Run for the Canada / Minnesota Border For Early Ice-Out Pike Fishing
By Naomi K. Shapiro
 When we say, "Run for the border for spectacular ice-out pike fishing in the
Spring," we're talking about places on both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the
border -- Lake of the Woods, Manitoba, and both the Ontario and Minnesota sides
of Rainy Lake.
Action is likely to be spectacular in these places at this time of year, the
northern having just finished, or about to finish, their spawn. Sometimes
they'll be "somewhat tired" and very lethargic; other times, incredibly
aggressive. But, at all times, ravenously hungry!
Northern sizes can easily go to over 40 inches, with 45s not that unusual!
However, don't expect any fat fish at this time of year, i.e. a 44-inch northern
may weigh only 20 pounds that's THIN!
Presentations must be slow and deliberate. If you are "cute," or "fast," the
only thing you might catch is a... cold... line.
Sometimes, you'll get ice-out in late April -- sometimes in May and, in
northern Manitoba, "it might be mid-to-late June," but, as "nothing is written
in stone... nothing is written on open water," so check ahead before you make
your plans.
Regulations, possession, size limits, and "slot sizes" may be a crazy-quilt
of inconsistency, complexity, and frustration. And, although what we say here
was accurate in early April, 2006, regulations do change from lake to lake, area
to area, season to season; and, at times, in a very short time period without
much, if any, notice -- so they may not hold water the day you're out fishing.
Recontact your local contacts once you're at your location, and before you go
out fishing -- make sure what's in force on that very day, on that specific
water. If you violate any fishing regulation, either in Canada or in Minnesota,
the penalties can be very harsh.
Now, to the "good stuff" where to find nice ice out pike in the Upper
Midwest!
MANITOBA (Canada)
 There's legendary fishing in Manitoba -- and with good reason: The fish are
big -- and hungry. "In Manitoba, we consider a good pike to be anything over 41
inches," says Don Lamont, experienced Manitoba angler and outdoor maven, now
working with Travel Manitoba (800-665-0040;
www.travelmanitoba.com).
Ice-out and season openers in Manitoba vary from May 12 in the southern
division, to May 19th in the northwestern and north central divisions.
(Editor's note: from a practical standpoint ice out in far northern Manitoba
can extend to mid-June. Check ahead by calling 800-214-6497 for automated and
up-to-the-minute information and regulations in Manitoba).
According to Lamont, a good spot to start early-spring, ice-out northern
fishing, is at White Shell Provincial Park in the eastern part of Manitoba.
Lamont says, in early season, ice-out pike will hit best on shallow-running
cranks with a slow wobble. Rapalas, Cisco Kids and, for a bit deeper dive, a
Countdown. Best colors are blue, chartreuse, orange and gold. Look for
dark-bottom bays that are wind protected. Fish 7 feet max. Sunny days are
best, and the northern will be most active in the afternoon.
Lamont also enjoys fly fishing for early season northern, using a streamer
with a floating line and a "bunny fly," which is made of rabbit fur. He says
this fly is very effective "when the fish are real inactive" (as they can be at
this time of year). Whatever method, Lamont urges anglers to use a VERY SLOW
RETRIEVE. Lamont also points out that Manitoba has a STRICT barbless-hook-only
policy.
Destinations north of Winnipeg, offer "more consistent" action than "drive
in" areas, according to Lamont, who adds, "good fishing in any area depends on
the fishing pressure on any given body of water."
Manitoba is unique in many respects regarding limits, sizes, and other
regulations because the regulations, limits and sizes can, and will, vary by
area, lake, and time -- and they can and will change. Best suggestion is to
call Travel Manitoba to get basic info, or visit the Manitoba fisheries website:
www.manitobafisheries.com . Then, once you get to your destination, make
sure you check again as to the particular regs regarding fishing on the
particular body of water you've chosen.
LAKE OF THE WOODS (American side)
About 75 miles due west of I-Falls on Highway 11, Baudette, Minnesota sits at
the south end of Lake of the Woods. Greg Hennum, owner of Sportsman's Lodge
(toll free: 800-862-8601, Ext. 438; or
www.sportsmanslodges.com) runs a great lodge, with excellent fleet of
fishing boats, and great guides, equipment, and support services.
