Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods appears to be ice-free, based on satellite imagery posted Thursday.
 
Walleye fishing is closed until May 14, but pike reports this past weekend were favorable, despite conditions that were windy at times. Anglers have caught some big pike in the bays by dunking a frozen cisco just off or on the bottom. The slow presentation is a favorite technique for targeting lethargic fish this early in the season. A few pike also have been caught casting lures into the shallows.
 
On the Rainy River, sturgeon reports have varied. The current remains fairly strong from recent heavy rains upstream in the watershed, and anglers are using at least 4 to 5 ounces of weight to keep the bait on the bottom. According to a report from Sportsman's Lodge, some anglers said it's crucial to keep the bait in the same spot without any movement; otherwise, the bottom-feeding fish have a difficult time picking up the scent. Give a spot at least an hour before moving.
 
The sturgeon harvest season ends Saturday, and fishing is catch-and-release only from Sunday through May 15. For more information on sturgeon regulations and licensing requirements, check out the 2016 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet, available at license outlets or online at mndnr.gov.
 
Devils Lake
Fishing reports are improving with the onset—finally—of warmer weather. According to the latest report from Woodland Resort, anglers should look for the warmest water they can find and explore a variety of depths and presentations. Six Mile Bay and Pelican Lake are good bets this time of year, the report said, but anglers should be careful navigating through Pelican because of lower water levels and the increased risk of hitting trees or other hazards lurking just under the surface. The Pelican boat landing is not accessible this year because of the lower water levels.
 
Anglers fishing from the shore have reported catching a few walleyes and numbers of pike at any of the bridges where the current is moving. Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics and crankbaits have been the most productive presentations.
 
Red River
The water temperature is about 60 degrees, and the catfish are becoming more active, Grand Forks catfish guide Brad Durick reported. There are lots of smaller cats to be caught, he said, and bigger fish are starting to show up with more regularity. Best spots have been in the wood near current and slack water areas. Catfish seem to be hanging shallow in the morning and moving into the current as the day warms up, Durick said. Best baits are cut sucker and goldeye; anglers should give a spot 20 to 30 minutes and try a little of everything. River conditions are nearly perfect so anglers should take advantage, Durick said.