Fishing Report:

As of yesterday, May 7th , all area waters are devoid of ice. This includes Lost Land, Teal and Ghost Lakes, Spider Lake Chain and the Tiger ...more Cat Flowage. Last weekend the flowage waters, Moose and the Chippewa, were open and anglers anxious to start the season were on those waters in great numbers. Now, on the inland lakes, we can officially start the 2014 open water season.

Anglers fishing the Chippewa Flowage and Moose Lake last weekend were finding walleye and Northern Pike still in the shallows in 3 to 6 feet of water. Indicating that they are still in the spawn cycle, and I would suspect that would be the case on the inland lakes also. Start fishing shallow using a fathead minnow, either under a bobber or a rig, a slow shallow Rapala or a swimming plastic. Fish any emerging weeds, rock bars and the sandy bottoms. Of course the walleye bite is always best in the early morning and late afternoon into dark periods. Northern pike will remain active throughout the day. The same baits used for walleye will produce well for the northern also. A slower retrieve of the baits should be used as the water is still very cold.

As the water warms up the panfish will start moving into the shallows to begin their spawn. Presently they are on the deeper edges of the weeds and drop-offs and will begin staging for the spawn. Fish these areas with a crappie minnow under a bobber or smaller plastics. Light line, 4 to 6 pound, and small hooks are important for a successfully panfish outing. Adjusting the depths in the water column is important also, as they may be suspended or on the bottom. This is where the electronics is a useful tool in locating these schools. Bluegills and perch will probably be in those areas also and waxies, worm pieces or small plastics will produce.

Local cabin owners and some resort guest are starting to return to the lakes. With that, I should be able to provide a better report on what is happening on the lakes. Until then, the lakes are ready, let the open water fishing begin.