Minnesota fishing reports!

[Lee Borgersen]

    Minnesota Fishing Report for June 21, 2019



LAKE MILLE LACS        

East – Anglers are still finding numbers of active walleyes throughout the lake. Midday hours have been excellent on the deep mud and gravel with live bait or spinner rigs tipped with leeches or nightcrawlers. Slip bobbers and leeches are working on the points and shallow rocks each evening. Drop-shot rigs and other plastic presentations are producing smallmouth bass on or adjacent to the rocks and points. Some muskies have been caught on the rocks and shoreline weedlines, too.



West – Walleye action continues to be excellent on the mud flats and rock points during the day with spinner or live-bait rigs. Slip bobbers and leeches are the ticket during the evening hours on the points in 18 to 22 feet. You’ll find smallmouth bass as shallow as 5 feet, while others are set up in 12 to 14 feet – look to rock piles and rock points. Northern pike are being caught in most bays, and muskie anglers are seeing fish in the bays as well.


LAKE OF THE WOODS

Anchoring and jigging and drifting or trolling spinners have been best for walleyes in 14 to 32 feet on the south shore. Walleyes are being caught on structure and over mud from Pine Island to Knight/Bridges to Archie’s Reef and spots between them. On the Rainy River, some walleyes and sauger are being found in current breaks and sand riffs, smallmouth bass are relating to rocks and bridges, and northern pike are in and adjacent to bays and current breaks. At the Northwest Angle, walleye fishing is strong on both sides of the border. Look for fish on flats, rocky points and over mud in 6 to 30 feet.

 

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA   

Sunfish and largemouth bass are hitting on the 10- to 12-foot weedlines of Lake Minnetonka and Lake Independence. Northern pike are chasing spoons and spinnerbaits on the 10- foot weeds of most lakes, while a few walleyes are being plucked from the weeds of Minnetonka. Look for crappies on the outside weed edges, and muskie reports have been light from Minnetonka.

LAKE VERMILION

Minnows or leeches are turning walleyes in 18 to 25 feet during the day on the rocks, points, and reefs or 4 to 8 feet during low-light periods. Smallmouth bass continue to hit plastics or minnows on the shallow sand and rock, while muskies are hitting small bucktails and spinnerbaits in Cable Bay and Stuntz Bay. Look to the shallow bays for northern pike, and a few crappies are coming off the north shore of Pike Bay in less than 8 feet.



LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

Work the main lake bars such as Bena, Big Muskie, and Center from top to bottom during the day with leeches or nightcrawlers for walleyes. During the evening hours, jigs and shiners will still produce on top of the bars in 12 to 16 feet or shoreline breaks and points in 9 to 12 feet. You’ll find bigger perch in 20 to 25 feet from Sugar Point to Raven’s Point, and northern pike are active throughout the lake.

                 

LEECH LAKE

Spinners and crawlers or leeches and live-bait rigs are producing walleyes on the rock edges, south end breaks, and main lake structure in 12 to 16 feet. Walleyes also are hitting on the 12- to 14-foot weedlines in Portage and Sucker bays or in 9 to 14 feet off Cedar Point and Sand Point. Muskie action has been better on the weeds than rocks, largemouth are hitting in shallow water in Boy Bay and Steamboat Bay, and the south end rocks are kicking out smallmouths.





RAINY LAKE     

Walleyes are being found on shallow, wind-blown points, inside turns, and weedy bays in 3 to 10 feet. The go-to presentations have been jigs (casted or trolled) or spinner rigs tipped with minnows or crawlers. Current areas also have been productive on calm days in 20 to 35 feet. Look for smallmouth bass on shorelines in and around shallow boulders, while crappies continue to be caught around turns and points in the bulrushes. Look for northern pike to be in shallow water bays or shorelines and hitting spoons, larger jerk baits, and twitch baits.



RED LAKE

Walleye action isn’t quite as strong as it was a week ago, but numbers of fish are still being caught. Jigs and minnows, crankbaits, spinner rigs, and even slip bobbers and leeches are turning fish in less than 9 feet. Look to the bulrushes for some crappies and northern pike.



Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO

A jig and minnow is producing walleyes on the points and current breaks of the St. Croix River. Hit White Bear Lake during the evening hours with slip bobbers and leeches for walleyes in 10 to 12 feet. The weeds on Powers Lake, Wasserman Lake, and Lake Jarvis are safe bets for northern pike. Big Marine Lake, Silver Lake, and Beaver Lake are producing panfish, while Lake Olson, Lake Elmo, and Demontreville Lake have been best for largemouth bass.



WEST METRO

You’ll find crappies on the 10- to 12-foot weedlines and sunfish along the shorelines at Hydes Lake, Zumbra Lake, Lake Auburn, and Lake Parley. Largemouth bass are hitting plastics or spinnerbaits at Whaletail Lake and Auburn, while northern pike are taking minnows in 10 to 12 feet on area lakes.



