Detroit Lakes Fishing Report (4/5/25)

With new snow on the ground, it seems ironic to say the ice is melting–but it is.  Even Scott Mackner (a local angler and guide known as the 330 Maniac) says he’s done ice fishing for the year.  Here’s a tip–when the fishing Maniac calls it quits, it’s best to follow his lead!  That doesn’t mean you have to stop fishing though!  Today I spoke with former DL Fishing Team coach, Ryan Zeigler, and he had nothing but good news to share from his latest trip to Rainy River.  Here’s the scoop.  More accesses are opening up each day, the fish are biting.  Walleyes are hugging bottom near deep breaklines and they are biting both live bait and plastics. Target 18'-20'.  The river is very shallow right now, with areas as shallow as 1’.  For those of you planning to head north, be careful navigating the river.  If you have an accurate contour map of the river, use it, but don’t rely on it.  Always be hyper aware of your surroundings.  Thanks for reading this week’s report!