the long-term weather forecast is for
average air temperatures. Unless weather conditions change, walleye spawning activities will likely occur during the
normal time-frame of mid to late April. Anglers can expect to find walleyes in a post-spawn phase on most lakes for
the May 10 opener. Normal spawning seasons generally make for better walleye angling on the opener as fish are
recovered from the spawn and feeding actively. Generally speaking, as the season progresses and water
temperatures continue to warm, anglers should expect good walleye fishing on area lakes during the 2025 season as
several strong natural year classes and supplemental stockings have established abundant walleye populations.
Small, shallow lakes are usually popular for the opener because the water temperatures will be warmer and the fish
more active. Some traditional favorites for the opener include Walker, Anna, South Ten Mile, Orwell, Wall and Fish
Lakes. Some larger, deeper lakes that presently have strong year classes of harvestable walleyes include Pelican,
Star, Dead, Clitherall, Otter Tail and the Pine Lakes. Anglers should be aware that there is an 18 to 26-inch protected
slot size limit for walleye on Big and Little Pine lakes. Some medium-sized lakes with moderate mean depths that
also have strong year classes of harvestable walleyes include Big McDonald, Silver, Jewett, Long (north of Jewett),
Crystal, Eagle and Portage.
Northern pike should be feeding aggressively as they spawn earlier than walleyes. Most of the large lakes in the area
consistently produce above-average sized pike. Some smaller lakes that anglers may want to check-out for nice
northern pike include Stalker, Swan, Middle Leaf, East Leaf, Pebble, Johnson and Jolly Ann. Anglers are reminded of
the northern pike slot length limit. The bag limit is 10 with not more than two over 26 inches. All pike from 22 to 26
inches must be released. Anglers looking to take advantage of the 10 fish bag can look to lakes like Leek, Rose, East
Battle, Heilberger, East Twin, Loon and South Lida. These lakes have an abundance of small pike less than 22 inches
in length.
Panfish opportunities may be a viable option if the walleye and northern pike are not cooperating. Many area lakes
presently support abundant populations of sunfish and black crappie with good size structures. Several of these
lakes include Rush, Donalds, Fiske, Schwartz, Anderson and the Leaf lakes. Anglers targeting sunfish need to be
aware of 23 lakes in the area with reduced daily bag limits. The intent of the reduced bag limits is to maintain or
improve the size structures of sunfish in lakes that have historically produced quality populations. Lakes with a five
sunfish daily bag limit include Star, West Silent, Franklin, Bass, Middle, Annie Battle, Norway, Fish by Weetown, and
Fish by Parkers Prairie. Lakes with a 10 sunfish daily bag limit include East Lost, West Lost, Crystal, Deer, Wall, Red
River, Prairie, Stuart, Big Pine, South Lida, North Lida, Twenty-One, Fladmark and Long by Vergas. Area lakes with a
reduced bag limit (five per day) of black crappies are West Battle, Fish by Parkers Prairie, Fish by Weetown, Orwell,
Star and the Pine Lakes.
The largemouth and smallmouth bass angling seasons also begin on the May 10 opener; however, it is catch and
release only until May 24. Most area lakes consistently produce abundant largemouth bass populations. Anglers
interested in smallmouth bass should look to East Silent, Pickerel, South Ten Mile, North Lida, Hoot and Lizzie lakes.
Anglers interested in a float fishing trip should consider the Otter Tail River, as it has a nationally renowned catch
and release only smallmouth bass fishery. Many anglers from across the country annually visit the Fergus Falls Area
to experience this unique fishery.
Many shore fishing opportunities exist in Otter Tail County for anglers without access to a fishing vessel. Public
fishing piers are located on Pebble and Hoot Lakes in Fergus Falls, Long Lake in Vergas, Beers Lake in Maplewood
State Park, Molly Stark Lake in Glendalough State Park, Pelican Bay of Otter Tail Lake, the Otter Tail Lake outlet dam,
and on the Red River in Breckinridge. The Orwell Dam Recreation Area on the Otter Tail River south of Fergus Falls is
a very popular shore fishing location as well.
