Regional Fishing Reports

[Lee Borgersen]

... Regional Fishing Reports

1/25/18

LAKE MILLE LACS        

East – The deep gravel and mud flats continue to provide decent walleye action. Bigger minnows or larger-profiled baits are working best during low-light periods. A few jumbo perch are being caught off the mud flats in 30 feet or more, mainly on the north end. You’ll catch northern pike in the bays or in the same areas walleyes are being caught.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

West – Work the points at night in 10 to 15 feet or 24 to 30 feet during the day for walleyes. You’ll also find active walleyes on the edges of the mud flats during the day or on top of them during low-light periods. The deep water off the Seven and Eight Mile flats are producing tullibees. Anglers that continue to stay on the move are picking off a few jumbo perch as well.

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Walleyes and sauger are hitting on the south shore in 24 to 32 feet. In addition to the traditional daytime bite, some anglers are catching fish after dark on structure, which is not typical. During the morning and evening hours, walleyes are being caught in 15 to 17 feet as well. A one/two punch of jigging spoons and dead stick are both producing fish. The Rainy River is kicking out some walleyes with an occasional sturgeon early and late each day. At the Northwest Angle, walleyes are biting in 18 to 28 feet, and you’ll find sauger and perch in deeper water. Resorts guiding for crappies on the Ontario side have done well in 30 feet or more.

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

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA   

Walleyes are being caught at night in 25 feet on Lake Minnetonka and 30 feet on Lake Independence. Carson’s Bay, Phelp’s Bay, and North Arm of Minnetonka are safe bets for sunfish and crappies in 10 to 18 feet. Medicine Lake is producing sunfish in 10 feet and sucker minnows are turning northern pike on the 15-foot weedlines of most lakes. This area received 8 to 12 inches of snow earlier this week so call ahead for travel options on local lakes.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

LAKE VERMILION

Walleyes continue to be caught on or near the reefs in 20 to 25 feet. The morning and afternoon hours have been most consistent with spurts of action throughout the day. Crappie reports continue to be limited, but northern pike are being taken in Stuntz Bay, Canfield Bay, and mouth of Cable Bay.

Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

Perch continue to bite well on Horseshoe Bar in 24 to 26 feet, Snaghole Bar in 18 to 22 feet, the flats on the north end of the big Island in 15 to 18 feet, and on the west side in 12 feet. The northeast corner of Horseshoe Bar is producing walleyes in 22 to 26 feet and northern pike continue to be caught all over the lake at a variety of depths.

Lake Winnie Resort Association

LEECH LAKE

The Trapper’s Landing area is producing walleyes after dark in 18 to 25 feet. You’ll also hit walleyes in Walker Bay during low-light periods on the shoreline breaks and deeper humps. Look to Sand Point for perch in 6 to 10 feet and Cedar Point for walleyes in 18 to 30 feet. Sucker Bay is giving up perch and a few walleyes in 13 feet.

Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

Shriver’s Bait Company (218) 547-2250

RAINY LAKE    

Walleyes and sauger have been active early in the day. The best bet has been a glow jig and minnow just off the bottom in about 25 feet. Many areas of Sand Bay are producing fish, but anglers have been getting out to areas farther east and catching walleyes and sauger too. Black Bay remains the best bet for bigger northern pike. Snowmobile trails are staked and groomed, providing easier access on Rainy Lake and connections to the other Voyageurs National Park lakes.

International Falls CVB (800) 325-5766

RED LAKE

Walleyes continue to bite best on the 8- to 12-foot gravel and sand or 13- to 14-foot mud flats. Dead sticks seem to be producing more fish than jigging spoons again this week, especially during low-light periods.

Mort’s Dock (218) 647-8128

Twin Cities Metro

WEST METRO

This area received 10 inches of snow, but most of it blew off the lakes so getting around is still relatively easy. Look for sunfish on Hydes Lake in 8 to 10 feet and crappies in 12 to 14 feet. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on Hydes in 8 to 12 feet and Lake Zumbra in 10 to 15 feet. Swede Lake is giving up crappies in less than 10 feet.

Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

SOUTH METRO

This area received 15 inches of snow on Monday so ice fishing activity was slow, but roads and accesses should be open by this weekend. Look to Prior Lake for sunfish and crappies in 15 to 20 feet or walleyes in 22 to 26 feet. The north end of Spring Lake is kicking out crappies and sunfish in 20 feet and the weedlines on Lake O’Dowd are producing northern pike.

