The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of BEMIDJI, where area lakes are producing numbers of nice-size walleye, crappies, jumbo perch and muskies!
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS
DULUTH
On Lake Superior, loopers are biting in Sucker Bay, with anglers taking fish by both trolling and casting near shore. Walleye are active on Fish Lake. Crappies can be found in 15-20 feet of water on Fish Lake. Boulder Lake is producing walleye in depths of 10-15 feet, with minnows working best.
KABETOGAMA
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, walleye are in their fall to early winter patterns, and anglers are taking fish from depths of 35-53 feet of water on live bait. Shiners seem to be working best. The majority of walleye are measuring up to 21-inches, and many anglers report 13 to 13-1/2-inch slot fish being taken. For the most fish, hit the east ends of Kabetogama and Namakan. Half-pound crappies are being pulled in on light jigs and minnows. Northern pike can be found stalking baitfish in areas with current and at the remaining weed beds. The best approach has been a mid-depth artificial or sucker minnow.
INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, walleye and northern pike continue to be taken from the reef structure found in 28-50 feet of water. For the most fish, try a yellow or gold 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig or lindy rig tipped with a shiner or rainbow minnow. The main lake reefs seem to be the most productive. Troll using a quiet motor when it’s calm, and anchor if it’s breezy.
GRAND RAPIDS
Anglers report that northern pike and bass are active at the windy shorelines. Walleye anglers using a jig and minnow approach are taking more northerns than walleye.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS
BAUDETTE
Fall fishing has been excellent throughout the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, with anglers taking numbers of large walleye. The Frontier access on the Rainy River is reported to be one of the better locations. For the most fish, try jigging in roughly 20 feet of water. The Northwest Angle and Islands is also giving up numbers of large walleye, and crappies. Anglers are having luck anchoring and jigging in 15 feet of water off Wheeler’s Point around the first weed bed. The best approach has been a minnow on a ½-ounce gold or chartreuse jig.
BLACKDUCK
Anglers willing to venture out continue to catch walleye on Blackduck and Gull Lakes.
BEMIDJI
On Cass Lake, numbers of eating-size walleye are being pulled from 35-50 feet of water, however the larger fish are being found in depths of 20 feet or less. Walleye as large as 12 pounds are coming out of Town Bay, Wishbone Bar, The Deadman’s, North Cedar and Turtle River Bars. Muskies have been very aggressive during lowlight hours at the same bars. For numbers of jumbo perch, work the east side of Star Island on sunny days. Crappies are at their wintering holes, and are coming out of Kitchie, Cutfoot Sioux, and Bowstring Lakes, as well as from Allen’s Bay on Cass Lake. For the most fish, try techni-glo fuzzy grubs tipped with a fathead minnow. On Bemidji and Plantagenet lakes, walleye action has been great using 3/8-ounce max gap jigs and rainbows during the day in 24-40 feet of water. Locate the connected shoreline points and larger bars with steep breaks for the most fish. Jumbo perch are also coming from these areas. Anglers report good muskies and northern pike action as well.
BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, the North Shore and Tamarac Point continue to kick out walleye on fireball jigs tipped with a shiner or chub. Also try some of the smaller area lakes, such as Round, Sand, and Big Jessie.
WALKER
On Leech Lake, Walker Bay and Cedar Point are the best locations for walleye action, especially during evening hours. Anglers using crankbaits in the rocky areas are having luck with the muskies.
BATTLE LAKE
Walleye are hitting minnows on Stalker, Blanch, Battle and Eagle lakes in 16-18 feet of water. For northern pike, hit Ottertail, Clitheral and Battle lakes while trolling minnows along the shoreline breaks. Crappies are being pulled from Battle Lake. Crappies and sunnies are biting on South Turtle and Stalker lakes.
ALEXANDRIA
Walleye action has been good in 60-85 feet of water on Lake Miltona, and in 60 feet of water on Ida Lake. Lakes Le Homme Dieu and Reno continue to produce walleye in the shallows. For the most fish, try a jig and minnow combination. Anglers report finding bass and northern pike in the shallows using crankbaits and spinnerbaits.
STARBUCK
Lakes Minnewaska and Emily are producing walleye from shore. During the day, try a jig tipped with a minnow. During evening hours, switch to a floating rapala.
BRAINERD
Anglers report that many of the lakes are turning over, with the colder and heavier surface waters starting to sink. Fishing generally becomes better about a week after the turnover.
ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, most anglers are now fishing for muskie or perch since both species remain active. A few walleye continue to come out of the shallows on leeches under slip bobbers, especially on windy days. Anglers preferring to troll should use shad raps or wally divers in 8-12 feet of water.
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TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS
ST. CLOUD
Walleye action has been best just off the islands and bars in 12-18 feet of water on Horseshoe and Rice lakes. Also hit the Mississippi River for some walleye. For the most fish, try a jig tipped with a shiner or fathead. Some very large panfish are being pulled from Goodner, Schneider and Pearl lakes. A few bass are coming from Horseshoe and Koronis lakes on a plastic worm or live minnow worked in 7-12 foot depths.
ANNANDALE
A few anglers are catching fish on Cedar, Clearwater, Pleasant and Sylvia lakes.
WAYZATA
Lake Minnetonka is producing walleye on lighted bobbers worked at night at the channels. Other area lakes are giving up walleye in 18-20 feet of water on jigheads tipped with small minnows. For muskies, slowly retrieve a large suick at points with a deep break, and at the top sides of the flats. A few crappies are being pulled from shore between 7pm and 8pm. For bass, try slowly retrieving a large spinnerbait.
CHISAGO CITY
The channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes has been best for walleye action. Walleye are also biting on South Lindstrom Lake in front of the swimming beach, on South Center off Needle Point, and on Green Lake in front of the Girl Scout Camp. Crappies can be found suspended on most area lakes in 22 feet of water, 10 feet down. Bass are active in the shallows of Chisago Lake.
STILLWATER
The St. Croix River is giving up numbers of walleye and sauger. The average size of the fish has increased, with most in to 16- to 19-inch range. A few large walleye are also being reported. The best approach has been a live bait rig and minnow worked in 20-28 feet of water. Slip weight rigging with minnows is also working well. And some anglers continue to have success trolling three-way crankbait set-ups. Silver, blue and orange colors have been best.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS
WABASHA
On the Mississippi River, walleye and saugers are hitting 1/2- to 3/4-ounce black or purple killer jigs. The key is to also use a stinger and minnow. For bluegills, crappies and perch, hit the areas near Wabasha, Nelson Wisconsin Dike Road, the marinas and the wingdams.
MANKATO
Walleye are being pulled from the Minnesota River, and from shore on Crystal Lake. For crappies, try trolling jigs through the narrows in 8-14 feet of water on Madison Lake.
WILLMAR
Walleye anglers are taking fish from shore on Ringo, Big Kandi, Eagle and Diamond lakes. Bass and walleye continue to be pulled from Green Lake.
MONTEVIDEO
Walleye continue to be taken just below the Lac qui Parle dam.
ORTONVILLE
Walleye action has been best during evening hours on Big Stone Lake. For the most fish, try casting a jig and minnow from shore right in town or up near the Meadowbrook area. Walleye can also be found near the big dam in Odessa on the Minnesota River.