For anglers wanting to try something unique in the area for the opener, Bass Lake in Maplewood State Park is an
option for trout fishing. Bass Lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout. Anglers are reminded that a state park
permit and a trout stamp are required to fish Bass Lake. The use of live minnows for bait is prohibited and the bag
limit is five with not more than three over 16 inches in length.
Another unique experience would be to give catfishing a try. The Red River along the Wilkin County border is home
to a world class channel catfish fishery. The Red River supports an incredible abundance of these whiskered fish with
opportunities to catch trophy fish as well. There are several public watercraft accesses and shore fishing areas
located along this stretch of the river. The season is open year-round with a daily bag limit of five catfish with only
one fish allowed over 24 inches.
Good luck to all anglers going out on the opener in the Fergus Falls Area this year. Please show respect for fellow
anglers on the water and at the public accesses. Also, please dispose of your litter properly and most importantly,
remember to wear your life jackets.
Glenwood area
Typically, our shallow, turbid lakes are your best bet early in the season because they warm faster and fish become
more active. These productive lakes also tend to have greater walleye numbers. Shallow prairie lakes in the western
and southern part of the four-county work area would be good options. For example, strong walleye numbers are
present in the lakes within the Pomme de Terre River system. In addition, lakes that winterkilled during the 2022-
2023 winter have fast growth rates for fish, and walleye in those lakes should already be harvestable size. Bass and
northern pike are most abundant in clear, vegetated lakes, which tend to be in Pope and Douglas counties,
especially in the northern and eastern parts of the work area, such as the Alexandria Chain.
While many anglers target larger gamefish species during opener, do not forget about the excellent panfish
opportunities during this time of year. Most lakes in the area support good populations of black crappie and bluegill.
Anglers have plenty of lakes to choose from, including 17 lakes that were included in the Quality Sunfish Initiative.
These include 10-sunfish bag limits on lakes Amelia, Andrew, Blackwell, Gilchrist, Grove, Irene, Leven, Mill,
Minnewaska, Osakis (including Little Osakis), Red Rock, Reno, Vermont, and Villard, and five-sunfish bag limits on
Moon, Round, and Whiskey.
For a unique opportunity in the Glenwood Area, head to the West Branch of the Chippewa River or Lake Emily for
channel catfish. First sampled in 1995, catfish are now abundant. During the 2022 survey, catfish averaged 23
inches, with the largest being 29 inches.
A recent addition to the Glenwood area is the opportunity to fish for trout in Spruce Creek, northeast of Alexandria.
Since 2019, catchable-size trout have been stocked annually into Spruce Creek by the Viking Sportsmen and DNR.
Shore fishing is available in Spruce Hill County Park. In 2024, over 2,600 rainbow trout were stocked into Spruce
Creek.
Park Rapids area
As water temperatures gradually begin to trend upward northern pike and walleye will begin spawning later in April
and should be completed by fishing opener. Northern pike and walleye should be in post spawn patterns by the May
10 fishing opener. As for other fish species, the timing of water warmup and photoperiod lengths will dictate where
and when each species will begin to spawn.
Barring any drastic changes in the weather pattern, walleye fishing should provide anglers in the Park Rapids area
with a chance to hook into some excellent fish. Post spawn adult male walleye should be ready to feed and actively
target baits and lures. Early season lakes in the Park Rapids area to target walleye include Fish Hook and Eagle
Island, and Potato chain. As the season progresses, other lakes such as Big Sand, Eleventh Crow Wing, Kabekona,
Long, and Upper and Lower Bottles are the go-to lakes for anglers.
