The walleye, pike and bass season is now closed on Minnesota inland lakes, but you still have opportunities on border waters.
Big Stone Lake and Lake Traverse on the border of Minnesota and South Dakota have no closed season, and the same goes for the Mississippi River down by Red Wing. More locally in our area, you can still fish Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River for walleyes until April 14.
The Rainy River is always a go-to area for folks once the river opens up, and it’s catch-and-release only through April 14.
It’s a chance to get out and wet a line in your boat, but, with all the snow and ice and no above freezing temperatures the next couple of weeks, it might be a short period — if at all — this spring to get your boat on the water.

The past few days, I’ve been open water fishing out on the Missouri River near Chamberlain, S.D., below the Fort Thompson Dam. There are about five miles of the river open now until you run into ice.
ADVERTISEMENT
I’ve seen a few other Minnesotans out here scratching their itch to get on open water. Most of the walleyes and sauger have been coming in 12- to 18- feet on jigs and minnows.
Water temps are in the mid-30s, so even on a 50-plus degree day, you need to dress warm, especially if there is any kind of wind at all. But, don’t forget, we still have lots of time to get out ice fishing for panfish, tullibies and eelpout in our area.
The problem, as you’ve heard me mention the past few weeks, is getting around on area lakes. Snowmobiles or track vehicles are about your only option. Of course, you can always strap on a pair of snowshoes and pull your portable. I’ve done it many times over the years. It’s a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.
Enjoy the day and please remember to practice selective harvesting, by doing so we will continue to have great fishing for years to come.
Dick Beardsley is the owner and operator of Dick Beardsley Fishing Guide Service in Bemidji. He can be reached at (218) 556-7172 and dick@dickbeardsley.com . For more information, visit www.dickbeardsleyfishingguide.com .