In general, shorebirds are migrating through Minnesota on their way to wintering grounds during the month of August. These birds can often be seen in shallow wetlands and mudflats. August is also an excellent time to view sandhill crane families leaving their nests in the marshes for adjacent wetlands and mudflats.

The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:

Two YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS have been in Madison Township, in Lac Qui Parle County since the 31st of July. The Night-Herons were found at a small pothole near U.S. Hwy 75, just southeast of its intersection with County Road 59. Both birds were seen as recently as August 13th.

A possible LITTLE BLUE HERON was reported from Auto Tour Road at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Sherburne County. The last report was of a small heron in the dead trees at Bergeson Pool on August 15th.

At the Jirik Sod Farm near the town of Empire in Dakota County, five BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were reported by Steve Weston on the 15th.

And finally, on the morning of August 13th, Chet Meyers and Steve Carlson found a singing CAROLINA WREN in the red cedar meadow at the northeast end of Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. A second wren was banded at Hawk Ridge in Duluth on the 15th.

The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of BENA, where LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH is giving up good numbers of walleyes, large jumbo perch, and northern pike.

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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NORTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH
Good numbers of bass and pike are being pulled from the shallows of Caribou Lake on topwater lures and spinners. Fish Lake is giving up quite a few walleyes on crankbaits worked in 14-18 feet of water at the flats. Bluegills are active at the 4- to 6-foot weedlines, and hitting crappie minnows under bobbers. On Grand Lake, northern pike action has been excellent, with fish hitting spoons or sucker minnows under a bobber in 6 feet of water. For perch and walleyes, hit depths of 12-18 feet using a lindy rig and leech. On Pike Lake, try lindy rigs and crawlers in 17 feet, and for perch, hit depths of 30 feet using crappie minnows and worms. The St. Louis River is giving up good numbers by the Hwy 23 Bridge on orange, yellow or gold crawler harnesses. Tofte Lake rainbows and splake are hitting dead bait. On Lake Superior, trout and salmon fishing has been good from Two harbors on north using spoons. Walleyes are being taken from the South Shore by pulling stickbaits in the top 30 feet of water.

KABETOGAMA
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, walleye action has been excellent at the mid-lake reefs and rock piles with submerged flats and gradual vertical drops–try slip sinkers and a 4- to 6-foot snell with a crawler at the vertical drops, or troll a spinner or bottom bouncer over the flats. For a number of species, troll crankbaits along the shorelines in 12-15 feet of water. Northern pike are very active at the weed edges and over the tops of the submerged weeds, and hitting large spinnerbaits and buzz baits. Smallmouth bass action is shifting from the weeds to the rock walls and rock piles by the crayfish. For the most fish, try crayfish lures, or lures that are crayfish-colored. Troll or cast these lures in the shallows, down to 12-15 feet.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS
On Rainy Lake, walleye anglers are finding fish in 20-25 feet of water, towards the east end of the lake and near the rapids at Ranier. The best approach has been a jig tipped with live bait. Smallmouth bass anglers are pre-fishing for the International Falls Bass Championship, August 26 & 27, but no one will say on what and where all of these fish are biting! Large and aggressive northern pike are chasing live baits and artificial lures, especially at the weedy edges of the shallow bays–anglers should remember that the wind will push baitfish into shore, so consider conditions when choosing a location. And, the North American Sturgeon Championship will be held on the Rainy River at Birchdale on Saturday, August 20. This event typically draws 250-300 anglers for this catch-and-release sturgeon fishing contest.

GRAND RAPIDS
Lake Pokegama continues to produce good numbers of bass, crappies and bluegills around Pooles Bay. Northern pike are active on most area lakes, with the largest fish coming from 25-35 feet of water. Muskie action has been good on Moose and Northstar lakes, with fish hitting topwater lures.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE
On Lake of the Woods, warm, sunny weather has kept the walleyes close to the structure. Rainy River anglers are having fun with the northerns along the reedy shorelines. Crappies are being landed right off the docks near Clementson. Bass are biting in the bays and inlets to the river. Limits of walleyes are being pulled from the South Shore by trolling and jig fishing in depths of 20 feet. Crankbaits are producing many trophy-sized walleyes. Crawlers have been the preferred live bait. Many of the charters are downrigging in 30-35 feet of water, with the rock rubble and reefs halfway between Garden Island and Long Point giving up great numbers of fish. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, fishing has been excellent near Crow Duck Island in 12 feet of water, with shad raps, and chartreuse jigs tipped with minnows taking the most fish. Other hot colors include the traditional gold, and pink and white. Many eating-sized walleyes in the 14- to 16-inch range are being landed off the deep reefs. And don’t miss the North American Sturgeon Championship held this Saturday, August 20 on the Rainy River at the town of Birchdale. For details, dial 218/634-1340

BLACKDUCK
Pimushe Lake is producing walleyes and panfish. A few panfish are also biting on the Twin Lakes. On Blackduck Lake, some smaller walleyes are being taken. For the most fish, try leeches or crawlers in 14-18 feet of water.