Northern season is open year-round on the American side of Lake of the
Woods. If you get to Sportsman's Lodge just at ice-out, the water will be clear
and the fishing fantastic, with an all-day bite.
Daily limit is 3, with one allowed over 40 inches, and NONE between 30 and 40
inches. You'll fish either Four Mile Bay (mouth of the Rainy River), or Zippel
Bay which is west of Sportsman's Lodge about 10 miles. Depth will range from 6
to 15 feet. Mud bottom. The northern spawn will be determined by the water
temp for any particular year. You can fish two methods: Throw an anchor jig
with a bobber and a big fathead minnow; or, do some long-line trolling with a
Rapala. Casting doesn't work. Colors will be either red or shiny silver. Fish
will go 6 to 20 pounds, ranging in length to about 44
inches.
RAINY LAKE, AMERICAN AND CANADIAN SIDES
 International Falls, Minnesota, and Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada -- located
about 3 hours northwest of Duluth on Hwy 53 (there's also an international
airport in I-Falls) -- are separated by an invisible border running through the
Rainy River and Rainy Lake. Mike Williams, guide par excellence, all-around good
person, and former owner of the Thunderbird Lodge, grew up on Rainy Lake and
knows it inside-out (phone: 218-286-3591).
Scott "Jackfish Hammy" Hamilton grew up in Fort Frances, and knows the
Canadian side of Rainy Lake as well as the fish do (phone: 807-274-2979). On the
Minnesota side, Northern season is open year-round; daily limit is 3, with only
one to exceed 28 inches. A one-year non-resident license is $35.00, a three
dayer is $21.00 and a 7 dayer is $25.00. (Check for further info on the web at:
www.dnr.state.mn.us).
On the Canadian side of Rainy, northern season is open year-round --
according to the Ontario DNR office: 800-667-1940 -- except for Christmas Eve,
Dec. 24th. A year's Canadian sportfishing license runs $64 CDN, with an 8-day
license running $41 CDN. On the Canadian side, you're allowed 4 fish in
possession, with only one to exceed 35.4 inches, and NONE allowed between 27.5
inches and 35.4 inches. (Editor's note): Readers are cautioned that the
regulations just stated are for 2006. There are currently 2007 fishing
regulations awaiting approval. The time frame on such approval is unknown at
this time, and there may or may not be any changes in the regulations. It is
suggested that anglers check with the Ontario DNR office regarding any such
changes before coming to Canada.
The U.S. and Canada have a special agreement re "remote access border
crossing," which allows anglers to cross "the invisible water border" after
obtaining a special permit or "visa."
Fishing for ice-out pike is pretty-much the same on both sides of the border
on Rainy Lake: You'll see lots of big northern, that won't bite, on beautiful,
sunny afternoons -- as they recover from their spawn. The next day, those same
fish will bite like crazy. You can sight-fish these northern in flat-calm bays,
in 2 to 8 feet of water, and target the shorelines. If it's cold or choppy,
move out of the bays into deeper water, where the northern will be following the
baitfish which have also moved out. Williams likes to use something "big,"
like the Big Doctor Spoon (around since the 1920's), or a DareDevle. He likes
silver or gold colors -- with brighter baits for brighter days and vice versa.
Hamilton opts for a 6 to 8 inch Bomber Long A floating Rapala, or a spoon
that you alter from a treble to a single hook -- Mepps Cyclops or Toronto
Wobbler. The only reason Hamilton doesn't suggest his all-time favorite
northern bait -- a Huskie Jerk -- is that they hang up in the dead weeds at
ice-out/early spring.
CONCLUSION
Ice-out pike fishing near the U.S. and Canadian borders of the Upper Midwest
Rainy Lake, Lake of the Woods, Southern Manitoba -- can provide a lifetime of
memories! Whichever area you choose will present a nice, ice-out pike experience
you'll never forget, and, will likely keep you coming back for more!
Naomi K. Shapiro is a Madison, Wisconsin-based travel and outdoor writer
specializing in fishing, nature, and soft adventure.
E-mail:
cre8vNaomi@charter.net.
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