The Minnesota fishing opener is this Saturday. The Northland’s mild winter, and lack of snow, has caused low water levels, even extreme in some locations. So what does this mean for anglers? Well, it impacts both the fish and boats.

First, river fishing will look different. Grant Sorensen, owner of Superior Angling Co., said that low river levels mean not as strong of currents. Therefore, the fish will be dispersed more throughout the body.

As for lakes, he said fish are more likely to congregate since they have less area to spread out.

“My first and foremost tip would be, for guys that have a little bit bigger boats, put on an aluminum prop. Take that stainless steel prop off, because if you hit a rock or hit a gravel bar with an aluminum prop, it’s okay, right? You can get that fixed. A stainless steel prop is going to cause significant damage to your lower unit in your motor. Put on those aluminum props, until these lakes get back up to normal water levels,” Sorensen said.

Water levels are rising with our recent rain, but they’re not back to the high levels they were the past few years. The Minnesota DNR however isn’t worried about fish numbers.

Along with low water levels, there are clearer waters too, like at Island Lake. This will change the technical approach for anglers.

“Lighten up your gear,” Sorensen suggests. “So quarter ounce jigs, eighth ounce jigs, a jig and a minnow, six-pound test fluorocarbon liters. When water is high and it’s dirty, you want to use heavier jigs to stay on bottom. This time of year, not much flow, not much current, fish can see better. So fluorocarbon liters will eliminate the fish being able to see your line, and lighter jigs are going to make it so you can effectively fish better. So jig and a minnow, eighth ounce jig and a minnow, I think is going to be the go-to this year on Island Lake.”

Sorensen added for walleye, who should be postspawn now, to try to find about eight to 12 feet of water to start.

With these low levels, he cautions that depth maps may be off, and not all boat landings will provide good access to water. Those with bunk trailers may struggle, so if you have the option of a roller, that sounds like the best choice. Beware of rocks as well.

Despite early ice outs, waters are still staying cool in this northeastern region. Temperatures are just over 50 degrees in many areas. Cold temps can make walleye finnicky, but they also create safety concerns.

“Water temperatures are still dangerously cold, and an unexpected fall into cold water at this time of year can cause cold shock response. So what that means is, if you fall into the water unexpectedly your body automatically gasps. By wearing a life jacket you’re ensuring that your head stays above the water, and it’s the one piece of safety equipment that can save your life,” Lisa Dugan said, the Minnesota DNR’s Boat & Water Safety Outreach Coordinator.

Along with lifejackets, anglers will need fishing licenses and should check local regulations before casting off. Minn. DNR Conservation Officer Mike Lerchen explained regulations are in place to protect natural resources, and assure they’re around for generations to come.