In typical fashion, black crappie and sunfish action should start ramping up around Memorial Day weekend. Anglers
looking to target lakes that will provide ample angling opportunities in the Park Rapids area should target Big
Mantrap, Belle Taine and any of the lakes in the Crow Wing chain. Some of the better lakes in the area for
largemouth bass are Belle Taine, East Crooked, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Crow Wing, Spider and Little Mantrap. Duck
and Lake George also have abundant bass populations but not many large bass. Smallmouth bass fishing should be
getting good as the season progresses, lakes to target in the Park Rapids area are Belle Taine, Big Sand, Boulder, East
Crooked and Potato.
Northern pike are abundant in the Park Rapids fisheries management area. Lakes that have a better overall size
structure are lakes that have the special regulation of 24- to 36-inch protected slot such as Big Mantrap, George, and
Fifth and Sixth Crow Wing. In comparison, lakes in the statewide zone regulation such as Garfield, Little Sand,
Portage, Potato and Straight have high abundances of pike but these fish tend to be smaller in size. In turn anglers
targeting these central zone regulation lakes, you can take advantage of the increased possession limit of 10, of
which no more than two can be above 26 inches, and all fish between 22 to 26 inches must be released.
Anglers targeting northern pike are reminded that there is a difference between the northern pike central zone
regulation and the special regulation for northern pike. In Park Rapids, we have eight lakes with special northern
pike regulations and several others for Bass, Black Crappie or Walleye. These lakes include:
• Northern pike: Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Crow Wing, George, Big Mantrap and Blueberry
• Bass: Little Mantrap and George
• Black crappie: Big Mantrap and Spider
• Sunfish: First, Second, Third, and Fourth Crow Wing and Garfield
• Walleye: Kabekona
• All species: Lester and LaSalle
If you aren’t targeting one species and are willing to try different techniques, consider fishing Fish Hook or Potato
lakes, with a goal of catching multiple species of fish. These two lakes are some of the better all-around lakes as you
will find walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie.
Anglers can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants
or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access. Park Rapids Area has
been extremely fortunate to not have many lakes with AIS in them but 2024 was not so kind. The latest addition was
the entire Eagle, Island, Potato, and Fish Hook chain with the infestation of zebra mussels. They joined the list of
Benedict, Garfield and Long lakes. However, we are still at two lakes with Eurasian water milfoil (Bad Axe and Big
Mantrap).
Walker area
Anglers can anticipate finding walleye in post-spawn conditions by the May 10 fishing opener. Lakes in the Walker
fisheries management area provide excellent multispecies angling opportunity. Based on assessments completed in
2024, quality populations of walleye can be found in Woman, Little Boy, Wabedo, Leech, Inguadona, and Ten Mile
lakes. These lakes produced decent catches of walleye ranging from 9 to 28 inches with quality size structure and
ample fish measuring between 16 and 18 inches.
Quality angling opportunities for largemouth and/or smallmouth bass exist on Pleasant, Blackwater, Mule, Little Boy,
Wabedo and Woman lakes. Smallmouth bass appear to be increasing in Leech Lake. A reminder to anglers that bass
angling in Minnesota (excluding the northeast) is catch and release only from May 10-23 and opens for harvest on
May 24.
In addition to Leech Lake, muskie can be targeted on Baby, Boy, Man, Little Boy, Wabedo, Inguadona, and Woman
lakes and their connecting waters with the opportunity for trophy-sized fish. A reminder to anglers that muskie
opener is June 7, 2025.
Northern pike are abundant within Walker fisheries management area lakes. Anglers are reminded of the statewide
zone regulations for northern pike. In the North Central Zone, the bag limit is 10, all pike from 22 to 26 inches must
be released, and no more than two pike over 26 inches long can be harvested. Additional special regulations are in
place on Little Boy, Wabedo, Child, Woman and Girl lakes. Surveys completed in 2024 found abundant pike
populations in Boy, Child, Girl and Ten Mile lakes. Pike exceeding 26 inches were found in all these waters and the
largest pike sampled was 35 inches.