Prior Lake Bait & Tackle (952) 447-6096

LAKE WACONIA

Look for sunfish in 11 to 15 feet on Center Reef and in Waconia Bay. Crappie action is best during the evening hours in 14 to 16 feet on Center Reef, Pillsbury Reef, and in Waconia Bay. Some walleyes are being caught at night on the weedlines in Wagener’s Bay and along the north shore. Look for consistent northern pike action in 15 feet on Center Reef or in 12 feet throughout Waconia Bay. Roads are plowed and open after Monday’s snow.

Mases In Towne Marina (952) 442-2096

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA

You’ll find crappies on Lake Le Homme Dieu in 20 to 25 feet and Lake Mary in 18 to 20 feet. Sunfish reports have been slow, but some walleyes are being caught on Lake Ida and Lake Miltona in 25 to 30 feet during low-light periods. Sucker minnows and tip ups are working for northern pike on most lakes in 14 to 18 feet.

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

ANNANDALE AREA

Walleyes continue to be caught early and late each day in 16 to 24 feet on Pleasant Lake, Clearwater Lake, Lake Sylvia, and Sugar Lake. Pelican Lake started giving up northern pike in less than 10 feet, while the 12- to 15-foot weedlines on most lakes are producing pike as well. Look for suspended crappies over 25 to 35 feet on Clearwater, Granite Lake, Maple Lake, and Pleasant. Sunfish reports have been best in 10 to 15 feet on Clearwater, Maple, and Lake Sylvia.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE AREA

Otter Tail Lake and West Battle Lake continue to produce walleyes at a variety of depths from 8 to 40 feet. Northern pike action picked up with sucker minnows on the 15-foot weeds of Clitherall Lake, Donald Lake, Otter Tail, and West Battle. Crappies and sunfish are being found over 15 to 17 feet on West Battle, Fish Lake, and South Turtle Lake.

Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA

A few walleyes and perch are still coming out of 12 to 14 feet on Lake Bemidji, but the majority of fish are now being caught in 24 to 40 feet on spoons and minnow heads. There’s been some tullibees in the mix over this deeper water as well. Big Turtle Lake is producing walleyes and crappies early and late each the day, and Lake Plantagenet has a decent perch bite going along with a few walleyes in 25 to 35 feet.

Dick Beardsley Guide Service (218) 556-7172

BLACKDUCK AREA

Perch are being caught during the day and some walleyes are hitting during low-light periods on Blackduck Lake, Round Lake, and Island Lake in 8 to 12 feet. Look to Pimushe Lake and Rabideau Lake for bluegills and crappies in 18 to 22 feet.

Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Look for crappies in 8 to 15 feet on North Long Lake, Hubert Lake, and Nisswa Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows in 7 to 15 feet North Long, Gull Lake, and Cullen Lake. Shiner minnows or rosy reds are turning walleyes in 15 to 26 feet on Gull, North Long, Pelican Lake, and Round Lake. You’ll find sunfish in 6 to 8 feet at Nisswa and North Long.

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

CASS LAKE AREA

There’s an evening walleye bite in Allen’s Bay on Cass Lake and Lake Andrusia in 18 feet. On Grace Lake, walleyes are being caught in 18 to 22 feet. Look to Pike Bay Lake and Cass for perch in 18 to 20 feet and you’ll find suspended crappies over 30 feet on Midge Lake, the north end of Kitchi Lake, and in Allen’s Bay.

Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831

CHISAGO AREA   

Roads are plowed open on area lakes after 6 inches of snow fell on Monday. The south ends of Chisago Lake and Green Lake are giving up sunfish and crappies in 8 to 14 feet. The channel area on Little Green Lake is producing crappies as well. The rocks and flats on South Center and North Center lakes have been best for walleyes in 14 to 16 feet. Sucker or shiner minnows are turning northern pike on the weedlines of most lakes.

Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA

Rainbow trout are being found suspended over deep water or in shallow water where sight fishing is an option on Manuel Pit, Huntington Pit, Snowshoe Pit, and Section Six Pit. Milford Lake and Upper Dean Lake are giving up sunfish, crappies, and northern pike in 14 to 22 feet. There’s some evening crappie action on Bay Lake and Crooked Lake over 30 to 35 feet. You’ll pick up a few walleyes at night on the Deerwood end of Serpent Lake in 24 feet.

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

DETROIT LAKES AREA

Look for walleyes in 15 to 20 feet on Big Detroit Lake and Big Cormorant Lake, especially during low-light periods. Little Detroit Lake is kicking out sunfish, crappies, northern pike, and a few walleyes in 10 feet. Look to Lake Melissa for crappies and a few sunfish  over 15 feet.

Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA   

Crappies continue to hit glow jigs and minnows during low-light periods by the dam on Fish Lake in 15 to 18 feet. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on Rice Lake in 5 feet, and some bigger walleyes are being caught off Park Point in Duluth Harbor on Lake Superior in 10 feet.

Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

EAST CENTRAL MN

Fremont Lake is producing northern pike in 7 feet – tip ups and sucker minnows are working best. Hit Little Elk Lake for crappies and a few walleyes in 9 to 13 feet. Look for panfish and a few walleyes at Mitchell Lake in 7 to 14 feet, while you’ll find suspended crappies over 24 feet on Green Lake.

Tales and Trails Sport Shop (763) 856-3985

ELY AREA

Burntside Lake is giving up lake trout over 20 to 25 feet or 40 to 50 feet, while Snowbank Lake is producing lake trout over 60 to 80 feet – sucker minnows are working best. Snowbank also is producing a few walleyes in 50 feet or deeper.

The Great Outdoors (218) 365-4744

FAIRMONT AREA

Yellow bass and crappies are biting on Hall Lake, Budd Lake, and Lake Sissiton in 15 to 18 feet. Sissiton also is producing a few bluegills in 15 feet, Cedar Lake is giving up walleyes and northern pike in less than 6 feet, and Big Twin Lake is worth noting for perch. About 16 inches of snow fell here on Monday so there might be some slush pockets to deal with.

Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

FARIBAULT AREA

This area received 13 inches of snow earlier this week so fishing reports have been limited since. Before the snow, sunfish and northern pike were hitting on Cedar Lake in 10 to 12 feet. French Lake was giving up crappies in 22 feet and Lake Mazaska was producing crappies, northern pike, and a few walleyes in 18 to 20 feet.

Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341

GRAND MARAIS AREA

Walleyes are hitting chubs in 20 to 25 feet on Saganaga Lake and Gunflint Lake in 25 to 30 feet. Lake trout are being taken with minnows over 15 to 30 feet on Greenwood Lake and Loon Lake in 35 to 40 feet. Musquash Lake started giving up splake on waxworms or salted minnows in 12 to 15 feet, as did Birch Lake in 20 feet. Look to Leo Lake for rainbow trout in 12 to 20 feet or Mink Lake in 15 to 25 feet.

Buck’s Hardware (218) 387-2280

GRAND RAPIDS AREA

Crappies and sunfish are being caught at Trout Lake in 7 to 12 feet, and Bass Lake continues to produce sunfish in 6 to 20 feet. Tioga Bay on Lake Pokegama is giving up panfish in 15 to 30 feet and some walleyes on the 20- to 40-foot humps. Big Cutfoot and Little Cutfoot Sioux lakes are worth noting for crappies in 22 to 28 feet, as is Bowstring Lake over 20 to 30 feet. A few walleyes are being caught on Sugar Lake in 20 to 25 feet, and panfish reports remain favorable on Big and Little Splithand lakes in 20 to 24 feet. Stream trout continue to hit on Taylor Lake and Kramer Lake, while lake trout are biting best on the Canisteo Pit and Caribou Lake.

Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281

GREY EAGLE AREA

The 12- to 15-foot hump on Moose Lake is producing walleyes and crappies. Look to Maple Lake for sunfish and crappies in 18 to 20 feet or northern pike in shallow water. The bar on the north end of Long Lake (by the Hub Supper Club) is producing sunfish and Big Swan Lake is a safe bet for northern pike in 8 to 12 feet. The north end of Big Swan is giving up sunfish in 8 to 12 feet and crappies over 22 feet as well. A few walleyes are coming off Big Birch Lake in 20 to 30 feet, and you’ll find suspended crappies over 40 to 45 feet here.

Nancy’s Bait & Tackle (320) 285-2405

HACKENSACK AREA

Birch Lake and Mule Lake are producing crappies and sunfish in 15 to 20 feet, while some walleyes are being caught on Baby Lake, Pine Mountain Lake, Ten Mile Lake, and Woman Lake during low-light periods in 18 to 22 feet. Rainbow trout are being taken with jigs and waxworms in 15 to 20 feet on Diamond Lake.

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

HIBBING/CHISHOLM AREA

Crappies are being found suspended on Dewey Lake over 27 feet and over 23 feet on Shoepack Lake. Look to Side Lake with sucker minnows for northern pike in 12 feet, and you’ll hook a few walleyes here in 25 feet with shiner or rainbow minnows. The Kinney Pit is producing rainbow trout early in the morning over about 30 feet.

Lucky 7 General Store (218) 254-7168

LONGVILLE AREA

Sunfish and crappies remain active on Lake Inguadona in 10 to 12 feet.  Lake Wabedo is giving up crappies over 36 feet. Woman Lake is producing perch towards Lantern Bay in 12 to 14 feet, while sunfish and crappies are biting on Girl Lake in 16 feet. Look to Little Boy Lake for a couple of walleyes each night in 22 to 24 feet, and Big Boy Lake is producing crappies over 28 to 34 feet and sunfish in 8 to 12 feet.

