Another MN Fishing Opener in the Books

The 2016 MN Fishing Opener got off to a cold and windy start. With temperatures in the 20s and north winds blowing 20+ mph, boat control proved difficult. Starting the day off throwing a jig and minnow resulted in a couple of short bites and no fish in the boat.

Thankfully for the 2nd year in a row the catch and release bass season also began last Saturday which provides a nice option when the walleye aren’t biting. After a brief search, the bass were located and were relatively active given the cooler water temps. All fish were caught in less than 8 feet of water throwing a bluegill pattern KVD 2.5 squarebill crankbait. Straight retrieves produced a few fish, but erratic retrieves definitely triggered more strikes.

With water temps in the low 50s the fish have not spawned yet, however, with some warmer weather forecast over the next week it shouldn’t be long. Several fish caught appeared to have some scarring on their fins indicating that some nest building activity has or had taken place during the warm stretch prior to the fishing opener, but the cold snap likely shut that activity down. With warmer temps on Sunday, the water surface temps rose by almost 2 degrees over the course of the day. It won’t be long before the bass will be up on their beds in Northern Minnesota.