Black crappie and sunfish can be caught throughout area waters with many lakes producing quality sized fish. Lakes
sampled in 2024 with relatively high catch rates of quality sized crappie included Inguadona, Horseshoe, Lind, Ox
Yoke and Vermillion lakes. Anglers targeting panfish should be aware of special regulations in the form of reduced
bag limits on some of these lakes. Lakes with new (implemented after 2020) sunfish regulations include Beuber, Boy,
Big Portage, Crooked, Deep Portage, Leech, Lower Sucker, Lower Trelipe, Middle Sucker, Ox Yoke, Sanborn, Sugar,
Upper Sucker, Upper Trelipe, Vermillion and Welsh lakes.
Northwest region large lake outlook for 2025
Lake of the Woods
Walleye and sauger are the most important sport fish in Lake of the Woods, and as such those populations are
monitored annually. Annual assessments have been conducted in early September since 1981.
Walleye 13 to 16 inches long were above the historic average last September during the annual fall survey. The
strong 2018 year class will be contributing to the desired harvest range during the summer of 2025; in addition to
the 2021 and 2022 year classes. In addition to these keeper-size walleye, anglers should also notice good numbers of
small walleye, in the 9- to 11-inch range. These walleye showed up in good numbers in our annual fall survey.
Lake of the Woods is well known for the trophy-size walleye. Fish up to 30 inches are sampled every year during
DNR sampling. The abundance of walleye greater than 25 inches remains high and should provide anglers plenty of
opportunity to catch large fish. Consider that these fish can be quite old, and that it takes a long time for them to get
to be of trophy size. Carefully consider what you will do with one of these fish before you harvest it, as it may have
more value to the population than as table fare. Generally, a 25-inch walleye is about 10 to 15 years old, and a 30-
inch walleye is over 20 years old.
Sauger abundance was above the long-term average last September due to multiple strong year-classes from 2014
to 2017, 2019 and 2022. Sauger 12 inches and above were abundant during fall gill netting and last winter’s creel
survey.
Anglers should be aware of special fishing regulations on Lake of the Woods. These regulations are designed to
maintain a quality fishery and fishing experiences. The combined walleye-sauger limit is six, but no more than four of
those fish may be walleye. All walleye between 19.5 and 28 inches in length must be immediately released, and only
one walleye longer than 28 inches may be possessed.
Northern pike are frequently overlooked by many anglers on Lake of the Woods. Both Lake of the Woods and the
Rainy River support populations of trophy pike, with individuals over 40 inches long. Northern pike season is open
continuously on Lake of the Woods and Rainy River. The period immediately after ice-out is an excellent time to
participate in this fishery. Anglers who would like to target northern pike should focus their efforts near spawning
sites. Major spawning sites are Bostic Creek, Zippel Bay and the Warroad River in addition to the Rainy River proper.
Northern pike are also managed by special regulation. The possession limit is three. All northern pike from 30 to 40
inches long must be released immediately. An angler may possess one northern pike over 40 inches long.
Lake sturgeon are another species that anglers may encounter, particularly if fishing the lower reaches of the Rainy
River or Fourmile Bay. Sturgeon are highly vulnerable to over-harvest, so regulations governing the harvest of these
fish are fairly restrictive. Anglers that have purchased a Lake Sturgeon Harvest Tag may harvest one lake sturgeon
per calendar year. The harvest season runs from April 24 to May 7, and from July 1 to September 30. Anglers may
catch and release fish for sturgeon from May 8 to May 15, and from October 1 through the following April 23. The
lake sturgeon season is closed from May 16 to June 30, so anglers cannot fish for sturgeon during this period. Only
lake sturgeon from 45 to 50 inches long, or over 75 inches long, may be harvested.
Anglers should also be aware that Lake Sturgeon regulations are much more restrictive in Ontario. Sturgeon are
classified as threatened and the fishing season is closed. You may not harvest, or fish for, lake sturgeon on the
Ontario portions of Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. If you are fishing for lake sturgeon, it is very important to
know which side of the border you are fishing.
Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River have been designated as infested waters due to the presence of spiny water
flea, and most recently zebra mussel within Lake of the Woods. With this designation, anglers have an obligation to
prevent the spread of these invasive species to other water bodies. Anglers must make sure they do not transport
any lake water in their boats. Bilges, live wells and bait wells must all be drained at boat landings, and boat must be
trailered with all the plugs out. Check the DNR website for more specific information of how to prevent the spread
of spiny water flea and zebra mussels.
Cass Lake
Cass Lake and its connected waters are typically a good choice for early season walleye fishing with the inlets and
outlets of the connected waters being popular early season spots. The walleye population of Cass Lake is comprised
of good numbers of fish between 14 and 21 inches due to the strong 2021 and 2018 year classes. These fish will
provide both fish for the frying pan and quality-sized fish for the next few years. The record-strong 2013 year class is
fading from the population but a few of these fish remain and are in the mid-20 inch range with some even pushing
up toward 30 inches. Night fishing has been popular on Cass Lake for a number of years as the clear water makes
this the prime time to fish walleye. Daytime fishing seems to be most productive when there is a chop on the water
or during low light periods.
The northern pike population is at average levels of abundance with good numbers of fish between 22 and 30
inches. Cass Lake generally produces a few trophy northern pike each year as well. Cass is also well known as a
premier native muskellunge lake and anglers catch a wide size range of fish, with some topping 50 inches. Anglers
are reminded that the statewide muskellunge season opens on June 7 and the statewide minimum length limit is 54
inches.
Yellow perch numbers in Cass Lake are slightly average and abundance of fish over 9 inches is near record high. Fish
are growing rapidly which has resulted in anglers finding more keeper sized fish as well as fish over 12 inches.
Anglers pursuing sunfish should remember there is a chain-wide five fish daily bag limit for sunfish. The possession
limit for sunfish remains at 20 fish.
Zebra mussels and starry stonewort are present in the lake. Remember to inspect your boat hull and anchor for
unwanted hitchhikers and drain all your water and keep your boat plugs out when leaving the landing area.
Upper Red
The fishing outlook for Upper Red Lake is excellent. On waters under the jurisdiction of the State of Minnesota (the
eastern 48,000 acres of Upper Red Lake), licensed anglers will be allowed a daily and possession limit of five walleye
with one fish larger than 17 inches allowed in possession. This regulation is intended to focus angler harvest on
smaller fish as there is an abundance of these fish in the population. Given the likelihood of an average spring, we
are expecting a good bite. Anglers that spread out and find active fish should have no trouble finding plenty of
keeper fish as abundance of these fish is excellent. But given that the spawn will have only recently been completed
larger spawning fish will be concentrated on the shoreline break so be prepared to accurately measure your catch by
having a proper measuring board in your boat.
Anglers interested in catching large northern pike are probably already familiar with Upper Red Lake. Northern pike
size structure is impressive, and although angler catch rates may be low at times, the incentive is the potential to
catch a trophy. Anglers should be aware of the special regulation for northern pike: All fish from 30 to 40 inches
must be immediately released, and only one fish greater than 40 inches is allowed in possession. Be sure to examine
all northern pike caught for a small tag on the left side of their top (dorsal) fin. These yellow tags have unique
numbers and can be reported to the creel clerk, on the Minnesota DNR website, or by contacting the Bemidji Area
Fisheries Office. Tagged fish of the appropriate size may be harvested if you choose; however, if you release a
tagged fish, please do not remove the tag from the fish.
Black crappie are showing up in angler catches in greater numbers than they have in several years. These fish are
nearly all from the 2018 year class and average around 12 inches. However, there are a few fish from some older
year classes still out there that provide an opportunity to catch an impressive 14 or 15 incher that may invoke
memories of the “crappie boom” that occurred in the early 2000s. However, the current bump in crappie fishing
success should not be misinterpreted as a new crappie boom, but rather increased opportunity for a few bonus fish
as the 2018 year class is not nearly as large as the historic 1995 year class. Anglers targeting black crappie will be
most successful in late May and early June looking for fish in and adjacent to likely spawning areas.