BEMIDJI
Lake Bemidji is giving up walleyes on jigs tipped with minnows, and on a Phelps floater with a crawler worked at the 10- to 12-foot weed edges. Some fish can be found as deep as 35-45 feet of water. Anglers are catching panfish in the cabbage. Bass are active in depths of 18-20 feet, and hitting worm rigs, crawlers, leeches. Try Movil and Campbell lakes for the most fish. Anglers are seeing muskies along the weed edges and rock humps on Bemidji and Plantagenet lakes. The best approach has been a spinnerbait, bucktail or jerkbait. Large northern pike are coming from Big Bemidji while pulling crankbaits at the weeds.

BENA
On Lake Winnibigoshish, walleyes can be found both in the shallows, as well as off the main lake bars on the south end of the lake. Some of the best locations include Moses, Horseshoe, Raven, Center, Long and Eelpout. A leech or nightcrawler on a Roach Rig has been best, however a jig and minnow combination is also working well. Large jumbo perch are being taken on small chubs on a Northland Fireball worked around the rocky areas. A nice mix of northern pike and walleyes is coming off the Highbanks area on #7 shad raps and taildancers trolled at about 1 1/2 to 2 mph. Also try trolling around Raven’s and Sugar Points. And crappie action is expected to pick up as fish move to deeper waters on Big and Little Cutfoot Sioux.

WALKER
On Leech Lake, muskie action is improving, with fish taken near the islands. Shingobee Bay has been excellent for panfish. Topwater baits are producing good numbers of bass. For a few walleyes, try rigs and crawlers at night in 15-25 feet of water.

HACKENSACK
Northern pike action has been excellent on area lakes. Walleyes are hitting rapalas trolled through deeper waters at night on Ten Mile and Stony lakes. Bass are active at the 15-foot weeds, and hitting leeches and powerbait. Crappies can be found in 14-16 feet of water using jigs tipped with crappie minnows.

PARK RAPIDS
Bass are active on Fish Hook and Belle Taine lakes. Crappies and bluegills are hitting jigs tipped with crappie minnows on the Lower Crow Wings. A few walleyes are coming from Long, Big Sand and Potato lakes–the best approach has been a jig tipped with a leech or redtail chub worked in 12-20 feet of water.

DETROIT LAKES
The walleye bite is improving, with jigs and minnows taking the most fish, especially at the sharp breaks and deepwater weedlines. Some of the lakes to check out include Big Cormorant, Pelican, White Earth, Elbow, Lida, Lizzie, Detroit and Cotton. Bass fishing remains good on most area lakes, with plastic worms and tubes producing lots of fish. Crappies and bluegills continue to hit small jigs and lindy plastic thumping grubs on top of the deepwater area humps. Bluegills are most active in 10-15 feet of water on Lake Crystal. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on Prairie, Sand and Lida lakes.

BATTLE LAKE
Bass, northern pike and panfish are biting on most area lakes. Panfish are active at the 14-foot weedlines. Bass can be found deeper using jigs and minnows. For pike, troll the weeds. Walleyes are coming from the Ottertail Lake flats at night on crankbaits. On Battle Lake, try leeches or crawlers during late evening hours and after dark for a few walleyes.

ALEXANDRIA
Panfish are hitting waxworms in 8-16 feet of water on most area lakes. Crappies can be found suspended in the deeper waters using crappie minnows. Bass are hitting crankbaits on the Chain of Lakes. Walleye action has been sporadic, with jigs and fatheads taking the majority of fish, especially on Ida and Miltona lakes. Northern pike are hitting spoons at the deep weedlines. Muskie fishing is picking up in the shallows.

STARBUCK
On Lake Minnewaska, anglers are locating a few walleyes after dark–for the most fish, try pulling shallow-running rapalas next to the bulrushes on the north side of the lake. Bass and sunfish action remains good. For bass, use plastic worms in 12 feet of water. For sunfish, hit similar depths at the Starbuck end using jigs and waxworms. A few walleyes can be found using nightcrawlers in depths of 24-26 feet.

BRAINERD
Bass, northern pike and muskie fishing remains good on area lakes. The bass can be found at the second weedline chasing just about anything thrown their way. For the largest northerns, hit the deeper waters.

CROSSLAKE
Walleyes are coming from both 32-34 feet of water during the day, and 12-14 feet down over 60-70 feet of water during evening hours. Try lindy rigs tipped with minnows or leeches during the day, and troll crankbaits at dusk. Northern pike and bass continue to be pulled from the outside weedlines. Try spinner rigs tipped with minnows or minnows under bobbers for northern pike, and use spinnerbaits or a jig and worm for the bass. Crappie action has been good in 12 feet of water. For the most fish, hit the submerged islands or drop-offs to the deeper water using jigs and crappie minnows.

NISSWA
Bass action has been consistent on most area lakes. North Long Lake is producing both numbers and good-sized fish. For lots of action, but few keeper-sized fish, hit Hubert Lake. The Gull Lake Chain continues to produce numbers of fish as well–drop a frog on a lily pad for some great bass fishing, as well as a few smaller walleyes. Eating-size walleyes are coming from the Gull Lake Chain on live bait rigs tipped with crawlers or minnows. Leatherback minnows have been especially good since they are lively and handle the warm water temperatures better than redtails or creekchubs. Panfish action has been good on most area lakes. Crappies and really large sunnies are being pulled from 12-15 foot depths.