The One Stop (218) 363-2252

MADISON LAKE AREA

Crappies and bluegills are hitting on Duck Lake and Lake Francis in 12 feet. Look to Big Jefferson Lake for crappies in 16 to 20 feet, and the Carpenter’s Point area on Francis is giving up northern pike in 5 to 8 feet. This area received about 13 inches of snow earlier this week so call ahead for travel options going into this weekend.

Corner Bait (507) 243-4464

MORA AREA

Knife Lake is producing crappies in 7 to 9 feet, and sunfish remain active on Ann Lake in 5 to 7 feet. Look to Lake Pokegama for sunfish and crappies in 9 to 11 feet. Walleye action is slow, but Knife is giving up northern pike in 4 to 6 feet on sucker minnows.

Jerry’s Sport & Bait Shop

(320) 679-2151

ORTONVILLE AREA

Perch action remains consistently good on Big Stone Lake in 12 feet. Small Rippin’ Raps or tungsten jigs tipped with larvae are working best off Mallard Point, Kramer’s area and in front of Rustlin’ Elms Resort. Walleye reports are limited, but there has been a few crappies and bluegills mixed in with the perch.

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

PARK RAPIDS AREA

Look to Fish Hook Lake for a few walleyes during the evening hours in 18 to 24 feet or to Potato Lake on the 18- to 30-foot structure. The deep mud flats throughout the Crow Wing Chain of Lakes are producing panfish, and northern pike spearing has been good on Long Lake.

Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

Smokey Hills Outdoors (218) 237-5099

RED WING AREA

Walleyes and sauger are being taken with jigs below the dam on the Mississippi River in 10 to 14 feet –Everett’s Landing is plowed open. The Frontenac area of Lake Pepin is worth noting for walleyes and perch in 15 to 18 feet. This area received about 14 inches of snow on Monday so lake travel has become more difficult.

Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334

RICHMOND/ST. CLOUD AREA

Crappies continue to hit on Rice Lake in 15 to 24 feet, and you’ll catch a few walleyes here in 15 to 22 feet. Horseshoe Lake, Schneider Lake, and Cedar Island Lake are producing walleyes in 10 to 25 feet. Northern pike and sunfish reports have been limited.

Channel Marine and Sports (320) 597-5975

SAUK CENTRE AREA

Walleyes continue to be caught throughout Sauk Lake, at a variety of depths. Just get away from the crowds. You’ll also find suspended crappies over 34 to 50 feet on Sauk. The north end of Lake Osakis is producing sunfish and crappies in 18 to 20 feet, while Smith Lake and Maple Lake are safe bets for sunfish in 8 to 12 feet.

Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155

STARBUCK AREA

You’ll continue to catch walleyes early and late each day or overnight on Lake Minnewaska in 18 to 22 feet. Minnewaska also is producing northern pike in 10 to 15 feet and a mixed bag of panfish on the Glenwood end in 12 to 15 feet. Sucker minnows are turning northern pike on the weedlines of Rachel Lake and Freeborn Lake.

Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239

WATERVILLE AREA

The Best Point area on Lake Tetonka is producing walleyes in 15 feet, and northern pike are being taken in shallow water on most lakes. Sunfish  are hitting in 12 to 16 feet at Sabre Lake, Lake Francis, and Tetonka. This area received about 13 inches of snow earlier this week so travel off the plowed roads will be more difficult.

Axel’s Tackle Box (507) 213-1873

WILLMAR AREA

Crappies and a few walleyes are coming off Norway Lake in 20 feet, while Big Kandi Lake is producing perch in less than 10 feet. Look to Willmar/Foot Lake in 18 to 20 feet for sunfish, crappies, and a few walleyes. A few panfish are coming off Diamond Lake in 20 feet and Nest Lake is producing pike and panfish in 15 to 18 feet.

Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

Walleyes are being caught in 5 to 7 feet on Current Lake and Rock Lake. You’ll also catch walleyes in 6 feet on Lake Shetek, Lake Sarah, and Wood Lake. Crappie action has been best on Bloody Lake in 9 to 11 feet or Shetek in 6 to 8 feet.

Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880

[Lee Borgersen]

    Regional Fishing Reports.

