The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of DETROIT LAKES, where anglers are taking a mixed bag of walleyes, bass, northern pike, muskies, crappies and large bluegills from lakes throughout the area.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html And, please consult Minnesota DNR rules and regulations for slot limits on specific lakes.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS
MANKATO
Catfish are hitting large suckers on the Minnesota River. Walleyes are taking spinners with crawlers or leeches trolled from 8 p.m. until midnight on Lake Washington. Bass and northern pike have been most active in the shallow weeds of Lake Washington. For crappies and sunnies, try 12 foot depths around Grassy Island. Anglers are taking pike from Big Jeff Lake on spinnerbaits.
MONTEVIDEO
The Minnesota River is producing catfish on suckers, cutbait and nightcrawlers. Water levels have returned to normal so anglers can fish their traditional spots, such as the current breaks and snags. A few walleyes are coming out of Lake Lac qui Parle, with even better reports coming from the river.
ORTONVILLE
On Big Stone Lake, walleyes can be found at the weedline in the middle of the lake. Anglers are starting to take a few perch and bluegills from the south end of the lake at the 7-8 foot weedline. Catfish are hitting nightcrawlers on the Minnesota River, roughly 10 miles from the town of Big Stone near the Hwy 75 Dam.
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TWIN CITIES FISHING REPORTS
ST. CLOUD
Panfish have moved into deeper waters due to the recent hot temperatures. Panfish remain active, and last week, some panfish were as deep as 16 feet on Big Fish, Sauk and Big Birch lakes. Grand and Pearl lakes are giving up numbers of fish just off the weed edges and right in the weeds on waxworms and baby leeches. Northern pike are extremely active on area lakes, with a fish over 30-inches recently reported. The best approach has been a sucker minnow worked in 14-17 feet of water. Bass are hitting topwater lures during early morning and evening hours in the shallows. During the day, work the weed edges or holes in the lily pads. For the larger bass, use a Texas-rig or pig-n-jig. The Mississippi River is producing walleyes below and above the 10th Street Dam. The preferred presentation has been a leech, hook and split shot. A few crappies are coming from the area just below the 10th Street Dam and above the Sartell Dam. Fly anglers are expected to soon have success with the smallmouth bass around the Beaver Islands.
EDEN VALLEY
Walleyes are active in depths of 22-25 feet on Lakes Koronis and Rice, and hitting lindy rigs tipped with leeches, especially at the islands and drop-offs. Sunfish action has been best in 6-12 feet of water on Horseshoe, Long, Koronis and Rice lakes. Bass anglers are having fun in 10-16 feet of water on Horseshoe and Koronis lakes, with fish being taken on spinnerbaits, nightcrawlers, and worm rigs. For northern pike, try bobber fishing with a sucker minnow in the deeper waters, 6-8 feet off the bottom.
ANNANDALE
Clearwater Lake is producing sunfish at the 10- to 15-foot weedlines, with ice fly jigs tipped with a leech or waxworm taking the most fish. Hit the south point off Bungalow Island for the best results. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows at the 15-foot weedlines, with some larger pike taken from depths of 20-22 feet. A 40-inch catch-and-release fish was reported this week. A few walleyes are being pulled from 20-25 feet of water on lindy rigs and spinner rigs tipped with leeches or crawlers. Bass are hitting plastic worms, sluggos and white/yellow spinnerbaits off the deep weedline breaks. For crappies, head to Lake Augusta.
WACONIA
Lake Waconia is producing good numbers of muskies, with multiple mid-40′s- to 50-inch fish being reported. Good action can be found at the beach area at the outside 8- to 12- foot weedlines. Northern pike are hitting large spinnerbaits and bucktails in the same areas. Walleyes can be found in roughly 12-18 feet of water at Kegg’s Reef, the east side of the island, and at Cemetery Reef. Bass are active at North Reef, and in the shallows at the north side pencil reeds. Sunfish are very active throughout the lake in 6 feet of water.
WAYZATA
On Lake Minnetonka, the 15-20 foot weeds are giving up northern pike to anglers using sucker minnows. Muskie action has been best during evening hours. Sunfish are at the weed edges, and bass are hitting spinnerbaits and plastics in the weeds.
CHISAGO CITY
Panfish and bass are biting on Chisago and South Center lakes. Sunfish can be found in the shallows, with some larger fish out at the deeper weedlines. A few walleyes are being taken during early morning hours, and right before dark. For the most fish, try leeches or fathead minnows in depths of 17-24 feet. Pike are biting on all area lakes, but especially on North Center and Chisago lakes, with a slip bobber and sucker minnow working best.