ISLE
On Lake Mille Lacs, most of the walleye activity has been at sunset, where anglers are finding numbers of keeper-size fish on the rock reefs in 8-15 feet of water. The best approach has been a slip bobber, leech and angle jig. Some daytime action is also being reported, especially at the deepwater structure, such as the gravel and mud flats, as well as the areas adjacent the structure. For the most fish, try crawlers and spinners, rainbows and spinners, leeches and long snells, and deep-running crankbaits. Use a faster speed while trolling in order to cover more water. Muskie action continues to improve, with some large fish coming in on trolled bucktails.

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TWIN CITIES FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD
Sunfish are active on Brigg’s, Sugar and Sauk lakes, and hitting waxworms, leeches and angle worms. Bass anglers continue to catch fish both deep and shallow. Try jig and worm combinations, as well as crankbaits on Big Birch and Sugar lakes for the most fish. Muskie action is picking up on Sugar Lake. The Mississippi River is giving up numbers of smallmouth bass and catfish. Some catfish are also being pulled from the Sauk River, just above the dam at Cold Spring.

EDEN VALLEY
Rice, Horseshoe and Long lakes are producing sunfish in 4-10 feet of water. For the most fish, try waxworms, angle worms or panfish leeches. Northern pike can be found in 10-12 feet of water using sucker minnows on these lakes. Lake Koronis continues to produce a few walleyes.

ANNANDALE
Sunfish are active on Clearwater and Augusta lakes in 12 feet of water. A few walleyes are being pulled from the weed edges of Clearwater Lake on leeches during lowlight hours. Northern pike action remains good on Clearwater and Pleasant lakes.

WACONIA
On Waconia, bass are biting at both the shallow and deep pencil reeds, especially at Reinke’s Bay. A few walleyes are coming in on large leeches worked around Kegg’s Reef. At night, try bobber fishing with leeches and fatheads at North and Red’s reefs. Muskies are biting along the weedlines near the public beach and around Center Reef. Sunfish and crappies are being pulled from the 15 foot reefs.

WAYZATA
On Lake Minnetonka, some walleyes are being pulled from Wayzata and Brown’s bays. Sunfish and bass are active in the weeds in roughly 10 feet of water. Bass are hitting topwater lures during early morning hours. Northern pike and muskie action is just beginning to pick up.

CHISAGO CITY
Panfish, northern pike and bass are active on most area lakes, and especially on North and South Center lakes. Panfish are hitting waxworms and angle worms. For large pike, hit Sunrise Lake using sucker minnows. A few walleyes are being pulled from the St. Croix River on fatheads.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

RED WING
On the Mississippi River, a mixed bag of walleyes, bass and northern pike are coming from Reed’s Landing to the south. Towards Wabasha, they are biting at all the wingdams. Try pitching plastics, rapalas, and rattle traps for the most fish.

MANKATO
Walleyes can be found suspended in 20-22 feet of water on Lake Washington using shad raps near Grassy Island. Catfish remain active on the Minnesota River. Lake Washington is producing sunfish in depths of 10-12 feet. Northern pike are hitting spoons on Little Jefferson Lake in 6 feet of water.

MONTEVIDEO
A few catfish are being pulled from the Minnesota River. Walleye anglers are pulling crankbaits on Lake Lac qui Parle, and taking a few fish from the north end by Hantho’s Landing, as well as on the south end near the islands.

ORTONVILLE
On Big Stone Lake, panfish are biting at the Grapevine and the Christmas Trees in 9-10 feet of water. Anglers report mostly bluegills and perch. On the Minnesota River, a few pike are coming in on spoons. For the most fish, cast from shore just below the dam in town.

In general, shorebirds are migrating through Minnesota on their way to wintering grounds during the month of August. These birds can often be seen in shallow wetlands and mudflats. August is also an excellent time to view sandhill crane families leaving their nests in the marshes for adjacent wetlands and mudflats.

The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:

Three immature MISSISSIPPI KITES were reported from two locations on the 9th. Two birds flew past Frank Nicoletti at the 1500 block of East London Road in Duluth, and another was seen over Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis by Terry Brashear.

Two YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS have been in Madison Township, in Lac Qui Parle County since the 31st of July. The birds were seen at a small pothole near U.S. Highway 75, just southeast of its intersection with County Road 59. Both birds were seen as recently as August 6th.

At the Jirik Sod Farm, situated south of the intersection of Dakota County Roads 66 and 79, birders have recently found AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, and RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. At the nearby 180th Marsh, Jim Mattsson found SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, STILT SANDPIPER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, and WILSON’S PHALAROPE.

At the western end of Lake Byllesby in Dakota County, a CATTLE EGRET was seen standing on a snag over the lake on the 8th.

Bill Bruins had a CAROLINA WREN in his backyard in Rochester, in Olmsted County on August 10th.