Anglers should be prepared to encounter a variety of natural resources staff while fishing or accessing Upper Red
Lake. In addition to requests by DNR creel survey clerks and conservation officers, staff from the various DNR and
Beltrami County invasive species programs may be doing inspections and providing educational information. Red
Lake is designated as an infested water with both zebra mussels and starry stonewort present. With spiny water
fleas established in Rainy Lake, the Rainy River, and Lake of the Woods, Upper Red Lake and other nearby waters are
at risk for direct transfer of this aquatic nuisance species by boaters. Anglers leaving any lake should remember that
they are required by law to drain all water from boats, live wells, and bait wells and ensure the effective removal of
all aquatic plants and/or other invasive species from their boat, trailer, and other equipment.
Leech Lake
The 2025 fishing outlook on Leech Lake is promising especially considering Leech Lake is a destination for multiple
species. Current walleye numbers were within or above various management objectives. Several year classes will be
available for harvest for the opener. Walleye captured in the 2024 sample ranged in length from 10 to 27 inches,
with the majority being from the 2021-year class. These fish are mainly between 15 to 17 inches. The walleye
regulation of four fish with only one fish over 20 inches allowed in possession was implemented in 2019 looks to be
having the desired effect on the walleye population so will continue for another season. This spring, fry will be
stocked for the first time since 2014. While there are an adequate number of female spawners in the lake, the last
couple year classes have been below desired levels so a stocking according to management plan actions items is
going to be undertaken. These fish will be marked before stocking so Minnesota DNR staff can determine the
amount of contribution stocked fish have to the walleye fishery in the lake versus natural reproduction.
As of March 2021, sunfish and black crappie reduced daily limits on Leech Lake were implemented. Specifically,
anglers can harvest five sunfish and five crappie daily; statewide possession limits of 20 sunfish and 10 crappie
remain unchanged. The purpose of the reduced bag limits is to ensure the high size quality of panfish in Leech Lake
is maintained. Anglers often target panfish in the shallower bays of the lake.
Northern pike catch rates were up slightly from the previous year but have remained consistent. Catch rates have
historically ranged from four to six fish per net in the Minnesota DNR fall sample. Northern pike on Leech Lake fall
under the North Central Zone regulation which includes a ten fish bag limit with not more than two fish over 26
inches and all from 22 to 26 inches must be immediately released.
Yellow perch have rebounded from recent lows and are just below management objectives, but larger fish remain
present and many anglers reported successful fishing this past winter. Perch in the sample ranged from 3 to 13
inches with a strong year class of fish produced in 2023. If these fish persist it could mean very strong perch fishing
in the coming years.
Anglers are targeting bass on Leech Lake with an increased interest in the smallmouth fishing especially. Main lake
rock reefs and humps are areas anglers look for smallmouth with largemouth being found most often in the
shallower bays along with panfish. This summer Leech Lake will host numerous bass tournaments including a
national open tournament in August.
Muskellunge fishing is also popular with the chance for a trophy fish on Leech Lake. Leech Lake is the genetic source
for all muskellunge stocking in Minnesota and fish over 50 inches are caught every year.
A continued focus on Leech Lake is the impact zebra mussels will have in the future. Immature zebra mussel larvae,
called veligers, were found in 2016 and adults were reported throughout the lake by fall 2021. There are currently
no known methods to control or reduce numbers of zebra mussels once they are found in natural systems. Starry
stonewort, which is an invasive algae, was found in Steamboat Bay during 2021. Aquatic invasive species like zebra
mussels and starry stonewort are moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters, and lake shore
owners and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. Other invasive species in Leech Lake include Eurasian
water milfoil, rusty crayfish and curly-leaf pondweed. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all
aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access.
Additional information on all these topics can be found on the DNR website or by contacting the Walker Area
Fisheries office.