                                                       

                                     

        .....
Report – Feb. 5, 2018





LAKE MILLE LACS        

East – Big walleyes are being caught off the deep mud and gravel in 28 feet. There’s some evening walleye action on the 12-foot rock edges. Tullibees are biting in the deep basin areas. Some jumbo perch have been taken in 25 to 32 feet. Northern pike continue to hit throughout the lake at a variety of depths.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

West – Look for walleyes off the edges of the mud flats during the day or on the tops and edges during low light. Staying mobile has been a key to catching fish. The rock points have produced walleyes at night in 10 to 12 feet and during the day in 19 to 25 feet. Tullibee reports have picked up off the mud flats in 28 to 32 feet and some jumbo perch are being caught in 32 to 34 feet.

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS

A cold front moved in, which made walleyes a bit more lethargic, with the best reports coming from 24 to 32 feet of water along the south shore. Walleyes also are being caught near Long Point in slightly deeper water and on the reefs near Rocky Point. The shallow morning and evening bite continues to put some walleyes in buckets. The Rainy River is pushing out some nice walleyes and an occasional sturgeon during the productive morning and evening hours. At the Northwest Angle, walleyes are hitting in 18 to 21 feet of water, while sauger and perch are biting in 25 to 28 feet of water. Crappies continue to be found suspended over 28 to 32 feet of water on the Ontario side.

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

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA   

Carsons Bay, Phelps Bay, and the North Arm of Lake Minnetonka are producing sunfish during the day and crappies in the evening over 15 to 18 feet. Black Lake on Minnetonka is giving up crappies in 8 feet as well. Northern pike continue to be taken with sucker minnows on most lakes in 15 feet, and a few walleyes are being caught on the big bays of Minnetonka in 25 to 35 feet. Look to Lake Independence for crappies and small walleyes in 35 feet.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

LAKE VERMILION

Walleye action remains strong during the morning and evening hours off the main lake reefs in 20 to 25 feet. Spoons and dead sticks are both producing fish. Look for northern pike at the mouth of Everett Bay and in Stuntz Bay in 9 to 15 feet.

Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

Perch are hitting in 17 to 20 feet or 20 to 24 feet throughout the lake. Moses Flats, east side of Horseshoe Bar, Moses Bar, Hunter’s Hump, and Snaghole Bar have been some of the better spots this week. Good numbers of walleyes are being caught along with the perch, and northern pike remain active in most areas.

Lake Winnie Resort Association

LEECH LAKE

Walleye action has been sporadic – they bite one day but not the next. The best action is taking place at night in 20 to 25 feet throughout the main lake or on the 18- to 20-foot breaks in Walker Bay. Perch are being caught, but you will have to sort through quite a few small fish in 12 to 15 feet in Agency Bay or the 6- to 10-foot sand grass areas off Sand Point and Pine Point.

Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

Shriver’s Bait Company (218) 547-2250

RAINY LAKE

Walleye and sauger continue to be most active early and late each day in 25 to 30 feet. Glow jigs and minnows on dead sticks are producing the majority of fish in Sand Bay. Black Bay remains the best place hit for northern pike in less than 15 feet.

International Falls CVB (800) 325-5766

RED LAKE

The 13- to 14-foot mud flats continue to be the most productive walleye spots with some low-light action in shallower depths. Dead sticks are still producing the most fish, with some hitting jigging spoons as well.

Mort’s Dock (218) 647-8128

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO

The weedlines on Big Carnelian Lake are producing walleyes and crappies during low-light periods. Hit Demontreville Lake in 10 to 12 feet for northern pike and crappies. The St. Croix River continues to produce silver bass, crappies, and a few walleyes in 30 to 35 feet. Look to Lake Jane for panfish and pike in 10 to 15 feet.

Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

SOUTH METRO

Prior Lake continues to produce sunfish and crappies in 15 to 20 feet and some walleyes during low-light periods in 22 to 28 feet. Sucker minnows are turning northern pike on the 12-foot weedlines of Lake O’Dowd, while the north end of Spring Lake remains a safe bet for panfish in 18 to 20 feet.

Prior Lake Bait & Tackle (952) 447-6096

LAKE WACONIA

Northern pike and sunfish are hitting on the 10- to 15-foot weeds in Waconia Bay or on Center Reef and Pillsbury Reef. Crappie action has been best during the evening hours on Center and Pillsbury in 15 to 18 feet. You’ll catch walleyes at night if you stay away from the crowds on North Reef, Kegg’s Reef, and north of Center Reef in 15 to 18 feet.

Mases In Towne Marina (952) 442-2096

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA

Some walleyes are being caught after dark on Lake Miltona and Lake Ida in 30 to 40 feet or at Reno Lake in 20 to 24 feet. Christopherson’s Bay on Ida is producing crappies in 7 to 10 feet or over 20 feet. Look to Lake Darling during the evening hours for crappies in 7 to 10 feet or 24 to 28 feet. A few crappies continue to be caught at night in 20 to 24 feet on Lake Le Homme Dieu as well.

