Tabers Bait- Paul Nelson Fishing Report

Taber’s Fishing Report

By Paul A. Nelson

May 9, 2008

The spring of 2008 will be remembered as one of the latest springs in Minnesota history as far as recorded ice out dates. Most of the lakes in the Bemidji area became ice-free only a few days before the opener. A few lakes like Lake Bemidji, Cass Lake, Leech Lake and Lake of the Woods will still have some ice when the walleye season begins on May 10^th.

The season also opens on May 10^th for northern pike and trout living in lakes. Panfish are open continuously in Minnesota waters and anglers need a trout stamp to fish for trout. The season begins for Bass on May 24^th and for muskies on June 7^th, 2008.

Walleyes should be concentrated into a few specific areas on the opener, with the spawn still in progress or just completed in most areas. Anglers should be aware of several sections of river connected to some of the main walleye lakes are closed to fishing. The effected areas should be posted at the site and a list of closed areas is available at the local bait stores or the Minnesota DNR offices.

Anglers will likely want to concentrate their efforts on some of the smaller lakes in the area early in the season. Lakes on a chain of lakes will often migrate through several lakes to reach where they plan to spawn in a specific portion of the river.

River spawning walleyes will be a week or more ahead of the lake spawning walleyes and male walleyes recover faster from spawning than female walleyes, so the most active walleyes on the opener will likely be river spawning males. Hopefully, anglers will release any female walleyes that still have eggs, so they can spawn.

Taber’s Bait has a good supply of jigs and plenty of spotail shiners for the walleye opener. They also have all of the current fishing information and a list of the areas closed to walleye fishing. Have a safe opener and remember to wear you life jacket!!

Paul A. Nelson

Bemidji Area Lakes Guide Service

218-759-2235

panelson@paulbunyan.net