STATE FISHING REPORT

[Lee Borgersen]

                    Updated: August 14, 2012
 

             STATE FISHING REPORT :fishing2:


Brainerd Lakes area: On Gull Lake, anglers are focusing on the north side of the lake around the Bowtie and Hayfield areas using jigs with fathead minnows along the weedlines. Other good lakes for walleye action are Brown, North Long and Whitefish. Northerns and nice-sized sunfish are being caught on most area lakes. For northerns, anglers are using Rapalas or sucker minnows, trolling during the evenings at about 17-18 feet. Sunfish are at 18-22 feet. Bass are hitting plastic baits or spinners along weedlines.

Cook County area: On Lake Superior, large salmon and lake trout are becoming active closer to shore in about 120 feet. Walleye action has slowed a bit, but early mornings and evenings seem to be the best times. Use night crawlers or leeches on lakes such as Elbow and Two Island Lake in the 10-20-foot range or Devilfish Lake at about 22-30 feet.

Lake Mille Lacs: The best walleye action has been during the morning out on the flats using spinner rigs or at about 25 feet during the afternoon. Seguchie Point has been a good area for good perch action. Garrison Reef, Myr Mar and Browns and Seguchie points have produced good bass action using jigs and minnows or leeches.

Lake Minnetonka: The water temperature has cooled to about 75 degrees, which has led to good bass and walleye action. For walleyes, most anglers are working around Big Island, Smith, and Browns Bay using leeches or fathead minnows at about 18-24 feet. The best bass action has been on jigs in the western bays where there is plenty of heavy, green milfoil.

Ottertail Lake: The best walleye bite is during the evening at about 6-10 feet using crankbaits, nightcrawler harnesses, Lindy Rigs or spinners. During the day, anglers are attempting to catch walleyes at 20-30 feet. Muskie action is picking up and panfish action has been good on most area lakes.