LAKE WACONIA

Sunfish remain shallow in Waconia Bay and the north end shoreline. You’ll find crappies in 10 to 14 feet behind Coney Island and the Claybanks area. Low-light periods have been best for walleyes along the 10- to 12-foot weeds on Cemetery Reef, Anderson’s Reef, Harm’s Point, and the Claybanks. Muskie and pike reports have been light, but bass are active in shallow water on the north and west ends.



Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA

Crappies are hitting on the 10- to 12-foot weed edges of Lake Carlos, Lake Le Homme Dieu, and the east side or Betsy Ross Bay of Lake Ida. Bass and sunfish remain active in shallow water on most lakes, while walleyes are being taken with leeches or crawlers on Lake Reno in 12 to 18 feet and Lake Andrew in 16 to 18 feet. Lakes Miltona and Ida are producing walleyes at night on crankbaits in 6 to 10 feet.



ANNANDALE AREA

A few walleyes are being taken with leeches and minnows on Buffalo Lake, Cokato Lake, and Clearwater Lake in 8 to 15 feet. Sunfish and bass continue to be found along the shorelines and docks of most lakes in less than 6 feet. Look to the 10- to 15-foot weedlines of Lake Sylvia, Sugar Lake, Pleasant Lake, and Clearwater for crappies during the evening hours.



BATTLE LAKE AREA

Walleyes are hitting jigs and minnows or leeches on rigs in 10 to 14 feet at Walker Lake, Otter Tail Lake, and West Battle Lake. Look for sunfish in 4 to 5 feet and crappies on the 10- to 14-foot weed edges of Bass/Elbow Lake, Rush Lake, and Clitherall Lake. Largemouth bass also remain shallow on West Battle, Spitzer Lake, and East Battle Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on the 10- to 15-foot weedlines on Donald Lake, Fiske Lake, and West Battle. Double CowGirls are raising a few muskies on the 15- to 20-foot weedlines of West Battle.



BEMIDJI AREA

Water temperatures have actually dropped this past week on area lakes, but that has kept the jig and minnow bite going strong. Look to the deep edge of weedlines and mid-lake humps or bars and you should find walleyes on Lake Bemidji, Grace Lake, Wolf Lake, Lake Andrusia, and Lake Plantagenet. Northern pike are hitting anything along most weedlines and bass fishing has been excellent with plastics. Crappies are slowly moving out to their summer haunts, so look to the 8- to 12-foot cabbage on most lakes.



BLACKDUCK AREA

Blackduck Lake and Island Lake are producing walleyes along the shorelines and bars on a variety of live bait options in 8 to 17 feet. Look to Gull Lake, North Twin Lake, South Twin Lake, Rabideau Lake, and Gilstead Lake for bluegills and crappies in less than 8 feet. Northern pike and largemouth bass are hitting in 5 to 8 feet on most lakes.



BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Leeches or redtail minnows are turning walleyes in 14 to 20 feet on Gull Lake and North Long Lake. Largemouth bass remain shallow and hitting plastics at Round Lake, Pelican Lake, and Gull. Look for northern pike to hit minnows in 6 to 10 feet on Gull, North Long, and Lake Edwards. Sunfish continue to be found on the shorelines and docks of most lakes and a few crappies are showing up on the 6- to 10-foot weedlines of Roy Lake, Lake Margaret, and North Long.


CASS LAKE AREA

Walleye action remains strong with shiner minnows when the wind blows on the 8- to 12-foot sand/gravel areas of Cass Lake and Pike Bay Lake. Jumbo perch are mixed in with the walleyes, while the bulrushes on Grace Lake, Midge Lake, and Kitchi Lake are producing bluegills in less than 6 feet. Northern pike are an easy catch on most lakes and muskies are chasing black bucktails on the cabbage of Cass.
             

CHISAGO AREA   

You’ll find some sunfish on the shorelines and others on the first weed edges of Chisago Lake, Green Lake, North Lindstrom Lake, and South Center Lake. Look for crappies in the channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom Lake and a few walleyes to hit leeches in 10 to 12 feet at North Center Lake and Green. Bass fishing has been excellent on all lakes.



CROSBY AREA

Hit the inside weed edges with jerk baits or plastics for largemouth bass on Rabbit Lake, Bay Lake, Serpent Lake. Smallmouth bass remain active on the current breaks of the Mississippi River and 8 to 14 feet rock/sand areas of Clearwater Lake. Look for evening crappie action on Bay Lake in 12 to 14 feet and the south end of Nokay Lake in 10 to 12 feet. A few walleyes also can be had during low-light periods in 10 feet at Serpent and Rabbit with crankbaits or live-bait rigs. You’ll find rainbow trout down 15 to 20 feet over deep water on Mahnomen Pit #2 and Portsmouth Pit.