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

ANNANDALE AREA

Look for suspended crappies in 20 to 22 feet on Silver Lake or Lake Francis, and over 25 to 35 feet on Clearwater Lake, Pleasant Lake, Maple Lake, and Granite Lake. Sunfish are hitting in 10 to 15 feet on Lake Sylvia and Maple, while a few walleyes continue to be caught in 20 to 25 feet on Clearwater and Sugar Lake. Pelican Lake continues to produce northern pike in 6 to 9 feet.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE AREA

Walleyes continue to be caught on West Battle Lake in 38 to 42 and Otter Tail Lake in 22 to 26 feet. Look to Silver Lake, Elbow Lake, and Fish Lake for sunfish in 8 to 12 feet and West Battle is producing crappies in 16 to 20 feet during low-light periods. Clitherall Lake, Donald Lake, and Otter Tail are safe bets for northern pike in 20 to 24 feet.

Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA

Lake Bemidji continues to kick out walleyes and perch. Low-light hours are best in 20 to 25 feet but a midday bite is happening in deeper water as well. Jigging spoons and minnow heads are working well. Lake Plantagenet is producing a few walleyes along with perch in 25 to 35 feet. Lakes such as Gull, Grace, Grant, and Midge continue to produce crappies and bluegills.

Dick Beardsley Guide Service (218) 556-7172

BLACKDUCK AREA

You’ll find perch in 10 feet or on the deep mud and walleyes in 10 to 14 feet at Blackduck Lake. Island Lake is producing walleyes in 18 to 22 feet and perch in 10 to 12 feet or 20 feet or more. Perch and walleyes also can be had in 10 to 14 feet on Round Lake. Look for bluegills on Gull Lake and Pimushe Lake in 18 to 24 feet.

Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Tullibees are being caught on the north end of Gull Lake over 30 to 40 feet. Lake Edwards, Nisswa Lake, and North Long Lake are producing crappies in 14 to 24 feet. Look for sunfish on Upper Gull Lake, North Long, and Nisswa in 8 to 10 feet. Edwards, North Long, the south end of Gull, and Pelican Lake are giving up walleyes in 20 to 28 feet. The south end of Gull, North Long, and Cullen Lake are safe bets for northern pike in 8 to 16 feet.

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

CASS LAKE AREA

The main lake bars on Cass Lake are producing perch throughout the day and walleyes during low-light periods in 8 to 12 feet. Crappies continue to hit on the north arm of Kitchi Lake during the day in 12 to 14 feet or on the 30-foot mud at night. You’ll also find suspended crappies at the Two Points area on Wolf Lake over 30 feet. The deep water in Allen’s Bay on Cass is producing tullibees.

Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831

CHISAGO AREA 

The Eagle’s Nest and A-Frame areas on Chisago Lake are producing sunfish and crappies in 12 feet – you’ll also find suspended crappies over 30 feet here. The south end of Green Lake is kicking out panfish and northern pike in 9 to 14 feet, while the points on North and South Lindstrom lakes are producing panfish and a few walleyes. Hit the Nelson’s Island area on North Center Lake for panfish and pike or the Pancake Island area on South Center Lake for sunfish and pike.

Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

DETROIT LAKES AREA

Big Detroit Lake is producing walleyes in 20 to 25 feet and sunfish remain active on Little Detroit Lake, Lake Melissa, and Floyd Lake in 5 to 15 feet. Crappies are being found suspended over 15 to 20 feet on Rock Lake and Melissa. Sucker minnows are producing northern pike in less than 12 feet on Lake Sallie, Big Detroit, and Little Detroit.

Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA   

Northern pike continue to be caught on sucker minnows at Rice Lake in 6 feet – a few walleyes and crappies can be had here as well. Fish Lake is giving up crappies in 18 feet and some walleyes in 10 feet, while Boulder Lake is producing walleyes in 10 to 12 feet.

Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

EAST CENTRAL MN

Green Lake is giving up crappies and walleyes in 25 to 30 feet, and Blue Lake is producing sunfish in 14 to 17 feet or crappies over 17 to 24 feet. Little Elk Lake is kicking out crappies and northern pike in 10 feet, while Fremont Lake is producing northern pike in 7 to 10 feet. The Briggs Lake Chain is a safe bet for walleyes and crappies in low-light.

Tales and Trails Sport Shop (763) 856-3985

ELY AREA

Walleyes are hitting in 17 to 22 feet on Shagawa Lake, and Burntside Lake is giving up a few lake trout over 70 feet. On Snowbank Lake, walleyes and lake trout are being caught over 40 to 70 feet.

The Great Outdoors (218) 365-4744  Hey! We know dis guy!

