Crappie & Panfish Still Biting
Shelter Deadline Passed · Watch Ice Edges · Opener 52 Days Out
Late Ice Advisory — Check Conditions Before You Go
Ice is 16–25 inches on area lakes as of March 18. ATV access remains possible on main basins but use extreme caution near landings, shallow bays, and any pressure cracks — these areas deteriorate first. Walk the first 50 feet of any landing on foot before driving out. Foot access is the safest option. The Crow Wing County ice shelter removal deadline was March 16 — no overnight shelters permitted. Day-use shelters are allowed sunrise to sunset only. Walleye, Sauger, and Northern Pike remain closed — opener is May 9, 2026. Always confirm current conditions with a local bait shop before heading out.
Lake-by-Lake Reports
Sun Mar 15 – Sat Mar 21Gull Lake is holding 16–20 inches of ice on the main basin — ATV access remains possible, but use caution near landings and shallow areas where ice deteriorates first. Foot access is the safer option for most anglers this week. Crappies and panfish are biting well and moving with the sun — look for them in 20–30 feet during the morning, then pushing toward shallower structure in 12–18 feet at midday, and tightening up on weed edges and points in 6–10 feet as the sun drops toward dusk.
Yellow perch are following a similar pattern on the main-lake flats. Tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms are the go-to presentation. Always check ice at landings and avoid pressure cracks. No overnight shelters permitted — the Crow Wing County removal deadline has passed.
Pelican Lake is one of the stronger perch destinations in the area this week. Ice sits at 16–22 inches on the main basin — ATV access is possible but approach landings and shallow areas on foot. Perch and panfish are following the classic late-ice pattern: deep in the morning (18–28 ft on sandy flats), moving shallower through midday, and stacking on weed edges and points in 10–14 feet as light fades toward dusk.
Wax worms and small minnow combos on a light tungsten jig are producing consistent bags throughout the day. Panfish near the shallower bays are also worth targeting for mixed sunnies and bluegills. Call ahead to Breezy Point for a current landing condition update before you load the ATV.
Whitefish Lake is the top crappie destination in the area right now. Ice is 16–25 inches — ATV access is possible on the main basin but avoid landings and shallow bays where ice is breaking down. Foot access recommended at all access points. Crappies are running deep in the morning (20–30 ft over the basin), pulling up toward 14–18 feet through midday, and sliding into suspended or structure-oriented positions in 12–16 feet at dusk. Pink and chartreuse tungsten jigs with wax worms are the top producers.
Bluegills are working a similar depth progression, tightening up on old weed edges and points in 8–12 feet in the evening hours. 10- to 12-inch crappies are showing consistently for anglers who move with them through the day. Crappie limit on Whitefish Chain is 5/day — know the reg before you keep fish.
North Long is producing steady perch and panfish action. Ice is 16–22 inches — ATVs can still access the main basin but check landings carefully and walk the first 50 feet before driving out. Foot access is the safe play. Panfish and perch are deep early — 20–28 feet on the sandy flats through the morning — working their way up to 12–18 feet by midday as the sun warms the water column, then moving onto shallower weed structure in 8–12 feet toward evening.
A plain jig tipped with a wax worm or small minnow piece covers all three species. North Long is a great family pick with consistent all-day action and lighter crowds than Gull. Call a local shop for daily landing conditions before trailering the ATV.
Round Lake is serving up the best panfish bite in the area this week. Ice sits at 16–22 inches — ATV access is doable on the main basin but use real caution at the south landing and any shallow bays. Walk it first. Sunnies and bluegills are following the late-ice depth migration: find them in 16–24 feet during the morning, moving up to 10–14 feet through midday, then stacking aggressively on weed edges and drop-offs in 6–10 feet as the sun gets low. That evening shallow bite is exceptional right now.
Small tungsten jigs in pink or glow with wax worms are the top setup. Light crowds compared to Gull and Whitefish mean less pressure and more willing fish. Excellent family lake with steady action throughout the day — just time your location to the fish's depth schedule and you'll stay on them.
Edwards Lake is a quiet, low-pressure option this week with excellent panfish action. Ice is 16–25 inches — ATV access is possible on the main basin, but landings and shallow areas need a foot-check before driving out. Perch and panfish are running the full depth range through the day: deep structure at 20–30 feet in the morning, pulling through the mid-column at 14–20 feet by midday, and committing to shallow weed edges and structure in 8–12 feet as dusk approaches.
Light crowds and minimal pressure make Edwards a particularly good late-season pick — the fish here haven't been worked over all winter. Tungsten jigs with wax worms all day; tip with a small minnow head during the evening shallow bite for an extra edge on the perch.
Species Detail
Bait & DepthLate-Ice Tactics
March TipsWith walleye and pike closed, this is the ideal time to focus on crappies, sunnies, bluegills, and perch — species that have seen far less pressure all winter and are feeding aggressively in the warming water.
Late ice is one of the best panfish opportunities of the year. Sunnies and bluegills are moving into 6 to 10 feet near old weed edges as water temperatures creep upward. Use small tungsten jigs and keep your presentation subtle.
Lake trout are holding on rocky mid-lake humps and reefs in 30 to 60 feet. A large jigging spoon worked aggressively off the bottom, then allowed to flutter down, is the most consistent presentation. Live smelt on a tip-up will also produce.
Walleye, Sauger, and Northern Pike are closed on most Brainerd area lakes. Always verify the specific regulations for each lake you plan to fish — some lakes have different opening and closing dates. When in doubt, call the MN DNR or a local bait shop.
Even at 18 to 26 inches, late-season ice can have soft spots near inlets and outlets. A float-rated ice suit is the single most important piece of safety gear you can own. Wear it — not just carry it.
The Minnesota Walleye Opener is Saturday, May 9, 2026. Now is the time to get your opener gear sorted — inspect lines, sharpen hooks, and restock tackle. The best spots on Gull Lake will be occupied well before sunrise on opener morning.
7-Day Fishing Outlook
Regulations Reminder
Mar 2026⚖️ Know Before You Go
- Walleye & Sauger: Closed on most Brainerd area lakes for the remainder of the ice season. Season reopens Saturday, May 9, 2026.
- Northern Pike: Closed on most Brainerd area lakes for the remainder of the ice season. Season reopens Saturday, May 9, 2026. Verify for each lake with the MN DNR.
- Lake Trout: Open year-round on designated trout lakes. 2-fish daily limit on most MN waters. Consult the MN DNR designated trout lake list for waters in your area.
- Stream Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow): Harvest season opens April 11, 2026 on statewide inland streams. Catch-and-release only until then.
- Bass: Year-round catch-and-release season now in effect statewide (new for 2026). Harvest season opens mid-May. All bass must be released immediately until then.
- Yellow Perch on Mille Lacs: Reduced to 5 fish per day. Most other Brainerd area lakes remain at 25 per day.
- Ice Shelter Removal: All overnight shelters must be off Crow Wing County lakes by the DNR deadline — typically mid-to-late March. Check MN DNR for exact dates.
- Ice Safety: 18–26 inches across most area lakes. ATV and sled access is open on established routes. Always carry ice picks and verify conditions locally before each trip.