DETROIT LAKES AREA

Leeches, nightcrawlers, and crankbaits are turning walleyes at Pelican Lake, Big Cormorant Lake, and Big Sugarbush Lake in 10 to 25 feet. Most small lakes continue to produce sunfish and crappies in 2 to 6 feet, while others have moved onto the 12- to 15-foot weedlines. Muskie action has picked on the emerging weedlines of Big Detroit Lake with plastics and bucktails.



DULUTH AREA  

You’ll find walleyes in 16 to 18 feet, hitting leeches or chubs, at Island Lake or 12 to 15 feet at Whiteface Lake. On Lake Superior, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and lake trout are being taken with spoons in the top 50 feet of the water column. Look for crappies in 12 to 15 feet at Island and Fish Lake, and bluegills remain shallow on most lakes.


EAST CENTRAL MN

Sunfish are being found along the shorelines in 3 to 7 feet, while crappies have moved slightly deeper on Green Lake, Blue Lake, and Little Elk Lake. Topwater baits are triggering northern pike and largemouth bass at Fremont Lake and Blue. Hit the Rum River for walleyes and smallmouth bass.



ELY AREA

Birch Lake, Shagawa Lake, and Burntside Lake are producing walleyes on leeches in 5 to 10 feet during the evenings or 15 to 22 feet during the day. Crappies and sunfish are hitting at Birch, Farm Lake, and White Iron Lake in less than 8 feet. Look to Knife Lake, Snowbank Lake, and Burntside with deep-diving crankbaits for lake trout in 20 to 70 feet.  Hit the docks on Basswood Lake, (Only one dock on da whole lake) White Iron, and Farm with sucker minnows for northern pike. Topwater baits or plastics are turning largemouth bass on Armstrong Lake and smallmouths at Basswood and Snowbank in less than 10 feet.



EMILY AREA

Washburn Lake started giving up crappies in 4 to 6 feet and northern pike are hitting crankbaits in 8 to 10 feet on Upper Dean Lake. Sunfish are biting in less than 6 feet on Lake Emily and smallmouth bass action has picked up with plastics on the south end of Roosevelt Lake in 4 to 6 feet. Hit the docks on the east side of Ruth Lake for largemouth bass.



FAIRMONT AREA

Look for crappies and yellow bass on Hall Lake, Budd Lake, and Lake Sisseton in 6 to 12 feet or bluegills on Sisseton and George Lake in 4 to 6 feet. Tuttle Lake continues to produce walleyes on crankbaits in 4 to 6 feet, as are the channels between the lakes in town with jigs and plastics.


FERGUS FALLS AREA

Bluegills remain active in less than 5 feet, and crappies have moved to the weedlines on Swan Lake, Pebble Lake, Jewett Lake, and Long Lake. Northern pike also are active on the weedlines of most lakes. Walleye action has been best in 13 to 20 feet during low-light periods on Ten Mile Lake and Fish Lake. Small jerkbaits have produced a few muskies on the deep breaks and weedlines of Hooten Wright Lake



GRAND MARAIS AREA

Minnows or leeches are producing walleyes at Two Island Lake in 10 to 15 feet, Devil Fish Lake in 18 to 20 feet, and Sea Gull Lake in 15 to 20 feet. Rainbow trout are hitting crawlers at Trout Lake in 8 to 15 feet, Mink Lake over 12 to 20 feet, and Kimball Lake in 12 to 14 feet. Look to Duncan Lake and Greenwood Lake with smelt or preserved minnows for lake trout over 30 to 35 feet. Devilfish Lake, Two Island Lake, and Poplar Lake are kicking out numbers of smallmouth bass in shallow water.



GRAND RAPIDS/DEER RIVER AREA

Walleyes are hitting minnows or leeches on Deer Lake in 16 to 20 feet, and Lake Wabana or Trout Lake in 18 to 22 feet. The morning and evening hours have been best for panfish on the weedlines of Sugar Lake and Six Mile Lake. Largemouth bass are being found on the shorelines and weedlines of most lakes, while smallmouths remain shallow on Deer and Moose Lake.



GREY EAGLE AREA

Big Swan Lake started giving up walleyes out from the access and on the sunken island in 12 to 18 feet – nightcrawlers are working best. Walleyes also can be had with crawlers or leeches during low-light periods on Big Birch Lake in 12 to 15 feet or 25 to 28 feet. Mound Lake and Pine Lake are producing crappies and sunfish in 4 to 8 feet, while Big Birch is kicking out a mixed bag of panfish in 6 to 12 feet. Smallmouth and largemouth bass continue to be found on the shorelines or docks of many lakes.



HACKENSACK AREA

Leeches and nightcrawlers are producing walleyes on the 15- to 20-foot breaks or the cabbage edges of Pine Mountain Lake, Baby Lake, and Woman Lake. Largemouth are showing up on the mid-depth weeds and lily pads of most lakes, while smallmouths are set up on the shoreline breaks or mid-lake humps on Ten Mile Lake, Stoney Lake, Mule Lake, and Baby. Look for crappies on the emerging weedlines of Moccasin Lake, Pleasant Lake, Birch Lake, and the north side of Stoney, while bluegills remain shallow on most lakes.



