Report from the Dock
The recent summer-like weather took its toll on ice throughout the state and really sped up the ice-out process across the southern half of Minnesota. Most lakes from the Twin Cities and points south are wide open or were very close to being ice-free early last week. There hasn’t been much for open-water fishing activity, but it’s been mostly cool and windy since the lakes opened. As water temperatures climb, start looking to those shallow, mud-bottom bays or channels to start holding crappies. You have to travel north of Brainerd to find ice safe enough to get on, and in many locations, ice conditions are sketchy. Many shorelines and accesses have opened far enough to prevent anglers from getting out, but there will be some ice-fishing opportunities if you travel far enough north. Ice-fishing pressure has been minimal, and it appears most people are content waiting for open water.
Leech Lake Report
You could still get on the lake early last week with an ATV, but there really hasn’t been much activity on it during the past week. Most shoreline areas were intact as of last Tuesday morning, so it’s likely that accessing the lake could be an option.