Minnesota trail conditions from White Birch Resort

Good to excellent cross-country ski and snowmobile trail conditions can be found throughout the northern half of Minnesota, with fair to good conditions throughout the southern half of the state. Temperatures will rise through the weekend with a chance of snow on Saturday. This should be a wonderful weekend for all outdoor activities.

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[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Twin Cities] [Southern]

Northeast Region

Grand Rapids/Bigfork
The Cow Horn Road and River Road ski trails running through Golden Anniversary State Forest have been groomed, and trail conditions are reported to be good. The trail base measures 7-9 inches thick. Local snow depth is roughly 1 foot. The portion of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail which runs through the area has been groomed and conditions are good. The trail base measures 3-6 inches.

Ely

Total snow accumulation in the Ely vicinity is 12-24 inches. Several inches of fresh snow and colder temperatures have vastly improved trail conditions. Most snowmobile trails are in good to very good condition.  Area lakes have some frozen ruts making travel by lake a bit rough at times. The Tower to Ely section of the Taconite State Snowmobile Trail has been groomed and conditions are very good. The trail base measures 1-4 inches. Similar conditions are reported for the Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail, as well as most other snowmobile trails in the area. At Bear Head Lake State Park, most of the ski trails are icy and in poor conditions due to recent rain and warm temperatures which melted and compressed the snow. These trails have a 1-4 inch base. The snowmobile trails, however, are groomed with a 1-5 inch base. Riders report very good conditions. The Babbitt Golf Course and Birch Lake Plantation ski trails are groomed, and skiers report excellent conditions.

Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail

In Cook County, just outside of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, the Pincushion Mountain cross-country ski trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. The trails have a 20 inch base with great conditions reported. As of Jan. 25, the snowmobile trails in the Gunflint Trail vicinity were groomed and in great shape, with an 8-12 inch base.

Silver Bay/Two Harbors

Tettegouche State Park is covered in a foot and a half of snow away from Lake Superior, with less than a foot near the lake. The ski trails are partially groomed and in good shape with an 8 inch base. Area snowmobile trails have a 6 inch groomed surface, with good conditions reported. Just to the south, conditions are mostly fair for skiing and snowmobiling at Gooseberry Falls State Park due to ice under a thin snow base.

Duluth/Grand Marais

The northern section of the C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Snowmobile Trail has a 4-6 inch base and it is in good condition from Finland to Grand Marais. The southern section is in fair condition, with a 1-4 inch base. The entire trail will be regroomed prior to the weekend. Local snow depth ranges from 8-23 inches.

Carlton

All ski trails at Jay Cooke State Park are groomed, and skiers report icy but fair conditions. The trails have a 4 inch base on average. The snowmobile trails are groomed with a 4 inch base, and conditions are considered good. Similar conditions are reported for the Willard Munger State Trail that runs through the area. Local snow depth ranges from 5-8 inches.

Northwest Region

Williams/northwest of Baudette

The ski and snowmobile trails at Zippel Bay State Park are groomed and in good condition. Both trails have a 5-6 inch base on average. More than a foot of snow covers the ground within the park.

Lake Bronson/far NW corner

The Lake Bronson State Park snowmobile trails are groomed, and conditions are considered fair. These trails have an 8 inch base on average. The ski trails have a similar base, but staff report very good conditions. Local snow depth is roughly 1 1/2 feet. Nearby, the snowmobile trails within Old Mill State Park are groomed and in very good shape. The trail base measures 8 inches.

Waskish

The snowmobile trail running through Big Bog State Recreation Area is groomed and in good condition with a 3 inch base. This trail runs all the way to Baudette. The trails running to Kelliher and Blackduck are also groomed. Riders report very good conditions. The ground is covered in roughly 1 foot of snow.

Walker

The northern section of the Paul Bunyan State Trail is in fair to good condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures 2-3 inches, with 1 foot of snow on the ground.

Bemidji

The ski trails at Lake Bemidji State Park are freshly groomed, and conditions are described as excellent. The snowmobile trails have also been groomed, with very good conditions reported. Both trails have a 6 inch base on average. Area snow cover is 14 inches.

Lake Itasca, north of Park Rapids

Fresh snow has improved trail conditions at Itasca State Park. The ski trails are groomed and in good condition with a 4 inch base. The snowmobile trails are groomed and in fair condition with a 4 inch base. Roughly a foot of snow covers the ground in this area. Nearby, the snowmobile trails running through the La Salle Lake State Recreation Area are considered to be in very good condition. These trails have 5 inch groomed surface.