LAKE KABETOGAMA

Walleyes have begun showing up on the mid-lake reefs in 22 to 27 feet – a Lindy Rig and leech has worked best. Pitching a jig and minnow in the shallow, wind-blown weeds also has produced walleyes. Northern pike are shallow with weedbeds emerging quickly, and smallmouth bass are working the shallow rocks and weedbeds. Crappies were on a tear last week in Sullivan Bay.


LANESBORO AREA

Heavy rains last Saturday left most streams dirty and tough to fish, but they should be mostly clear by this weekend. The small streams are fishing nicely, producing mixed bags of rainbows, brown trout, and brook trout. Spinners, small crankbaits, and large nymphs have been go-to presentations.



McGREGOR AREA

Leeches or minnows are producing walleyes on the north half of Big Sandy Lake in 10 to 14 feet. Look for sunfish in less than 8 feet on Lake Minnewawa and Big Sandy. Nightcrawlers or minnows are producing channel catfish in the deep holes of the Mississippi River.


MORA AREA

Crappies and sunfish are being found in 4 to 6 feet on Knife Lake, Fish Lake, and Ann Lake. Leeches are producing a few walleyes on the points of Knife, but northern pike reports remain limited.



ORTONVILLE AREA

Walleyes are being taken on bottom bouncers and spinners with crawlers on Big Stone Lake around Mallard Point and the islands in 9 to 13 feet. Large bluegills continue to be caught on the 10-foot weedbeds around the islands on Big Stone. Perch have started hitting crawlers around the points and islands of Big Stone in 9 to 11 feet as well.


PARK RAPIDS AREA

Crappie and sunfish continue to be caught in 4 to 8 feet on Fifth and Sixth Crow Wing lakes, Duck Lake, and Portage Lake. Walleyes are hitting spinner or live-bait rigs with leeches or minnows on Upper and Lower Bottle lakes in 8 to 14 feet, Long Lake in 16 to 20 feet, and Potato Lake in 12 to 16 feet. Muskie anglers are seeing fish on the cabbage beds and bulrush edges of Big Mantrap Lake. Bass and northern pike remain active, hitting spinnerbaits on most lakes in 4 to 7 feet.



PERHAM AREA

Hit Big Pine Lake in 10 to 12 feet and Rush Lake in 10 to 22 feet with minnows or leeches for walleyes. Crappies have moved out to the 8- to 12-foot weedlines of Star Lake, Dead Lake, Rush, and Big Pine. These lakes will produce bluegills and bass in shallower water as well.



RED WING AREA

The points on Lake Pepin are producing good numbers of walleye and sauger. Live-bait rigs with leeches or nightcrawlers are working in 4 to 10 feet, as is leadcore and crankbaits in 8 to 12 feet. Look for bluegills in the bays and channel or flathead catfish on the current breaks of the Mississippi River.



RICHMOND/ST. CLOUD AREA

Crawlers or leeches are producing walleyes in 10 to 14 feet throughout the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes and Rice Lake. Largemouth and smallmouth bass action is strong in shallow water with topwater baits on most lakes. Look for sunfish in the 5- to 10-foot weeds of Horseshoe Lake, Cedar Island Lake, Long Lake, Becker Lake, Pearl Lake, Grand Lake, and Rice. Channel catfish are an easy catch on the Horseshoe Chain as well.

[Lee Borgersen]

     Minnesota Fishing Report for July 26, 2019
   

Page #1





LAKE MILLE LACS        

East – The mud flats and gravel continue to produce walleyes during the day in 26 to 32 feet or 18 to 22 feet during low-light periods. Some form of live-bait rig with leeches, crawlers or minnows will turn fish during the day. Slip bobbers and leeches are working best during the evening hours on the rock reefs or points in less than 15 feet. Muskie reports have been light, but smallmouth bass continue to hit on the rock piles, points, and shoreline breaks.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

West – Walleye action remains favorable on the mud flats in 24 to 30 feet with spinner rigs and leeches, nightcrawlers, or minnows. The points, shoreline breaks, and rocks are kicking out walleyes in 12 to 18 feet as well. Live-bait rigging, Jiggin’ Raps or other “hard baits” are working on these spots. During low-light periods, slip bobbers and leeches or crankbaits are turning walleyes off the points and flats. Smallmouth bass are often mixed with walleyes on shallower structure.

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS

It’s been a strong week of summer walleye fishing with numerous patterns in full swing on the south shore. Jigging with frozen shiners or leeches, drifting spinners with crawlers, and trolling crankbaits are all working in 29 to 32 feet. Work the deep mud and reefs or the tops, sides and transition areas into mud. On the Rainy River, pulling spinners or crankbaits has been effective on the river channel edges, holes, and current breaks for walleyes. Smallmouth bass are around rock, and sturgeon continue to bite. At the Northwest Angle, spinners with crawlers, a jig and minnow, and trolling crankbaits are turning walleyes on the reefs or adjacent to reefs. There’s been plenty of smallmouth, pike, and muskies in the mix here as well.

Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau (800) 382-FISH   

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA   

Sunfish are hitting along the 15- to 18-foot weedlines of Lake Minnetonka and Medicine Lake. You’ll find largemouth bass on the deep weedlines of Medicine Lake, Minnetonka, and Independence – plastics have been producing bigger fish during the day and topwater baits are best during the early morning hours. Look for suspended crappies over 20 to 24 feet, just off the deep weeds of Minnetonka. Walleye action is spotty and spinnerbaits are producing northern pike on top of the weeds at Medicine.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

LAKE VERMILION

The rock reefs and mud humps are producing walleyes during the day in 18 to 26 feet and it’s key to cover water with live-bait rigs and crawlers. Early and late each day, walleyes are going in 8 to 10 feet with a jig and minnow or slip bobber and leech. A few muskies are being caught, but anglers are reporting more follows off the rock points and islands, while smallmouth bass remain active around docks and rocky shorelines.

Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

Walleye activity has slowed, but some fish are being caught during the day with live-bait rigs and leeches on the bars or humps in 30 feet and during low-light periods with crankbaits in 12 feet. A spinner and crawler also is producing a few walleyes on the 12- to 15-foot flats and weedbeds. You’ll find some decent perch in the 6- to 12-foot weeds or 20- to 25-foot humps, while northern pike are going on the shorelines and weedbeds in 8 to 12 feet.

Lake Winnie Resort Association                   

LEECH LAKE

Bottom bouncers and spinners with crawlers seem to be working best on the main lake rocks for walleyes in 12 to 15 feet. Slip bobbers and leeches or crankbaits are turning walleyes each evening along the 10- to 15-foot breaks in Walker Bay. There’s also been some daytime action with Jiggin’ Raps on the humps and points in Walker Bay. A few muskies are being seen on the rocks, while the reed beds in Steamboat Bay and Boy Bay are giving up largemouth bass.

Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

Shriver’s Bait Company (218) 547-2250

RAINY LAKE    

Walleyes are beginning to show up on, or near the top of main lake reefs, breaklines, and deeper points over 12 to 24 feet. Jigs, a Lindy Rig and leech, or slip bobbers have been catching fish.  Many walleyes remain shallow and continue to be caught off weedlines with spinner rigs and a crawler or minnow as well. Some smallmouth bass remain shallow 2 to 5 feet, while others are coming off the 5- to 10-foot boulders. Some crappies continue to be caught in the 4- to 6-foot weeds or a combination of rock structure and weeds, on the points, and sunken brush piles. Anglers have reported catching northern pike on most walleye-holding spots.

International Falls CVB (800) 325-5766

RED LAKE

If the wind and other weather issues allow people to get on the lake, walleyes can be had in 10 to 12 feet with spinners and crawlers or crankbaits – you have to cover water. Don’t be afraid to hit the shallower, shoreline breaks and reed areas for walleyes as well.

Mort’s On Upper Red (218) 647-8128

JR’s Corner Access (320) 290-3838

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO

Walleyes are being taken with minnows or crawlers on the Mississippi River, St. Croix River, and White Bear Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows or spoons on the weedlines of Lake Jane, Lake Owasso and Powers Lake. Hit 10 to 12 feet on Big Marine Lake and Beaver Lake for sunfish and crappies, while Olson Lake and Demontreville Lake are kicking out largemouth bass. Look to Bald Eagle Lake and White Bear with bucktails during low-light periods for muskies.

Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO

The 8- to 10-foot weeds are producing sunfish and bass on Lake Auburn, Parley Lake, Bavaria Lake, and Whaletail Lake. Crappie and walleye reports have been poor, but northern pike are hitting spinnerbaits in less than 14 feet on Auburn, Steiger Lake, and Pierson Lake.

Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

SOUTH METRO

Not much has changed from a week ago, which means the 15- to 20-foot weed edges continue to produce largemouth bass and sunfish during the day and a few walleyes each evening on Prior Lake. Muskie action hasn’t improved much, but northern pike are being caught with minnows or crankbaits on Orchard Lake in 10 to 15 feet.

Prior Lake Bait & Tackle (952) 447-6096

LAKE WACONIA

Walleyes continue to be caught with a jig and minnow during low-light periods in 18 to 22 feet on Kegg’s Reef, North Reef, Anderson’s Reef, and Center Reef. You’ll find sunfish and crappies on Pillsbury, North, and Anderson’s reefs over 15 feet. Bass are being caught on the shallow and deep rock and weed areas, while muskie reports have been light.

