HACKENSACK 10/2

[Realtree]

Swanson's Bait & Tackle, Jim Tuller, Hwy 371 on the north end of Hackensack, www.swansonsbait.com (218-675-6176)

Fall is here.  The leaves are changing color very quickly, and if the wind continues they will be dropping very quickly as well.  With the exception of the past weekend temps have been cool.  Sunday's high was 84 degrees.  The last few days have stayed below 60 with low around 35-40 overnight.  The water temps have dropped to 59 degrees on most lakes.  The cool weather has turned the Walleye fishing on.  Woman Lake has been doing very well.  The best spots to try are the breaks on the windy side fo the lake.  That has been a different side almost everyday this past week.  There are reports of fish anywhere from 14-22 feet of water.  A jig and minnow has been the most productive.  Fatheads, Golden Shiners, and Redtails have all produced fish.  Leech Lake has had some excellent walleye fishing the last week as well.  Similar to Woman Lake, fish the windy side with a jig and minnow.  There have been a bunch of fish over 26" caught on the main lake, most in 10-14 feet of water.  Redtails are the best bet there for the large fish.  If you like perch  be sure to take fatheads with as well.  The Perch are in the same areas as the Walleyes and are pretty decent in size.  Looks like it is going to be a good winter for perch fishing on Leech!!  Most of the other area lakes are giving up a few Walleyes, all about the same story...jig and minnow on the wind-blown breaks.  I have not heard too many Panfish reports lately, everyone is Walleye fishing.  Bass are still running on the breaks in most spots, plastic worms or a jig and real minnow should do the trick.  Muskie action had picked up on Leech Lake and Baby Lake last week.  The main lake structure on Leech Lake produced a few on Sunday for a group.  Size ranged from 36" to 48".  Hopefully the Muskies will stay active for a few weeks.