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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS
DULUTH
On Lake Superior, lake trout action has been great 80-100 feet down, with fish being taken on spoons, flashers and flies. Salmon can be found 50-70 feet down. Also try downrigging 35-45 feet down in 70-80 feet of water using pink, chartreuse or pink-purple colors. Trout, salmon and walleyes are all being taken right in front of the point roughly one mile out. Walleyes are very active along the South Shore and hitting crankbaits trolled six miles out. Lots of walleye action is also being reported on Island Lake in 14-18 feet of water on jig and minnow combinations, slip bobbers and leeches, and lindy rigs with crawlers. On Fish Lake, slip bobbers and leeches worked at the 8-foot weedlines are taking walleyes, large bluegills and perch. Bass action is excellent on the inland waters, with fish hitting topwater lures–Caribou Lake recently gave up some nice 5-pound fish. Muskie action is improving–for the most fish toss bucktails towards the shallow weedlines on most area lakes, with a 54-inch fish recently pulled from Island Lake.
KABETOGAMA
Walleyes have moved out to the 18-28 foot reefs on Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, and are hitting slip sinkers with leeches or crawlers. Lowlight hours have been best due to the recent warm temperatures. Smallmouth bass are active along the weed edges and in the open spots within the weeds. For the most fish, try surface lures or shallow-running lures. A few northern pike are being pulled from the weed edges, with the larger pike coming from deeper waters adjacent to the shallow bays on deep-diving lures and live bait rigs. And an occasional sauger is coming out of the 35- to 40-foot holes on jig and minnow combinations.
INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, walleye anglers are catching fish in 18-20 feet of water during late morning and early evening hours. The areas most mentioned are Shorty’s Reef, Cranberry Island, Lost Bay, Saginaw Bay, and the area just above the Ranier Rapids in Sand Bay. Minnows, crawlers and leeches are all producing fish. Smallmouth bass are active in the deeper waters. Large northern pike are reported to be very aggressive at the weedy edges of the bays. Rainy River anglers are pulling walleyes and smallmouth bass from the International Dam.
GRAND RAPIDS
Northern pike are hitting large suckers and Mepps spinners at the weeds of most area lakes. Bass action has been good in the Scenic State Park area. For the most fish, try plastic worms or spinnerbaits on Spider, Balsam, Turtle and Northstar lakes. Crappie action has been best on the smaller area lakes, especially close to the weed edges at dusk. Stay mobile until you locate fish, and then anchor and cast.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS
BAUDETTE
On Lake of the Woods, the Northwest Angle and Islands area is giving up walleyes on minnows, leeches and crawlers worked in the deep water holes. The sand points along the west and east side of Garden Island are also producing good numbers of fish. Many charter captains are now downrigging in roughly 30 feet of water. Traditionally, fishing is best this week around the Sisters, Knight and Bridges islands. Along the South Shore, anglers are beginning to pull in trophy-sized walleyes off the rock reefs and rubble piles. Areas just off of Pine Island are giving up lots of nice, eating-sized walleyes to anglers jig fishing with worm harnesses and leeches. Smallmouth bass and northern pike action has been excellent in all of the tributaries leading to the Rainy River. Bullhead fishing has been exciting since these fish will eat nearly anything thrown their way. For the most action, try a one-inch crayfish that has been crushed to produce more scent.
BLACKDUCK
Walleyes are coming from 14-20 feet of water on Blackduck Lake. Panfish are active in the shallows of North and South Twin lakes. Large northern pike are being pulled from Upper Red Lake–for the most fish, work a spinnerbait at the 3- to 4-foot weeds, or in the breaks found in 5-6 feet of water.
BEMIDJI
Walleyes are hitting #7, #9 and #11 shad raps after dark in 6-10 feet of water on Lakes Bemidji and Plantagenet. Muskie action has improved, with a 53-inch fish recently pulled from Lake Bemidji. Panfish are active throughout the area. For some great bass action, cast a topwater lure during early morning hours.
BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, the mayfly hatch has tapered off and the walleyes are once again feeding on minnows. For the most fish, try a roach rig and 5- to 7-foot leader with a leech or nightcrawler. Some anglers are also having success pulling shad raps and taildancers in depths of 7-9 feet, especially in and around the cabbage beds. Some of the areas to check out include the North Humps, Long Bar, Center Bar, and the river channel off Tamarack Point. Many northern pike, weighing 4- to 7-pounds, are coming from the weeds at Stony Point, the Duck Houses near Richard’s Townsite, Sugar Bay, and the weedbeds off of the Highbanks and at Bowens Flats. Some of the better techniques include free-lining sucker minnows, jigs tipped with a small sucker or larger shiner minnow, and speed-trolling rattling raps along the weedbeds along the North Shore. And there have been recent reports of large bass in the 20- to 23-inch class coming from Big and Little Cutfoot Sioux, the Third River, and Tamarack Bay areas.
WALKER
On Leech Lake, walleye action has been best using jigs tipped with minnows or leeches at Walker Bay, Gary’s Reef and Sand Point. A few good reports are coming from anglers fishing at night with slip bobbers and leeches, although most walleyes have not been slot fish. For bluegills, hit 10 feet of water at Kabekona Bay. Muskie anglers are having the most success, with multiple sightings and lots of releases being reported.