Mases In Towne Marina (952) 442-2096

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA

Reno Lake continues to produce walleyes on a spinner and crawler in 18 feet. Walleyes also can be had with crawlers during low-light periods on Lake Miltona and Lake Ida in 20 to 25 feet. Work the 14- to 16-foot weeds for sunfish and crappies on Lake Darling, Lake Le Homme Dieu, and Lake Geneva. Bass remain an easy catch on most lakes, but muskie reports have been limited.

Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255

ANNANDALE AREA

Walleye reports have been limited to a few fish during low-light periods on Clearwater Lake and Buffalo Lake in 14 to 18 feet. The 12- to 16-foot weedlines on Maple Lake, Sugar Lake, Lake Sylvia, and Clearwater continue to produce panfish and largemouth bass. Some bass are being caught in the slop and reeds on these lakes with topwater baits during the early morning hours.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE AREA

The 10- to 15-foot weedlines are giving up mixed bags of panfish on Fish Lake, Clitherall Lake, Rush Lake, and West Battle Lake. Crawlers or leeches on a spinner have been best for walleyes in 10 to 15 feet on Otter Tail Lake, West Battle, and Rush during the day, while some fish are being taken at night up shallow with crankbaits. Muskie action has been best with bucktails in 15 to 20 feet on West Battle, while bass and northern pike remain active on the weedlines of most lakes.

Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA

You have to work a bit more for walleyes, but if you do, you’ll boat some fish. Jigs, live-bait rigs, or spinner rigs are all working with minnows, crawlers, and leeches. Work the sharp breaks in 12 to 18 feet on Lake Bemidji, Grace Lake, Turtle Lake, and Wolf Lake. Bigger pike are coming off the deep weed edges on Bemidji and Turtle River. The bass fishing remains excellent by working the deep weedlines with Texas-rigged plastic worms or jigs and plastics. Crappies and bluegills are being found in and around the deep cabbage on most lakes.

Dick Beardsley Guide Service (218) 556-7172

BLACKDUCK AREA

Island Lake, Round Lake, and Blackduck Lake are producing some walleyes in 10 to 15 feet. Some days are better than others and crawlers or leeches have been the preferred bait. The outside weed edges on Gull Lake, Pimushe Lake, North Twin Lake, South Twin Lake, and Gilstead Lake continue to produce bluegills and crappies.

Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Walleyes are scattered from 8 to 25 feet on Gull Lake, North Long Lake, and Lake Edwards. Spinner rigs and most live bait options are being used to locate fish, while slip bobbers and leeches are the way to go once they’re found. The 10- to 15-foot weedlines on North Long, Round Lake, Cullen Lake, and Nisswa Lake are producing panfish and largemouth bass.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

CASS LAKE AREA

Walleyes and northern pike are being caught with a jig and minnow in 10 to 12 feet during the day on Pike Bay Lake and Cass Lake. During the evening hours, crankbaits are turning walleyes on North Cedar Bar and Buck’s Bar of Cass. Work the weed edges for sunfish on Kitchi Lake, Midge Lake, and Grace Lake, while a few muskies are being caught with bucktails on the main lake bars of Cass.

Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831             

CHISAGO AREA   

Crappies and sunfish are coming off the 8- to 15-foot weedlines of lakes such as Chisago, North Center, South Center, North Lindstrom, and South Lindstrom. Largemouth bass are an easy catch in the shallow weeds, slop, and reeds of most lakes. A few walleyes are being caught with leeches or crawlers in 10 to 15 feet on Green Lake, Chisago, and North Center.

Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA

Largemouth bass and northern pike are being taken on the weedlines of Bay Lake and Nokay Lake. The 15- to 20-foot weedlines on Serpent Lake and Rabbit Lake are producing a few walleyes on plastics. The 12- to 15-foot weeds on Bay and Greer Lake are giving up sunfish during the day and crappies in the evenings. Trout reports from the pits have slowed since last week.

Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

DETROIT LAKES AREA

Nightcrawlers on some form of live-bait rig continues to produce walleyes in 20 to 25 feet at Pelican Lake and Big Cormorant Lake. There’s some evening muskie action with topwater baits on top of the weeds at Lake Sallie. Look to Sallie, Lake Melissa, Cotton Lake, and Big Floyd Lake for a mixed bag of panfish in 14 to 18 feet.

Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA 

The south shore of Lake Superior started producing walleyes on stickbaits in 20 to 30 feet. The Two Harbors and Silver Bay areas on Superior are giving up some coho and king salmon in the top 50 feet of the water column, and lake trout are being caught about 75 feet down near Duluth. Crawlers or leeches continue to turn walleyes at Island Lake and Whiteface Reservoir in 18 to 25 feet or Fish Lake in 16 to 20 feet.

Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

EAST CENTRAL MN

The established weedlines on Green Lake and Blue Lake are giving up a few largemouth bass and northern pike. Hit the Mississippi River for smallmouth bass and channel catfish or the Rum River for smallmouth. Some sunfish and crappies are being found in 7 to 14 feet on Little Elk Lake and Blue.