Central Region

Pelican Rapids/Ottertail/Battle Lake

Maplewood State Park  is covered in 17 inches of snow. The ski and snowmobile trails have a 4 base, and conditions are considered fair to good. Additional snow will be required to set track and begin grooming.

Pequot Lakes

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is groomed and in fair condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures 1-3 inches, with 6-10 inches of snow on the ground. Please note that it

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either icy and in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow.

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity

Alma -east of North Branch

Wild River State Park is covered in roughly 5 inches of snow following this week's 4 inch snowfall. Park staff have packed and combed most of the trails. The trail base measures 1-2 inches, and conditions are considered fair. Ski and snowshoe rental are available at the Trail Center. Please call ahead for availability. 651/257-0685. Mark your calendar for this year's Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe on Saturday, February 11. Enjoy candlelit trails, music, stargazing, refreshments and our giant prairie bonfire! Reservations are recommended for equipment rentals. Before the event, check out Winter Fest in nearby North Branch.

Marine on St. Croix - north of Stillwater

The classic and skate ski trails at William O'Brien State Park should all be groomed by this weekend. Skiers report fair conditions overall. The trail base averages 3 inches, with 4 inches of snow on the ground. Skiers may also want to check out the Ice Castles in nearby Stillwater.

Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright counties

The Valley Trail and Lesson Area cross-country ski trails with manufactured snow at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove are packed, tracked and in good condition for classic and skate skiing. A number of ski trails with man-made snow at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington are packed, tracked and in good condition. The natural snow trails at all Three Rivers Park District Ski Trail and Sliding Hill Conditions are closed.

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either icy and in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow.

Southern Region

Frontenac -south of Red Wing

Frontenac State Park is covered in 8 inches of snow. All 9 miles of cross-country ski trails are groomed, and conditions are reported to be good. The trails have a 4 inch base.

Winona

The cross-country ski trails at Great River Bluffs State Park are packed and groomed, with very good conditions reported. Local snow cover is approximately 9 inches.

Preston/Harmony/Lanesboro

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park offers fair conditions for snowmobiling. The trails have a 2 inch partially groomed surface. Local snow depth is roughly 8-9 inches. The Harmony-Preston Valley and Root River state trails are reported to be in good condition for skiing. These trails have a 2 inch partially groomed surface.

Albert Lea

The snowmobile trails running through Myre-Big Island State Park are partially groomed and in fair condition, with a 1-4 inch base. Local snow depth is 4-6 inches.

Most other ski and snowmobile trails in this region of the state are either icy and in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow.

Explore Minnesota will report winter trail conditions each Thursday during the winter season, with updates as changes in conditions warrant. Information used to compile the Winter Trails Update is provided courtesy of the Minnesota DNR, Voyageurs National Park, the Three Rivers Park District, and communities throughout the state.

Begin planning your winter getaway by one of our travel counselors at 888-VISITMN (888-847-4866), or request a customized travel planner at Contact a Travel Counselor.

Please note that a Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails. All cross-country skiers on state park or forest ski trails, or on state or grant-in-aid trails, who are 16 years or older must have a Minnesota Ski Pass. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. To order cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers, dial 1-888-665-4236 or access the DNR Online License Sales web site. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out DNR License Agents

Minnesota vacation deals for June 2017

White Birch Resort in northern Minnesota has some great deals on Blackduck Lake.
Visit www.whitebirchresort.net for your best deals.

Minnesota fishing report 2-3-2017

White Birch Resort on Blackduck Lake

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Minneapolis-St. Paul] [Southern]

Northeast Minnesota

Ely

Ice continues to thicken, but the slush that has turned to ruts are making it a bit more difficult to get around. Anglers that do head out are finding a great crappie bite.  Trout anglers are also doing well, taking lots of nice fish from area trout lakes. The majority of trout are coming in on small, dark colored jigs tipped with a wax worm or salted minnow. Some anglers prefer using small spoons and jigging raps, with decent success reported. Northern pike anglers are having a blast watching flags fly when they suspend sucker minnows under tip-ups. Many of these fish have been on the smaller side of the scale, but some recent fish have measured over 35-inches. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Duluth - Lake Superior and inland waters