FAIRMONT AREA

Crappies and yellow bass remain active in 15 to 18 feet on Budd Lake, Hall Lake, and Lake Sissiton. Look to Cedar Lake for northern pike and a few walleyes in 6 feet, Sissiton for bluegills in 15 feet, and to Big Twin Lake for perch in 12 to 20 feet.

Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

FARIBAULT AREA

Cedar Lake is giving up crappies and northern pike in 12 to 18 feet, while  Cannon Lake is producing perch in 8 feet. Crappies and sunfish have started hitting at Shields Lake in 12 feet. Look for crappies and northern pike in 12 to 18 feet on Lake Mazaska, and French Lake is kicking out crappies and a few walleyes in 20 to 24 feet.

Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341

GRAND MARAIS AREA

Walleyes are being caught on South Fowl Lake in 6 feet, Seagull Lake in 25 to 30 feet, and Gunflint Lake in 30 to 35 feet. Lake trout are being found suspended on Duncan Lake at 25 feet, Loon Lake at 40 to 45 feet, Greenwood Lake at 20 to 40 feet, and Saganaga Lake at 35 to 40 feet. Waxworms are producing rainbow trout on Leo Lake in 15 to 18 feet, Mink Lake in 18 to 22 feet, and Trout Lake in 8 to 12 feet. You’ll catch splake with waxworms in 12 to 18 feet on Musquash Lake and Esther Lake in 12 to 15 feet.

Buck’s Hardware (218) 387-2280

GRAND RAPIDS AREA

Perch and crappies are biting on Bowstring Lake in 19 to 26 feet, and Little Splithand Lake is producing crappies in 26 feet. Sunfish and crappies are hitting on Big Splithand Lake in 20 feet or Bass Lake in 7 to 20 feet. Tioga Bay and Poole’s Bay on Lake Pokegama are giving up panfish in 15 to 30 feet, while walleyes are being found on the 16- to 28-foot humps and bars on Lake Wabana and in 18 to 30 feet at Sugar Lake. Taylor Lake is giving up rainbow and brook trout, Tioga Pit is producing rainbows, and Canisteo Pit or Caribou Lake have been best for lake trout.

Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281

GREY EAGLE AREA

You’ll find suspended crappies over 40 to 45 feet and walleyes on the 20- to 35-foot structure on Big Birch Lake. The north end of Big Swan Lake is producing sunfish in 8 to 10 feet and crappies over 20 feet, while the south end has been best for northern pike in 10 to 12 feet. The northeast corner of Long Lake, by the Hub Supper Club, continues to produce sunfish in 8 feet, and Maple Lake is giving up a mixed bag of panfish in 15 to 20 feet.

Nancy’s Bait & Tackle (320) 285-2405

HACKENSACK AREA

Some walleyes are being caught on Birch Lake, Pine Mountain Lake, and Woman Lake in 18 to 22 feet during the evening hours – dead sticks and shiner minnows are working best. There’s also some evening crappie action in 18 to 24 feet on Birch, Webb Lake, Mule Lake, and Pleasant Lake. Bluegills are being found in 15 to 22 feet at Birch, Mule, Broadwater Bay on Woman, and Brockway Lake.

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

HIBBING/CHISHOLM AREA

Crappies continue to hit over 25 feet on Dewey Lake and Long Ear Lake in 18 feet. On Side Lake, northern pike are being taken with sucker minnows in 18 feet, and the Kinney Pit is producing rainbow trout and crappies over 30 feet.

Lucky 7 General Store (218) 254-7168

KELLOGG/WABASHA AREA

Fishing action has been slow and the sunfish, crappies, and perch being caught on the backwater areas of the Mississippi River have mostly been small. Tip-ups and sucker minnows are turning some northern pike in these backwater areas throughout the day, but they also have run on the small side.

Shorty’s Bait Shop (507) 767-4908

LAKE KABETOGAMA

Perch and walleyes are hitting on the 28- to 35-foot mud or edges of most rock points and reefs. Being mobile has been key to staying on the most active fish. Morning or late afternoon hours have been best. Spearing and angling for northern pike is going strong in most bays and shallow structure areas.

Gateway Store (218) 875-2121

LONGVILLE AREA

Woman Lake is giving up perch in 25 to 30 feet in Hunter’s Bay, and Broadwater Bay is producing crappies in 14 to 16 feet. Blackwater Lake is giving up crappies, most of which are suspended over 30 feet. Walleye reports are slow, but Little Boy Lake is giving up a few in 23 feet during low-light periods. Lake Inguadona continues to give up sunfish in 8 to 12 feet.

