Minnesota fishing guide Matt Johnson of Matt Johnson Outdoors gives his latest Twin Cities fishing report on January 7th, 2025.
Twin Cities Fishing Report: 1-7-25
The ice conditions have improved over the past week, but ice thickness still varies from lake to lake. We have been finding anywhere from nine to fourteen inches of ice. Always keep safety in mind. Check the ice with your spud bar or auger, carry a trow rope, and wear a floating ice suit. I’d also recommend wearing ice cleats. With the lack of snow it’s slippery walking around from spot to spot.
Twin Cities Fishing Report: Panfish
The fishing has been really good. Crappies and bluegills can be caught on most lakes in the Metro area. Both weed lines and basins have been good spots to find panfish. A 1/32-ounce gold and green Clam Pinhead Pro Spoon has been our best bait for bluegills and crappies. If the spoon isn’t working switch to a small tungsten Dropkick jig paired with a plastic. This is a one-two punch that will catch panfish all winter long in both the basins and weed lines.
The fish are really spooky and sound sensitive right now. Once you do find the fish. Drill your holes and then stay put and wait for those fish to come back around.
Twin Cities Fishing Report: Walleye, Pike, Bass
Anglers can also catch northern pike, largemouth bass, and walleyes on tip-ups along the weed line. The best depths have been between ten and twelve feet of water. Medium sized sucker minnows or shiners have been the best live bait options for pike, bass, and walleyes.
Look for walleyes on points and weed lines. Set lines paired with a minnow seem to be the best options, but a few fish can also be caught on jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head. The best bite is during primetime hours late into the evening and after dark.