HACKENSACK
Walleyes are being taken by trolling crawlers, leeches, and floating raps at night. Both 6 feet of water and depths of 30 feet are producing fish. Sunfish action has been great, with a 15-ounce fish reported this past week. Waxworms and small leeches are taking the most fish. Many nice bass are coming in on live bait, as well as plastics, such as power worms and tube jigs. Head to Pleasant, Ten Mile and Birch lakes for a nice mix of fish.
PARK RAPIDS
Walleyes are biting at the outside weed edges in 12-14 feet of water on Fish Hook and Big Sand lakes. Panfish are active on the lower Crow Wing lakes–hit 12-15 feet of water using a 2-inch powergrub, or 16-ounce jig tipped with a minnow for numbers of fish. A few muskies are coming out of Big Mantrap Lake, and bass are aggressively hitting plastics on most area lakes.
DETROIT LAKES
Walleyes have become more active, and anglers are having success using jigs tipped with minnows and leeches at the mid-lake humps. On cloudy and windy days, concentrate on depths of 15-18 feet, and if sunny, hit 22-30 feet of water. Big Cormorant, Lizzie, White Earth, Strawberry, Lida, Island, Round, Many Point and Big Detroit lakes are all producing a few fish. Large bluegills can be found at the deepwater cabbage and weedlines, with crappies being taken here as well. Bass action remains strong, with good numbers of fish coming from the deep weedlines and deep weedy humps on plastic worms and tubes. Northern pike action is picking up, and fish are hitting trolled spinners and sucker minnows–the deeper waters hold the largest fish. And muskie action is improving on Pelican, Beers and Detroit lakes.
BATTLE LAKE
A few walleye are being pulled from the flats of Battle Lake at 9 p.m. Panfish are active in the weeds of most area lakes, and hitting leeches and crappie minnows. Northern pike anglers are having success trolling sucker minnows along the weeds. Bass action has been great using topwater lures, such as frogs, in the weeds. And a 52-inch muskie was recently caught and released while trolling Battle Lake.
ALEXANDRIA
Walleyes are active during early morning and evening hours. Anglers are having success trolling rapalas on Lake Miltona. On Lake Reno, try a lindy rig and leech for the most fish. And northland thumper jigs are also producing a mixed bag of fish on most area lakes. Muskies are becoming more active on Lake Miltona. Sunnies and crappies can be found in depths of 15-18 feet in the cabbage weeds using white Mr. Twisters, beetle spins, or road runner jigs with a small spinner. For large bass, hit the 16- to 18-foot weed edges.
STARBUCK
On Lake Minnewaska, sunfish are hitting small leeches and waxworms in 12-14 feet of water. Hit similar depths using crappie minnows for the crappies. Bass have moved to the 12- to 14-foot weed edges, and are hitting dark-colored plastic worms. Walleyes are in 25-28 feet of water hitting lindy rigs and spinners tipped with nightcrawlers or leeches.
BRAINERD
The recent warm temperatures have caused bass to become extremely active, and northern pike action has also increased. Several large northern pike were taken this week from Whitefish and Gull lakes.
CROSSLAKE
Walleye anglers are finding fish along the weedlines in 18-20 feet of water. Try lindy rigs tipped with leeches, or nightcrawlers on a spinner or 6- to 8-foot floating snell for the most fish. Northern pike continue to be found in the weeds and along the weeds. Minnows on spinner rigs worked along the edge should provide plenty of action. Bass are also active in the weeds, and hitting surface lures or weedless worm rigs. Crappies and sunnies can be found suspended over 24-28 feet of water, 14 feet down. The best approach has been a small jig tipped with a minnow or crawler.
NISSWA
Anglers are having fun with all of the bass, northern pike and panfish action. For numbers of bass, pitch a jig and worm at the weedlines found in depths of 12-16 feet. Dark plastics, such as 7-inch worms with mushroom jigheads, are also working well. On calm days, try a buzz bait or topwater plug. Northern pike are active in similar locations, and are hitting jigs and spinners tipped with a minnow. Big-bladed inline mepps spinners are also producing fish. A good crappie bite has developed during evening hours in the last 10 days–slowly troll a Northland thumper jig in 12-14 foot depths for some good action. And for a few walleyes, hit 25-40 foot depths during morning hours, or 15-20 feet of water during evening hours. At night, anglers are having success with a lighted bobber and tail-hooked minnow or leech.
ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, some walleyes are being taken during early morning and late evening hours. The day bite might be good but few are venturing out during the recent warm spell–hit the mud flats such as Seven-Mile, the Needle, and the Boot for the most action during the day. The Highway Bar also had a decent daytime bite. Some of the methods producing fish include spinners tipped with crawlers or rainbow chubs, floating snells and leeches, and deep-running crankbaits. Towards evening, anchor at your favorite reef and cast a leech on a slip bobber rig. Muskies are becoming more aggressive. And for some non-stop smallmouth bass action, hit 3-8 feet of water using plastic grubs at Gull or Hawkbill reefs.