Tales and Trails Sport Shop (763) 856-3985

ELY AREA

A jig and leech is producing walleyes in 4 to 10 feet on Basswood Lake, Fall Lake, and Birch Lake. Lake trout are being taken with stickbaits or spoons over 40 to 80 feet at Snowbank Lake, Knife Lake, and Burntside Lake. Topwater baits or plastics are turning smallmouth bass on the rock points of Shagawa Lake, Moose Lake, and Low Lake. Miner’s Pit and Tofte Pit are safe bets for rainbow trout, while crappies and sunfish are hitting in the 5- to 15-foot cabbage beds at Low, Birch, and Basswood.

Arrowhead Outdoors (218) 365-5358

EMILY AREA

Trolling spoons on Lake Emily in 6 to 8 feet is producing northern pike, and Ruth Lake is kicking out crappies in 10 to 12 feet. Work the 6- to 8-foot bulrushes on Roosevelt Lake with spinnerbaits for largemouth bass. Hit Eagle Lake for sunfish in 8 to 10 feet, while crankbaits are turning walleyes in 12 to 14 feet at Washburn Lake during the evening hours.

Redding Sports and Spirits (218) 763-2191

FAIRMONT AREA

Crappies are being found suspended over 10 to 15 feet on Hall Lake, Budd Lake, and Lake Sisseton. Look for sunfish in 4 to 6 feet at Budd, Sisseton, and George Lake. Channel catfish are being caught by anglers fishing from shore during the evening hours on Hall and Budd, while a few walleyes are coming off Tuttle Lake and Big Twin Lake.

Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

FARIBAULT AREA

Heavy rains hit this area on Saturday and water levels have risen a lot on as a result. Fishing pressure has been limited to some bass coming off the shorelines of Shields Lake, Cedar Lake, and Roberds Lake. The high water has put a no-wake situation into place on all Rice County lakes.

John’s Bait & Tackle (507) 332-6787

FERGUS FALLS AREA

The 10- to 14-foot weedlines are holding sunfish on Ten Mile Lake, Long Lake, Anna Lake, and Eagle Lake. A few walleyes are being caught with spinner rigs and crawlers or leeches in 18 to 20 feet at Fish Lake during the day, and crankbaits continue to produce walleyes  at night in less than 10 feet on Ten Mile.

Little Chief Outpost (218) 998-5050

GRAND MARAIS AREA

Walleyes are being taken with leeches on Elbow Lake in 4 to 6 feet, Poplar Lake in 12 to 15 feet, and Sea Gull Lake in 18 to 25 feet. Crawlers or crankbaits are producing smallies at Devil Track Lake and Two Island Lake in 8 to 12 feet. Look to Loon Lake for lakers at 40 to 45 feet and Greenwood Lake at 35 to 42 feet. Crawlers are turning rainbows at Leo Lake in 13 to 18 feet and Kimball Lake in 10 to 15 feet. The top 80 feet of the water column on Lake Superior has been best for coho salmon with Dipsey Divers.

Buck’s Hardware (218) 387-2280

GRAND RAPIDS/DEER RIVER AREA

The weedlines on Bowstring Lake started giving up walleyes on live bait early and late each day. The 8- to 12-foot weedlines on Big Cutfoot Sioux Lake, Little Cutfoot Sioux Lake, and Sugar Lake are producing bluegills. Hit the 16- to 18-foot humps on Deer Lake with live bait for walleyes and smallmouth bass.

Fred’s Live Bait (218) 246-8710

GREY EAGLE AREA

The east side of Long Lake, (by the Hub Supper Club), is producing crappies in 15 feet and sunfish on the north end in 10 to 12 feet. Look to the west side of Swan Lake in 10 to 15 feet for sunfish and the east side for crappies in 10 to 15 feet. Sucker minnows also are turning northern pike on Swan in 12 to 15 feet. The weedlines on Big Birch Lake are giving up largemouth bass and northern pike, while Little Birch Lake is producing largemouth and smallmouth bass. Hit the 8- to 12-foot weeds on Mound Lake or 18 to 20 feet on St. Anna Lake (Rooney Lake) for sunfish. The Sauk River is giving up channel catfish.

Nancy’s Bait & Tackle (320) 285-2405

HACKENSACK AREA

Largemouth are stacked in shallow water and hitting topwater baits on Baby Lake, Birch Lake, Mule Lake, and Moccasin Lake, while smallmouth bass are going on Ten Mile Lake and Mule in less than 12 feet. A few walleyes are being taken on Ten Mile at night by trolling crankbaits near the surface over deep water. There’s also an evening bite with slip bobbers and leeches on the 5- to 8-foot humps on Woman Lake or 15 to 20 feet on Pine Mountain Lake with live-bait rigs and leeches. Crappies continue to be found during the evening hours in the cabbage on Pleasant Lake, Webb Lake, Stoney Lake, and Birch. Look for bluegills in the shallow weeds or lily pads on these lakes as well.