Chet Meyers reported seven species of warblers on August 11th at the lakes area of Minneapolis, including MOURNING WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, TENNESSEE WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, and BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER.

The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of KABETOGAMA, where area lakes are giving up good numbers of walleyes.

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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NORTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORT

Duluth
Lake Superior is producing trout and salmon 90 feet down in 100-plus feet of water, and at the surface near Silver Bay. Walleyes are coming from the South Shore on stickbaits pulled through the top 30 feet of water. The St. Louis River is giving up walleyes on crawler harnesses worked at the channels. Inland lakes are also producing good numbers of walleyes. Pike Lake is producing walleyes on lindy rigs and crawlers worked in 17 feet of water, with perch hitting crappie minnows in depths of 30 feet. Fish Lake walleyes are hitting crankbaits on the flats in 14-18 feet of water, and bluegills are coming from the 4-6 foot weedlines on small crappie minnows. On Island Lake, try planer boards and snap weights in 20-plus foot depths for walleyes. Walleyes and crappies are coming from Rice Lake on spinners and crawlers in 6 feet of water. Bass are extremely active on Caribou Lake, and hitting topwater lures and spinners in the shallows.

Kabetogama
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, recent hot temperatures limited walleye action to early morning and late evening hours. With the cooler temperatures, fish can be found at all hours of the day. Walleyes are hitting once again at the deeper reef structure with a sharp vertical incline. Anglers are taking the most fish on gold- or perch-colored crankbaits or heavily weighted slip-sinker rigs trolled over 2 miles per hour. At the windswept shorelines, try gold lures. On hot days, afternoons are still productive at the weeds, with spinnerbaits, floating rapalas, and light spoons taking northern pike, smallmouth bass and a few walleyes. The tip of the week is to use a fast presentation and change locations and techniques often.

International Falls
On Rainy Lake, walleyes have moved into slightly deeper waters, and are hitting just about any live bait. Thirty foot depths have been best this week. Smallmouth bass are active in areas with structure and shade, with crayfish-style lures working best. Yellow and white twister tails are taking fish as well. Northern pike can be found at the edges of the weed beds, and ready to strike anything bright.

Grand Rapids
Walleye action has been best during lowlight hours, and at night. For the most fish, try a rig tipped with a crawler or leech, or a long-lined rapala when trolling. The 18- to 25-foot bars on Lake Pokegama are giving up some nice fish. For some good perch action, hit the bars on Bowstring Lake. Northern pike and bass are providing anglers with the most action–for the most fish, hit the deep cabbage weeds using plastics. Some crappies are being pulled from Bowstring, Sand, Cutfoot Sioux and Portage lakes. For muskies, hit Moose and North Star lakes, as well as the Mississippi River.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORT

Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, the Northwest Angle and Islands area is giving up excellent numbers of walleyes and muskies. Anglers are having success in 20-30 feet of water using hammered gold jigs or spinners, as well as lindy rigs with minnows, crawlers or leeches. Walleyes in the 2- to 3-pound range are common around Little Oak Island, Garden Island and Four Blocks. Muskies weighing 20- to 30-pounds are also common, with a giant 53-inch muskie recently released. The Rainy River has been great for smallmouth bass and northern pike action along the shore near steep drops. For the most fish, try soft-bodied tube baits on fat raps. Gigantic sturgeon can still be seen rolling and splashing in the river. Along the South Shore, walleyes are being taken by downrigging in 30-35 foot depths. Bait fishing remains productive at Graceton Reef, the rock pile by Birch Beach, and near Zippel Bay State Park. The best approach has been a gold spinner tipped with a worm or leech. Downrigging is producing walleyes 7-10 miles out on the lake, with many 20- to 24-inch fish coming in on shad raps. One angler recently took an 11-pound walleyes 5 miles north of Zippel Bay. At Big Traverse, north of Long Point, limits of walleyes are being taken while trolling 4 feet off the bottom.

Blackduck
The Twin Lakes are producing crappies and bluegills. A few walleyes are coming from Pimushe Lake on leeches and crawlers worked in 14-18 feet of water.

Bemidji
On Lake Bemidji, walleyes are hitting jig and minnow combinations, as well as Phelps floaters with a crawler or leech at the 10- to 12-foot weed edges. Some fish have moved into waters as deep as 35-45 feet. On Big Bemidji, try stand-up jigs and fatheads. Bluegills and sunnies can be found in the cabbage using bobber rigs with snake jigs or a plain hook. Bass are hitting worm rigs, crawlers, and leeches in 18-20 feet of water on Movil and Campbell lakes. Anglers are seeing many muskies along the weed edges and rock humps on Bemidji and Plantagenet lakes, with spinnerbaits and jerkbaits working best. Large pike are hitting crankbaits pulled through the weeds on Big Bemidji.

Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, walleyes are starting to move off the humps and it is uncertain where they’ll land. Some locals predict that they end up in the shallow weeds. At present, the best walleye action seems to be on the main lake bars, with the north end hump bite beginning to slow. Leeches and crawlers remain the best bet for walleyes, however jigs and minnows are starting to produce as well. For perch, hit the humps using a jig and minnow combination. Northern pike are hitting #8 & #9 shad raps pulled up on the bars and along the shoreline breaks. Largemouth bass fishing has been great, with a guide reporting 80 catch-and-release fish, weighing up to 4 pounds, each of two days. For the most fish, use a northland stand-up head or mushroom head with a black powerworm. Wacky worms are also producing fish.