Temperatures have become “more normal” and the ice is becoming more stable. Lake Superior ice fishing has been decent, but also dicey due to recent warm temperatures. Anglers that know where to find safe ice are catching a variety of white fish, splake, trout, burbot, walleye, perch, and an occasional brown trout.  The best tactic has been a tip up with a live minnow set in the middle of the water column.  Aggressively jigging smaller spoons has also been productive.  Anglers considering a trip out on Lake Superior need to call ahead to learn the safest locations and most current conditions. Anglers fishing the St. Louis River are having to put in a bit more time to come away with the same number of fish as they had earlier in the season. Jigging smaller buckshot spoons tipped with minnow heads continues to turn the most fish, but some can be found using a live minnow under a float. The inland lake bite remains the best bet for consistent action. Overall, 10 foot depths in areas with vegetation near drop-offs have been ideals for a plethora of species, with bass, northern pike, and an occasional walleye taken on live bait set-ups. Anglers are taking a lot of panfish when using small teardrop-style jigs tipped with soft plastics or wax worms. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids

While the fish aren’t cooperating quite as much as earlier in the season, anglers that drill a few more holes than usual and staying mobile are doing well. Most of the green weeds have died off and especially pan fish seem to gravitate because of oxygen and minute bugs that stay in the weeds all year. Later in the winter months bluegill have a tendency to find mud bottom bays and close to shore areas that have a different type of grub such as blood worms and larvae stages. This is why until late ice that drilling lots of holes will help you to contact schools of bluegills that are in search of areas that hold their desired prey. Crappies can be similar except for their location to be slightly different. Crappies desire soft mud bottoms bays and locations that have bloodworms and other larvae stages that come off the bottom at different times of the day. They too can occupy different layers of the water column but tend to stay in certain depths and areas throughout the winter months. Small tungsten jigs with either euro larvae, wax worms, or imitating plastics will put fish on the ice during these times and conditions. Remember to use your electronics to find suspended fish and move frequently looking for fish. As the walleye and northern pike season comes to a close, fishing for bluegills, crappies, and perch can be lots of fun and rewarding. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

On Lake of the Woods, anglers are doing well when using a jigging line and a dead stick. Most are having success in 29-31 feet of water when using a rattle on a jigging spoon tipped with minnow head or tail. The best colors are glow red, pink and gold. The dead stick should be outfitted with a plain hook (try glow or colored) or smaller glow walleye jig and a live minnow. Some large eelpout continue to be reported, with a 17-pound monster taken this week. The Rainy River continues to offer a good morning and evening bite. Anglers who do not know the river well should use a resort or guide to learn of areas with the best ice conditions. The snowmobile trail is staked from Wheeler's Point to Baudette on the river. Do not deviate from trail unless you are familiar with the area and current ice conditions. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, fishing has slowed during morning hours, but the mid-day to afternoon bite remains strong in depths of 17-28 feet. A dead stick has been the most effective with many limits taken, along with a fair amount of slot fish being released. Anglers report a nice walleye, sauger, and perch bite. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

January’s warm temperatures have given way to a more seasonable February. Some of the accesses and ice roads had been compromised, but they are improving rapidly. The walleye bite has been fairly good early in the morning and late afternoon into evening hours. Anglers having the most success are using jigging spoons and minnow heads in 17-22 feet of water. Shiners are also turning fish when used with a glow hook below a float. Northern pike are hitting shiners and jigging spoons along the deep weed lines. The crappie bite has been good especially during late afternoon and evening hours. Most of the crappies action is taking place over the deep basins, with fish responding best to small jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes. For bluegill action, hit the green weeds in 12-17 feet of water. Start planning for the Hardwater Classic Ice Fishing Tournament held Feb. 4 on Lake Bemidji with over $30,000 in prizes to be given away! This fishing tournament is held during Bemidji’s Winterfest Celebration so bring the entire family! 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com

Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish

On Lake Winnibigoshish, jumbo perch continue to be pulled from depths of 16-18 feet and 30-34 feet at Horseshoe Bar, Hunter’s Hump, Snaghole Bar, Moses Bar, and North Moses Bar. Walleye are often mixed in with the perch, usually in the deeper waters. Northern pike action has been very strong across the lake.www.lakewinnie.net.

