More area fishing reports

[Lee Borgersen]

  More area fishin reports .....

Posted on Thu, 16 Jan 2016

LAKE MILLE LACS       

East - A wide range of walleye sizes and decent numbers of jumbo perch are being caught on the north end and south-end breaks in 20 to 22 feet of water. Keep hole-hopping with jigging spoons and you should find plenty of both fish species. Northern pike remain active in 13 to 15 feet throughout Cove, Wahkon, and Isle bays. ATVs are now being used across the lake, with some travel to the mud flats just beginning as of last weekend.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

West - Walleye action continues to be very good in the bays and along most shoreline breaks in 17 to 22 feet of water. Jumbo perch and some northern pike are being found in these areas, as well. There hasn’t been anyone traveling to the mud flats on this end of the lake, but that could happen soon with the cold weather. Check in for ice updates before venturing out beyond the areas being fished.

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Walleyes and sauger are being pulled from 24 to 31 feet of water on the south shore. Gold, glow red, and orange have been hot spoon colors, and some anglers also are having success by downsizing their presentations. The Rainy River is ice-capped in most areas, but it still is not safe for travel. At the Northwest Angle, jumbo perch, northern pike, walleyes, and sauger are all being caught in 20 to 27 feet of water, according to recent reports. Some crappie action is reported from the Ontario side of the lake, as well.

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

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA   

Between the cold weather and inconsistent ice thickness in the area, fishing pressure has been limited. Although 6 inches of ice is reported on many of the area’s lakes, most still have areas that need to be approached with caution. Continue to check ice depths on all lakes as you venture out.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

LAKE VERMILION

Walleyes are being caught on spoons or dead sticks with small minnows in 25 to 32 feet of water in the east basin; anglers staying mobile are catching more fish. Stuntz Bay continues to provide consistent northern pike action in less than 12 feet of water. Ice conditions are good; the lake is now staked for ATVs and snowmobiles, but there is a pressure ridge from Potato Island heading west to Stonich Island, so approach with caution.

Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

Bigger perch are being found over 30 feet on the main-lake bars such as Horseshoe and Snaghole. These areas also will produce some walleyes, but the main-lake humps have been more productive in 22 to 26 feet during the evening hours. Northern pike are being taken by anglers and via spearing; spearers say water clarity has greatly improved in shallow water.

Lake Winnie Resort Association

LEECH LAKE

Walker Bay continues to have varying ice depths, so ATVs remain the best option, but main-lake ice has improved. Walleyes are being caught along the shoreline breaks or 28- to 34- foot humps in Walker Bay. Again, portables and ATVs are suggested. Walleyes also can be had during low-light periods in 12 to 14 feet in Trader’s Bay, off Pine Point, and at the GrandVu Flats area. Some perch are being caught in the narrows over 5 to 7 feet of water.

Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 54-1505

Shriver’s Bait Company (218) 547-2250

RAINY LAKE    

Roads are now plowed in Sand Bay, with as much as 16 inches of ice reported. Some walleyes are being caught in 26 feet during the evening hours. Look to Black Bay for a few walleyes in 20 to 25 feet of water. You’ll also find northern pike in 12 to 14 feet of water.

Loon’s Nest (218) 286-5850

RED LAKE

While limits of walleyes continue to be caught, the bite has been a bit slower during the past week. Low-light periods have been best, with some spurts of activity during the overnight hours. The best reports are coming from 8 to 9 feet of water or on the mud flats in 12 to 15 feet of water.

Mort’s Dock (218) 647-8128