Walker
On Leech Lake, muskies action has been exceptional, with many 42- to 46-inch fish recently caught-and-released. Large, trophy-size walleyes are also very active, especially after dark. For the most fish, try shad raps at the shallow bars, and include a lighted bobber at Walker Bay. Many nice keeper-sized fish are coming from the north side of Agency Bay.

Hackensack
Bass are very active in the deeper water–hit the 15-foot weeds using leeches, powerbait and rapalas for the most fish. Walleyes are active at Ten Mile and Stony, and hitting rapalas trolled at night in the deeper waters. Crappies can be found using jigs tipped with crappie minnows or waxworms worked in 14-16 feet of water. Northern pike are hitting anything thrown their way.

Park Rapids
A few walleyes are coming from Long, Big Sand and Potato lakes. For the most fish, try a jig tipped with a leech or redtail in 12-20 feet of water. Bass are being pulled from Fish Hook and Belle Taine lakes. Crappies and bluegills are biting on the Lower Crow Wing lakes, with a jig tipped with a crappie minnow or waxworm working best.

Detroit Lakes
White Earth Lake is producing walleyes on jig and minnow combinations. Walleye anglers are also picking up a few fish by trolling shad raps on Big Cormorant Lake at night. Northern pike fishing has been good on Lake Melissa, however anglers must return any pike measuring 24 inches for more. For the most action, try spinners and large sucker minnows, or jig and minnow combinations along the deep weedlines. Muskies are becoming more active on Big Detroit Lake, with black bucktails working well. For largemouth bass, try plastics at the deep weedlines and humps of most area lakes. Large sunnies and crappies can also be found in these areas.

Pelican Rapids
Good numbers of bluegills are being pulled from 10-15 feet of water on Lake Crystal. For northern pike, try sucker minnows on Prairie, Sand and Lida lakes. Muskies can be found using black bucktails on Pelican Lake.

Battle Lake
Anglers are catching quite a few walleyes during the day on Ottertail Lake. Some large walleyes are coming from Battle Lake after 9:30 p.m. while trolling the flats. Panfish are hitting leeches worked in 14 feet of water at the weeds on area lakes. Bass are being taken on jigs and minnows. For northern pike, try trolling the weeds. Muskies can be found during morning and evening hours.

Alexandria
Sunnies and crappies are hitting small flu flu jigs, road runners, and small beetle spins at the 15-18 foot weedlines on Lake Miltona. Good numbers of bass are also being taken. Walleye action has been best in the weeds at night on lakes Miltona, Ida and Le Homme Dieu. The northern pike bite remains steady. The muskie bite is picking up on Miltona and Lobster lakes, with some fish being boated. One 50-inch fish was recently reported.

Starbuck
Sunfish, crappies and bass are biting on Lake Minnewaska. For numbers of bass, try plastic worms in 12 feet of water. Sunfish are hitting small jigs tipped with small leeches or waxworms in depths of 12-13 feet at the Starbuck end. Crappies can be found in the same area, but are suspended in 6-7 feet of water. Some anglers are having success with the walleyes using nightcrawlers in 24-26 feet of water. For catfish, hit the Chippewa River.

Brainerd
The warmer temperatures have led to increased muskie and large northern pike activity, with some good-sized fish taken on bucktails and large swimbaits. Bass remain very active, and can be found just off the second weedline on most area lakes. The best approach is a jig and worm combination–try a crankbait when the weather turns hot. And nice-sized bluegills continue to be pulled off the sunken islands on most area lakes.

Crosslake
Walleyes are holding deep in 30-plus feet of water. The best approach has been a lindy rig tipped with a redtail chub or leech. Also try trolling rapalas or large crankbaits over deeper waters. Bass and northern pike are active in the weeds and along the outer weed edges. Use a spinner rig tipped with a sucker minnow for the northerns, and try plastic worm rigs for the bass. Crappies and sunnies can be found suspended over 20-28 feet of water, roughly 12-16 feet down. For the most fish, hit the shady areas using a small jig and minnow.

Nisswa
Some nice walleyes are being pulled from 18-22 foot depths on live bait rigs tipped with redtails, creek chubs, leatherbacks and large leeches on Gull and North Long lakes. During evening hours, anglers are having success running shad raps through 12-15 feet of water along the weed edges. Bass action remains strong, with fish taken on plastics worked around the docks and near shore, and on weedless jig and minnow rigs worked in depths of 12 feet of water. On calm days or during late evening hours, try surface baits such as plastic frogs over the lily pads. Crappies can be found suspended about 6-8 feet down in 12-15 feet of water. For the most fish, try a slip bobber set-up or small jigs and plastics–white, yellow and smoke colors have been best.

