Brainerd Fishing Report: April 18, 2023

April 18, 2023: Brainerd Fishing Report

Ice fishing has ended and warm weather has arrived! Birds are singing, the sun is shining and spring brings excitement to those dreaming of open water fishing!

Fish species such as sunfish, crappies, perch and channel catfish could be targeted as seasons are open year-round (a valid MN fishing license is still necessary). Catfishing can be done from shore, boat or fishing pier; and some common locations for targeting channel catfish in the Brainerd Lakes Area on the Mississippi River include: below the “Brainerd Dam,” Kiwanis Park, French Rapids, Green Point or Sylvan Dam (Crow Wing River). If I’m shore fishing, I will often use a medium-heavy spinning rod with a medium-large spinning reel (size 30) spooled with 30-50lb braided line. There are several rigs and ways to catch catfish with a weight about 1-2ft above the hook, and some common baits include worms/nightcrawlers, cutbait/deadbait, sucker minnows or chicken liver on about a 1/0 octopus hook. Cast to areas where slack water meets current, eddys or in current where it slows down/breaks. In a boat, you can often jig for them vertically in holes and behind slack-water breaks in current. I’ll usually let the current determine my jig weight but 1/2oz is a good start. Practice safe handling as they have sharp spines on their pectoral fins and dorsal fin; I hold them by the tail and under the belly. I’ll keep you updated for the panfish movements as we continue to monitor ice deterioration on many of our lakes.

Also noteworthy, MN stream trout fishing has opened (Trout stamp required). There are several designated trout streams within and around the Brainerd Lakes Area; and anglers have the opportunity to target Brook Trout and Brown Trout in the local creeks which hold them. Trout are fun to catch on light gear, offer a challenge to some anglers and provide great table fare. MN DNR Fisheries identify easements on specific accesses/stream locations, and several miles of scenic shore fishing or wading is available. Popular streams include:

-Stoney Brook near Upper Gull Lake and Lakeshore, MN

-Whitley Creek east of Brainerd, MN

-Spring Brook on the north side of the Whitefish Chain

-Borden Creek off Wilderness Point Road west of Borden Lake.

The two most popular and productive ways to target Brook Trout (aka “Brookies”) and Brown Trout are by fly fishing or spinning combo gear. I enjoy casting a small Mepps Spinner (size 0 dressed hook or plain) or a small single hook (size 6, tipped with a worm or wax worms under a bobber) in slack water areas near current. Also, check shaded areas, wooded over hangs, or wood in the stream, eddys (a current area with back current appearing to swirl), and small pools behind shallower rocks. These are fun shore fishing opportunities to catch beautiful fish, enjoy nature and definitely worth a visit to the Brainerd Lakes Area! Good luck out there, stay safe and happy Hawg Hunting!