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MARCH WALLEYES


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March can be an exciting time of the year for the walleye and sauger. I've been going up in March for the past 7 years and have always had good fishing. Most of the rentals will start moving back toward the shallower water areas over Pine Island as the fish start to migrate back toward the Gap and River areas. The weather can determine mobility, as we've had 35-45" of ice and cold to driving in a foot of water from the snow melt. It can be interesting but rewarding as well. I'd give a shot for sure. Good luck and hang on. Bill

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I have been in hibernation since this cold weather rolled in

Thanks for helping snap me out of it with a great topic.

March is great, one of those BIG fish opportunities in

dozens of places on the lake. I am soooo looking forward

to it.

If you can go....be sure that you do!

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So you guys are saying that when I go up in the middle of March, I should be in for a good trip? We are planning to head out from Wheeler's Point and go towards Pine Island. Do you guys know if there are any annual bad ice spots a guy should look out for? I am really looking forward to the trip, first time to LOTW.

Also, any tips on presentation? I am thinking outside we will set up tip-ups and each have a jigging line inside? Does the two line rule apply up there or is there a special border water rule that allows more? I would assume a nice size shiner on the tip-up and a barrage of different baits for the jigging lines.

What kind of structure and bottom composition is around Pine Island? And what would be a good depth range to start the search for walleyes up there? Being the first time up, I have a lot of questions and trying to answer them is proving to be somewhat difficult. There is a lot of good info on this forum though. If anybody would care to share some tips, either post em up or you could email me at polarsusd81 at yahoo.com.

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March walleye fishing is one of the best times of year up there, the pine island area is a good bet for that time of year, getting ready for spawning, heading towards the river. As for structure, the there isnt any, atleast much, the bottom is flat, and mud, working in the 20-25 foot range should get you in the walleyes, i like to just find a spot away from everyone else, and the eyes will find you. good luck i will be up there in march also, still looking for my 32+ incher for my wall!

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johtral: The baits and presentations outlined on the thread throughout the year will still work in March. Check some of the past posts and you should find what you need. Regarding the line issue, two lines apply per angler on the Minnesota side, which over Pine you would be in unless you go way east. Not sure about line numbers on the Canadian side, I've never ventured over there. Depending on how late in March you are coming up you could even venture into the 20' range. Several years ago on my first year of fishing there one of the guides from Riverbend directed me to a house in 18' of water, the fishing was unbelievable. That was back in the days of the 14 fish aggregate limit and I was throwing walleyes back for over 2 hours. Finally abandoned that house and went to one deeper trying to fill up the Sauger limit.

As far as bad areas to drive, again depends on the time of month and whether the cold weather holds. You will need to purchase a road pass at Adrians resort when accessing at Wheelers Point, and they will let you know if there are any trouble areas. keep watching the reports between now and the time of your trip and make notes on the lures and presentations for the next several weeks.

Curt: What happend, too many biscuits and gravy and you just slowed down for a long winters nap? You are normally on the lake every week, can't be age can it. Bill

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Every so often things pile up and thats what happened

the last couple of weeks. I got a lot done so it was

a pretty good thing but fishing had to wait. It worked

out pretty well, warmer weather is coming and my schedule

frees up quite a bit after this weekend.

Its kinda funny, I generally lose a few pounds if I dont

fish for a couple of weeks??????

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • jparrucci
      Very low, probably 2 feet lower than last year at ice out.
    • mbeyer
      what do they look like this spring?
    • SkunkedAgain
      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
    • Brianf.
      Early bird gets the worm some say...   I have it on good authority that this very special angler caught no walleyes or muskies and that any panfish caught were released unharmed.        
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