Isle
On Lake Mille Lacs, most walleye anglers are having success during lowlight hours at the mud flats, such as Sherman’s south tip, Nine-Mile and Eight-Mile. Some of the recommended methods include crawlers and spinners, leeches and rigs, leeches under bobbers, rainbows and spinners, and deep-diving crankbaits. During the day, anglers are concentrating on the smallmouth bass, northern pike and muskies. A few muskie are starting to come from the weeds of Vineland Bay, Wahkon Bay, and near Mac’s on bucktails–black with an orange blade has been best. Smallmouth bass remain active, however the water is stained to about 3 feet of visibility.

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TWIN CITIES FISHING REPORT

St. Cloud
Panfish are active in 7-10 foot dephts on Alexander and Sauk lakes, with some fish coming from 12-18 feet of water. A few walleyes are being taken during late evening and early morning hours, as well as at night. Northern pike are biting throughout the day on Pleasant and Big Swan lakes. Largemouth bass continue to be pulled from Cedar Lake. Sauk River anglers are catching smallmouth bass, northern pike, and a few walleyes. On the Mississippi River, anglers are taking pike, catfish, a few walleyes, and some nice-sized smallmouth bass, with two 20-inch bass reported early this week. Areas to try include the Beaver Islands, and the area downstream from Little Falls.

Eden Valley
The sunfish bite is best in 4-10 feet of water on Rice, Horseshoe, Clearwater and Long lakes, with waxworms, angle worms, and panfish leeches taking fish. Walleye action has been best in depths of 24 feet on Lake Koronis. On Rice Lake, many smaller walleyes are being taken on lindy rigs and nightcrawlers, as well as jig and minnow combinations worked in 18-20 feet of water. Anglers are taking northern pike from 10-12 foot depths on sucker minnows worked on Rice, Clearwater, Horseshoe and Long lakes. Spinnerbaits are also working well at the edge of the deep weed beds on most area lakes. Catfish are coming from the Chain of Lakes, and from the holes in the river. Bass action has been excellent at the midlake humps, with Carolina rigs and plastic worms working well along the deep weeds.

Waconia
On Lake Waconia, bass are hitting jigs and plastic worms near the docks and deepwater weed edges at Pillsbury, Cemetery, Anderson and North reefs. Muskies are being reported, with a 53-inch fish recently taken. Some of the areas to check out include the Beach, Center Reef and North Reef. For sunfish, hit the weed edges using leeches or waxworms.

Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, walleyes and northern pike have been inconsistent, however, the sunfish, bass and crappies bite has been great throughout the lake. Hit the 10-foot weedlines for both bass and sunnies. Jigs, plastics and topwaters are all working well.

Chisago City
Panfish are biting in 10-12 feet of water on South Center and Sunrise lakes. Northern pike and bass are active in the weeds. Chisago Lake has been especially good for bass. Walleye action is picking up on South Center Lake, with leeches taking fish during early morning and evening hours. Good walleye reports are coming from the St. Croix River.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORT

Red Wing
On the Mississippi River, anglers are catching walleyes while trolling lindy rigs at Main Rock. To the south, the wingdams at Noisy Dam are giving up fish to anglers trolling lindy rigs and leeches, as well as jigs and willow cats. Sunnies and bass are biting along the shoreline near Maple Spring Bay.

Mankato
Catfish are hitting large suckers and chubs on the Minnesota River. Walleyes can be found suspended on Lake Washington around Grassy Island. For the most fish, try crankbaits 12 feet down in 20 feet of water. The Blue Earth River is also producing a few nice walleyes on jig and fathead combinations. Lake Washington sunfish are extrememly active in 12 feet of water, with mini mite jigs tipped with waxworms or crappie minnows working best. And on Jefferson Lake, bass are hitting spinnerbaits and plastic worms.

Montevideo
A few walleyes are being pulled from Lake Lac qui Parle. Anglers are taking fish by pulling crankbaits on the north end near Hantho’s Landing, and on the south end just out from the islands. Catfish continue to bite on the Minnesota River–please note that water levels are very low, so anglers are asked to use extreme caution.

The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of DULUTH, where inland lakes, such as Rice, Pike, Grand and Fish lakes, are giving up good numbers of walleyes.

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NORTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Duluth
Pike Lake walleye anglers are taking fish on lindy rigs and crawlers worked in 17 feet of water, with perch coming from depths of 30 feet on small crappie minnows and worms. Grand Lake is producing lots of northern pike on spoons, and on sucker minnows under a bobber, in 6 feet of water. Large perch and walleye are also being pulled from Grand Lake–try 12-18 foot depths using a lindy rig and leech for the most fish. Fish Lake has been steady for walleyes, with crankbaits taking fish from the flats in 14-18 feet of water. For bluegills, hit the 4-6 foot weedlines using small crappie minnows or worms under bobbers. On Island Lake, use planer boards and snap weights in 20 feet of water and deeper. Walleyes and crappies are coming from Rice Lake on spinners and crawlers worked in 6 feet of water. Caribou Lake is giving up good numbers of bass and northern pike on topwater lures and spinners worked in the shallows. Lake Superior trout and salmon fishing has been good from Two Harbors on north using spoons in less than 30 feet of water. Towards the city of Duluth, lakers up to 20 pounds, and 10- to 20-pound salmon are being reported. Try dragging the bottom with flashers and flies in depths of 110-130 feet. Bass and muskie are active in the St. Louis River at the shallow weedlines.

