What a difference we have endured in a week's time. I mean just like that we are into spring. Now we are head-first into the transitional period of late ice and open-water angling. The ice sheets we had on Lake Superior and the St. Louis River are quickly disappearing, and this past week we have had several tributaries bust open. Ice fishing is for the most part completely done, except for some hard-core ice anglers. A word of caution: Shorelines are getting very soft, and some areas of lakes are very dangerous. Our team is in the middle of putting away our ice gear and getting ready for open-water action.
Lake Superior has been hosting both shore anglers and boaters daily. Most anglers are reporting success coming from the North Shore south of Two Harbors. River mouths are gushing out water now. As water levels lower, fishing the streams is going to be very good. For now, stream anglers are dealing with pretty high, fast and dirty water. Smelt season is upon us, and in the coming days we expect to see an influx of tourists coming to the area for a chance to pull nets in the cold waters of Lake Superior. Remember, anglers still need a valid fishing license to partake in the annual smelt run. Look for Lake Superior fishing success to heat up in the coming weeks.
The St. Louis River has nothing to report for angling. However, we are happy to report ice-out in many sections of the estuary. Look for complete open water in the very near future. Once that happens, anglers will start to try their luck for some spring crappies.
Inland lakes still for the most part are holding measurable ice. With the weather forecast, we can expect the thickness to decrease substantially. Meanwhile, it is recommended that ice anglers retire for the season. Black ice will increase in the coming days. Then, with more sun, wind and hopefully, rain, we'll experience ice-out on some bodies of water.
Jarrid Houston of South Range is a fishing guide (houstonsguideservice.com) on Minnesota and Wisconsin inland waters, the St. Louis River and, in winter, on Lake Superior.