The One Stop (218) 363-2252

MADISON LAKE AREA

Look to East Bay on Madison Lake for panfish and northern pike in 6 feet. Crappies and walleyes are hitting in the narrows on Madison in 20 to 22 feet. German Lake started producing crappies and bluegills in front of Beaver Dam in 14 to 16 feet. On Lake Francis, crappies and bluegills are hitting off Carpenter Point and near the sunken island in 12 feet.

Corner Bait (507) 243-4464

McGREGOR AREA

Low-light periods continue to be productive for walleyes and crappies on Lake Minnewawa and Big Sandy Lake in 16 to 24 feet. Sunfish action has been slow, but northern pike are being caught with sucker minnows on most lakes in 12 to 16 feet.

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

MORA AREA

Sunfish and crappies are hitting on Knife Lake and Ann Lake in 8 to 15 feet. Walleye action is slow, but northern pike continue to hit sucker minnows in 7 to 10 feet on Knife, Ann, Fish Lake, Lake Pokegama, and Quamba Lake.

Jerry’s Sport & Bait Shop (320) 679-2151

PARK RAPIDS AREA

Crappie action has improved on Big Mantrap Lake and Lake Belle Taine in 24 to 26 feet. Look to Fish Hook Lake and Long Lake for a few walleyes in 18 to 22 feet. Big Mantrap is producing northern pike in 10 to 14 feet, and bluegills have started hitting on Height of Land Lake and Portage Lake in 8 to 12 feet.

Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

Smokey Hills Outdoors (218) 237-5099

PERHAM AREA

Look for suspended crappies over the deep holes on Big Pine Lake and Rush Lake. A few walleyes continue to be caught on Big Pine in 15 to 20 feet, sunfish action is slow, and northern pike are an easy catch on most lakes in less than 12 feet.

Gene’s Sport Shop (218) 346-3355

RED WING AREA

Anglers fishing in boats on the Mississippi River are catching walleyes during the evening hours in 15 feet and saugers during the day in 22 to 25 feet – jigs tipped with minnows or plastics are doing the trick. On the ice, the Lake City side of Lake Pepin is giving up walleyes, sauger, and perch in 16 to 18 feet.

Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334

RICHMOND/ST. CLOUD AREA

Rice Lake continues to produce crappies in 15 to 24 feet during low-light periods. Look to Eden Lake for crappies in 8 to 25 feet, and Pearl Lake is giving up crappies in 14 to 16 feet. Horseshoe Lake, Schneider Lake, and Cedar Island Lake are worth noting for walleyes in 8 to 20 feet and suspended crappies in over 20 feet or more. The deep holes on Horseshoe started giving up channel catfish.

Channel Marine and Sports (320) 597-5975

SAUK CENTRE AREA

A few walleyes continue to hit during low-light periods on Sauk Lake in 20 to 40 feet, and crappies are being caught here in the Dutchmen Creek and Red Barn Bay areas in 32 to 44 feet. On Lake Osakis, crappies and sunfish continue to hit on the north end in 16 to 19 feet, while sunfish are biting on Lilly Lake in 18 to 24 feet or Maple Lake in 10 to 12 feet. Westport Lake is giving up northern pike on shiner minnows in 7 feet just out from the outlet, and Lake Latimer is producing crappies in 18 to 24 feet.

Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155

STAPLES/LITTLE FALLS AREA

Look for crappies and sunfish on Nokasippi Lake in 13 feet and for suspended crappies over 25 feet on Fish Trap Lake. A few walleyes continue to hit during low-light periods on Lake Alexander in 25 to 35 feet. The deep holes on the Mississippi River are producing walleyes, and Beauty Lake is giving up crappies in 15 feet.

Da Fishin’ Hole (320) 631-0056

STARBUCK AREA

Plain hooks and minnows are producing good numbers of walleyes at night on Lake Minnewaska in 16 to 18 feet. The Glenwood end of Minnewaska continues to produce sunfish and crappies in 12 to 15 feet. Look to Little Mary Lake for sunfish in 6 to 8 feet.

Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA

A few perch are being caught in 10 to 14 feet on Big Kandi Lake and Lake Lillian, while Eagle Lake started giving up crappies in 25 feet. A few walleyes are hitting at night in 10 to 12 feet on Long Lake, Ringo Lake, and East Solomon Lake. Hit Willmar/Foot Lake for panfish and a few walleyes in 20 feet or the west side of Nest Lake for pike, crappies, and an occasional walleye. Panfish also are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water on Lake Andrew and Florida Lake.

Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

The walleye bite has slowed quite a bit since last week, but with this week’s full moon, it could pick up again. Look to lakes such as Rock, Current, Shetek, Sarah, and Wood for walleyes in less than 9 feet. Crappies are being found on Shetek in less than 8 feet or Bloody Lake in 9 to 11 feet.

Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880