Kabetogama
The weather fluctuations on Kabetogama and Namakan lakes have caused the fish to scatter. Anglers are finding walleyes in shallow weeds throughout the day, but morning hours have been best. The reefs and island structures with shallow shelves down to 30 feet seem to be the most productive locations for the walleyes during lowlight hours. During the day, large northern pike are being pulled from the bays, such as Daily, Nebraska and Lost bays on Kabetogama, and Moose, Junction and Hoist bays on Namakan. Smallmouth bass and walleyes are hitting crankbaits trolled through 12-16 feet of water, and northern pike are hitting crankbaits just outside the weedbeds. Leeches and crawlers remain the best bait for walleyes, and spinner rigs with slip sinker rigs are also taking a few fish due to murky waters.

International Falls
On Rainy Lake, walleyes are coming off the submerged reefs, as deep as 25 feet, and hitting gold or hammered spinners with a leech. Some of the areas to check out include Saginaw Bay and Kettle Falls, however lots of anglers are concentrating on the Sand Bay end of the lake. Smallmouth bass are very active, and anglers participating in the upcoming International Falls Bass Championship are having fun practicing for this event.

Grand Rapids
Numbers of nice catch-and-release muskies are coming from North Star Lake on topwater baits worked over the weeds. Some walleyes are being caught on Bowstring, Sand and Round lakes, especially during lowlight hours on rigs tipped with crawlers or leeches. A few fish are also coming from the weedlines on slip bobber rigs. Crappies can be found during evening hours using small minnows and jigs. Bass remain active, with a 22-inch catch-and-release fish recently coming from Lake Pokegama. Northern pike have been aggressive, and are hitting larger suckers under a bobber, especially at the weedlines of Balsam, Hanson and Northstar lakes.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, walleyes have moved into deeper waters along the South Shore. Many of the charters are now downrigging in 30-35 feet of water. Anglers are also taking fish by jigging at the rocky reefs and rubble piles–the best approach has been a gold spinner tipped with a worm. The Rainy River has been great for smallmouth bass action where there is a steep drop along the shoreline. For the most fish, try a soft-bodied tube bait. The shorelines have also been great for northern pike now that the grass and reeds are tall. And there continue to be reports of gigantic sturgeon rolling and splashing in the Rainy River. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, anglers are having success with the walleyes and muskies. For the most walleyes, try hot pink jigs tipped with minnows.

Blackduck
Anglers are catching panfish at the shallow water weeds on Gilstad, Rabideau, and North and South Twin lakes. A few large northern pike are also being reported.

Bemidji
Walleye anglers are catching a few fish in 9-11 feet of water on jigs tipped with a minnow. Some anglers are also taking fish on leeches pulled through the shallows. Northern pike action has been great on Upper Red, Big and Bemidji lakes, especially when using sucker minnows or crankbaits. Muskie action has also been good, with a couple of 50-inch catch-and-release fish recently reported. Panfish are active in the shallows, and anglers using fathead minnows are reporting a good bite on Big, Bemidji and Plantagenet lakes.

Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, fishing seems to have slowed due to the large amount of baitfish and huge schools of perch. For a few walleye, try leeches and roach rigs, with 5- to 7-foot snells, at the drop in Musky Bay, and at some of the mid-lake humps. Anglers using shad raps are starting to have success when trolling the shorelines and rocky areas. Try #5 shad raps in 7-9 feet at the edges of the weeds, or use a #7 or #8 shad rap when trolling depths of 10-15 feet. Bluegill, blue-silver and clown patterns seem to be working best. Northern pike are active at Raven’s Point, the east side near the Highbanks, Stony Point, Mallard, and on top of Bena Bar, with a few walleyes mixed in as well. For jumbo perch, check the rocky area off Raven’s Point. There have been some reports of large muskies being seen along the weedbeds near the Highbanks.

Walker
On Leech Lake, walleyes are being pulled from just south of Sand Point, and from the deeper edges along the south shore. Muskie action has been excellent, with lots of sightings. And bass fishing has been tremendous, with some anglers reporting up to 25 catch-and-release fish a day.

Hackensack
Ten Mile, Birch and Woman lakes have been best for walleyes. During the day, use leeches, and during evening hours, work crankbaits in the shallows. The bass bite has been best on Birch Lake, and sunfish are very active in 12-15 feet of water on Pleasant Lake.

Park Rapids
Northern pike are biting on Fish Hook Lake in 16 feet of water, with some large fish reported this past week. Crappies can be found suspended in 20 feet of water on Big Mantrap Lake. The Crow Wing Chain is giving up good numbers of bluegills in 16 feet on waxworms. Bass action has been great throughout the area, with spinnerbaits and Carolina rigs working best.

