FISHING REPORT

Although a few people were ice fishing on Monday, the wind and warm temperatures this week have started to open the shorelines of most lakes. Some anglers have begun fishing open water in the channel and harbor areas with no success.

Crosby area

Ice conditions are sketchy at best, especially along the shorelines. Even so, people were continuing to fish through the ice as of Tuesday morning. Most are finding 2 feet of ice once they get on it. Panfish continue to be found in the shallows of most lakes.

Hackensack area

Anglers were fishing through the ice earlier this week, but conditions were marginal at best. Make sure you call ahead and check current ice conditions by this weekend.

Lake Mille Lacs

There's still a lot of ice on the main lake, but the shorelines, channels, and harbors have begun to open. Look to the shallow bays and harbors to start holding crappies within the next week.

Lake Winnibigoshish

Snow and ice still covered the area earlier this week. With most access points now closed, fishing reports have been minimal. If you find a spot to get on, the shallow breaks on the west side of the lake should be holding perch.

Lake of the Woods

With the walleye season having now closed, anglers have turned their attention to sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River. The season is currently catch and release, but the spring season opens Thursday. All access points on the river are open for boat launching.

Leech Lake area

The shorelines remain intact, but the slush and snow haven't allowed anyone to get on the lake. Once the snow melts, it's anyone's guess as to what the ice will look like.

St. Cloud/Eden Valley area

The shorelines are open, the ice fishing season has ended, but open-water panfish action is at least a week away. There's still a lot of ice on the main portions of most lakes and the bays remain ice-covered as well.

Twin Cities

NORTHEAST METRO - Main-lake ice is evident. The shorelines have started to open and seem to be eroding quickly. Open water is not far away. Walleye action at Pool 2 on the Mississippi River has slowed, but white bass continue to hit.

WEST METRO - Shorelines of all lakes are starting to pull away. It'll take another week for the lakes to open, but bays should start producing panfish soon. Currently, the Minnesota River is providing a good channel catfish bite.