Swanson’s Bait and Tackle (218) 675-6176

LANESBORO AREA

Last weekend’s rain once again dirtied the bigger streams, but the small streams were quite fishable early this week. Caddis and Hopper’s have been producing trout on the small streams, with some better reports coming off Gribben Creek and Duschee Creek.

Root River Rod Company (507) 467-2101

LONGVILLE AREA

Muskie action has picked up with topwater baits on the 6- to 17-foot weedlines of Wabedo Lake and Little Boy Lake. Look for crappies and bluegills in the cabbage beds of Lake Inguadona, Big Boy Lake, and Wabedo. The deep weeds, 16 to 20 feet, are producing largemouth bass and northern pike on most lakes.

The One Stop (218) 363-2252

MADISON LAKE AREA

Spinner rigs tipped with crawlers or leeches continue to produce some walleyes in 20 feet off Second and Third points of Lake Washington. Largemouth bass are weedline-related and active on most lakes, while panfish and northern pike are hitting in 8 to 10 feet on Madison Lake. Big Jefferson Lake is producing crappies in 15 to 18 feet and sunfish in 8 to 12 feet.

Corner Bait (507) 243-4464

McGREGOR AREA

The established weedlines on Big Sandy Lake are producing crappies during the evening hours. Crappies and sunfish also can be had in 12 to 15 feet on Lake Minnewawa. Northern pike and bass remain active on the weedlines of most lakes, while a few walleyes are coming from Big Sandy in 15 to 22 feet.

Willey’s Sport Shop & Spirits (218) 426-3382

ORTONVILLE AREA

Big Stone Lake is giving up perch and walleyes, north of Mallard Point, in 8 to 12 feet – crankbaits or a jig and minnow is working best. The Manhatten Island area on Big Stone is kicking out quality bluegills in less than 8 feet as well.

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

PARK RAPIDS AREA

Work the 10- to 14-foot weedlines for panfish on Fish Hook Lake, Height of Land Lake, and Fifth Crow Wing Lake. Walleye action is best during low-light periods with leeches or crawlers in 24 to 28 feet on Long Lake, Big Sand Lake, and Fish Hook. Look to Big Mantrap Lake in 12 to 15 feet for northern pike and muskies.

Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

Smokey Hills Outdoors (218) 237-5099

RED WING AREA

Trolling crankbaits continues to produce walleyes in the Lake City area on Lake Pepin in 18 to 20 feet. Bluegill and crappie action is strong along the overhanging and submerged trees on the Wisconsin shoreline of Pepin. Nightcrawlers are turning channel catfish on the current breaks or holes of the Mississippi River.

Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334

[Lee Borgersen]

          Page#2 continued report


RICHMOND/ST. CLOUD AREA

Lake Koronis has been producing walleyes in 15 to 25 feet on leeches and crawlers or in the weeds with spinner rigs and crawlers. Look to Rice Lake for walleyes in 15 to 22 feet and panfish along the weedlines. Walleyes have been hitting crankbaits or a spinner and crawler on Horseshoe Lake, Cedar Island Lake, and the deeper pockets or sand flats throughout the Sauk River. Pearl Lake, Grand Lake, Cedar Island, Horseshoe, Becker Lake, and Long Lake are giving up panfish in 6 to 12 feet.

Channel Marine and Sports (320) 597-5975

SAUK CENTRE AREA

Walleyes are being pulled from deep water with crawlers on the mid-lake structure of Lake Osakis. A few walleyes also are coming off the northern third of Sauk Lake during low-light periods in 12 to 22 feet. Work the outside weed edges for sunfish on the north end of Osakis, Maple Lake, Cedar Lake, and Smith Lake.

Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155

STARBUCK AREA

The Priest Point and Barsness Point areas on Lake Minnewaska are kicking out sunfish over 16 to 18 feet. Walleye action has been slow, but pike and largemouth bass are being taken along the bulrushes of Minnewaska. Channel catfish continue to be caught by shore anglers on Lake Emily.

Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA

Bluegills and a few crappies are being caught off the 10- to 15-foot weedlines of Diamond Lake, Norway Lake, and Florida Lake. Walleye action has been best early and late each day with spinners and crawlers in 12 to 16 feet on Lake Andrew, 22 to 30 feet on Green Lake, and 6 to 8 feet on Kandi Lake. Bass and pike are hitting along the weedlines of most lakes.

J&J Hwy. 71 Bait and Tackle (320) 235-4097

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

Walleye action has been slow with a few fish being picked up occasionally on Dead Coon Lake or East Twin Lake. Hit Wood Lake, East Twin, and West Twin Lake for smallmouth bass. Lake Shetek and Lake Sarah are giving up a few crappies and perch, and catfish continue to be caught on the Redwood and Minnesota rivers.

Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880