With the ice finally gone on most Minnesota lakes, the spring fish harvest is in full swing. Tribal members say the annual ritual of gathering fish through spearing or netting provides a vital food source for the community and preserves a cultural tradition.
Alexandria area fishing guide Mike Frisch goes over exactly how he finds success trolling jigs as anglers prepare for the May 14 walleye and pike opener in Minnesota.
Shortly after ice-out, huge numbers of walleye migrate from their open-water wintering areas to spawn near warmer water from the rivers feeding Green Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan just a handful of hours east of Minnesota.
“I’ve been fishing here since I was a teenager, and it feels great to get my first National Walleye tour win on this body of water,” said Brookings angler Dustin Kjelden.
"I like that I can just grab my poles and gear and head out here to fish after a day of work and not have to get everything ready like you do for a boat," said Dana Dozark, a Chamberlain area angler who fishes the Missouri River shorelines.
The jig and minnow approach is a good one, and jig size, color and how an angler is fishing them often plays a role in the number of walleyes put in the boat.