Walker - Leech Lake

The walleye bite has been sporadic on Leech Lake, especially when there is a change in weather patterns but the bite seems to pick back up when weather patterns turn more stable. On the main lake, anglers using jigging spoons such as flutter type baits or rattle baits with a minnow head in areas that have been untouched are taking the most fish. Key areas include pinch points, inside turns along breaklines, underwater points and edges on the main lake reefs.  Depths of 18-25 feet are a good place to start, but don't be afraid to go deeper depending on the conditions. When the bite gets tough, try a dead stick. In Walker Bay, focus on the deeper humps in 25-30 feet of water. It seems that the steeper edges of these humps are often better than the gradual sides. The shallow bite near Cedar has been sporadic, but can be good this time of year if you are able to get set up by the time the fish move through. The perch bite has been improving, but anglers are having to do a lot of sorting. Begin in 5-12 feet of water at the sand/weed transitions or any remaining greed weeds, then drop a 1/8-ounce jigging spoon with a minnow or a bunch of euro larvae. Drill lots of holes and keep moving until you connect with fish. West Goose Flats, the Hardwoods, Duck Points, and Agency Bay are all good starting locations. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Park Rapids

Crappie action remains strong throughout the Park Rapids area. Good numbers of crappies are coming from depths of 45-60 feet, with fish found suspended from 20-30 feet down.  Keep a close eye on your electronics to quickly learn the best depth. Glow jigs tipped with a crappie minnow or a wax worm has been ideal. Because of the fish are deep, a good daytime bite is not uncommon.  Large northern pike and walleye can be a nice bonus in these areas. Simply suspend a much larger minnow at the same depths, or drop it all the way to the bottom. Ice conditions are good for vehicle travel, however, do not leave common sense on shore -- avoid all current areas, narrows, and ice heaves. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes

Ice conditions in the Detroit Lakes area remain good with roughly 18-25 inches of ice on most lakes. Ice is growing thicker with this week’s cold front. There Travel is easy to the more remote spots since there is only a dusting of snow on the lakes. Access points and some of the lake trails are in tough shape on some lakes due to last week’s melting and slush. A bit more snow should help smooth the rough spots. The walleye bite remains slow with shorter bite windows. Walleye are still being taken but the numbers are not what they were a few weeks ago. Early morning and late evening hours are best, especially in depths of 18-28 feet at the sharp breaks. Combinations of jigging baits and dead sticks are helpful since fish will respond to one or the other at different times. Crappies and sunnies continue to offer the most active bites. Some crappies are in the deeper soft bottom areas in 20-35 feet of water, and some are still relating to shallow weed pockets in depths of 8-13 feet. Sunfish are on the weed edges and in the green weed pockets in 8-22 feet of water. For the most panfish action, use a small jig tipped with a plastic or a wax worm. The shallow weeds have been thick with northern pike. Look for pike to respond to minnows at the outside weed edges during this cool down. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Lakes Area

Most anglers have turned their attention to panfish, and these fish are becoming more active as the season progresses. When fishing for panfish, don’t be surprised if you catch a walleye or northern pike. Anglers may want to downsize their presentation for the most action. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

As of late last week, the walleye bite had slowed a bit, but fish were still being taken. The mud flats were giving up the most fish, especially for those fishing during daylight hours. Most of the walleye were relating to the structure such as the flats and gravel. The gravel and deep rocks were also turning some fish. Nice perch were mixed in with walleye, but the numbers weren’t high. Northern pike action was decent. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar

Anglers continue to pull crappies and walleye from Norway, Willmar and Foot lakes. If you are hoping for sunnies, crappies and northern pike, check the the northwest and northeast corner of Green Lake. Perch and walleye anglers are doing well on Big Kandiyohi and Lillian lakes. Please use caution at the lake accesses were recent warm temperatures caused conditions to deteriorate – the current cool down should help mend the accesses quickly. 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

White Bear Area Lakes

White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes continue to give up nice numbers of fish. Northern pike and perch are biting throughout the day.  During evening hours, anglers are taking crappies and walleye. Walleye anglers are taking the most fish using shiner minnows, with wax worms turning the most perch. Check out the annual Bearly Open Golf Tournament on Ice held on White Bear Lake this weekend. And don’t miss the Art Shanty Projects On-Ice Program on White Bear Lake near Ramsey Beach. This is a unique village of ice houses hosting all sorts of activities for the family. 651/653-5122; www.ExploreWhiteBear.org

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams

As of Monday, Jan. 30, most area streams and rivers were clear with a normal water flow. Similar conditions were reported for braches of the Whitewater Stream on Feb. 2. Fisheries staff report that a number of trout were caught last weekend.  Midges, scuds, and the usual fly patterns were best. Streams running through area parks and towns have been the most accessible. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.