Detroit Lakes
Walleye fishing remains best after dark, with anglers having success when trolling shad raps across some of the shallow water flats on area lakes. During the day, hit the thick weeds or deep waters. Some of the better locations include Pelican, Detroit, Big Cormorant, Star, Strawberry, White Earth, Shell, Cotton and Island lakes. Some nice crappies and bluegills are coming from the tops of the sunken islands in 5-7 feet of water during the middle of the day–for the most fish, try little nipper jigs and 2-inch grub plastic tails. The largemouth bass bite remains excellent using plastics in the shallows, and out at the deep weed edges. And anglers report lots of muskie follows on Detroit and Pelican lakes.

Battle Lake
Crappies are biting on Rush, West Battle and Dead lakes. Sunnies and bass are active on Dead Lake. Northern pike action has been best on West Battle Lake. Walleye action has started to improve on Ottertail Lake–for the most fish, work 14-18 feet of water using small- to medium-size sucker minnows during morning hours. After dark, troll the flats using shad raps in waters as shallow as 6 feet. On Battle Lake, walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers in depths of 16-24 feet during evening hours. After dark, slide into 8-15 foot depths using shad raps. And anglers are seeing muskies around the docks in the shallows.

Alexandria
Bluegills are active throughout the area, and crappies biting on the Chain of Lakes along the 12- to 18-foot weedlines. Lowlight hours have been the most productive. Bass action has been great in the shallows and at the weedlines. For the most walleyes, work leeches and crawlers on the larger area lakes during lowlight hours. After dark, switch to plugs.

Starbuck
Catfish remain very active on the Chippewa River. On Lake Minnewaska, sunfish, crappies and bass are keeping anglers busy. Bass are holding in the deeper waters, and hitting plastic worms worked in roughly 12 foot depths. Sunfish are most active towards Starbuck, with small leeches and waxworms on small jigs taking fish from depths of 12-13 feet. Crappies can be found in similar locations, but are suspended in 6-7 feet of water. And a few walleyes are being pulled from depths of 24-26 feet on nightcrawlers.

Crosslake
For a few walleyes, hit 34-38 feet of water on Upper Whitefish, Crosslake and Pelican lakes using a lindy rig and redtail chub. The best walleye action has been after dark, with fish hitting shallow-running crankbaits over the weeds. Northern pike are being pulled from the 18-foot weedlines on Gull Lake and the Whitefish Chain on pike minnows and spinner rigs. Lindy rigs and large creek chubs are also working well. Bass are active in the weeds, under docks, just off the second breakline, and directly in the slop, with spinnerbaits and plastics both working well. Crappies can be found suspended in 12-14 feet of water using small jigs and minnows. Sunfish can still be found in depths of 18-20 feet.

Nisswa
Anglers have been busy catching bass, northern pike and panfish at the weed edges found in 10-18 feet of water. Plastic worms are working well for the bass. For some nice-sized pike, use sucker minnows on Upper Gull and Roy lakes. Panfish are hitting worms on most area lakes. And for a few crappies, hit Lake Hubert during evening hours.

Isle
On Lake Mille Lacs, the walleye bite remains pretty good–recent strong winds have brought about an increase in action at the 12- to 18-foot rock humps, and it appears the bobber bite has started all over again. Reefs, such as Agate, Lakeside, Banana and Kings have been very productive on windy days. When the wind subsides, head back to the mud flats, which continue to offer a great day of fishing. The smallmouth bite remains good, however the water is stained to about 3 feet of visibility. And muskie action is definitely improving.

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TWIN CITIES FISHING REPORTS

Eden Valley
Pearl and Cedar Island lakes are producing good numbers of panfish on waxworms and small leeches. Some larger fish are coming from 6-10 feet of water on Rice Lake, and a few are being pulled from the shallows of Koronis and Becker lakes. A few walleyes are being pulled from Pearl Lake on leeches and lindy rigs worked in 18 feet of water. Also try 18-22 foot depths on Lake Koronis using the same presentation, although jig and minnow combinations are also working well. Northern pike are aggressive at the shallow weeds, the weed pockets, and off the 12- to 14-foot weed edges, with sucker minnows and spinnerbaits taking the most fish. Catfish are in the deep holes on the Sauk River, just out of Cold Spring. The best approach has been a nightcrawler or catfish bait. And look for smallmouth and largemouth bass under the docks and right in the weeds.

Annandale
Panfish are active on Clearwater, Sylvia and Sugar lakes, especially at the cabbage beds and coontail with a sharp drop-off nearby. Northern pike action has been great on Clearwater, Pleasant, John and Middle Spunk lakes, with fish hitting sucker minnows trolled along the 15- to 20-foot weedlines. Anglers continue to catch a few walleyes on Clearwater Lake–the best approach has been a spinner rig and leech worked in 20-25 feet of water. Towards the city of St. Cloud, the Mississippi River is producing a lot of catfish, a few crappies, walleyes, and some smallmouth bass. For the walleyes, cast shad raps or other crankbaits at night. Smallmouth bass anglers are taking fish on live bait and artificials worked at the weedlines and cabbage.

Waconia
On Lake Waconia, large bass are hitting jigs and plastic worms off the reefs in the deeper waters, especially at Cemetery and Anderson reefs. Good muskie action, with fish over 40 inches in length, are coming from the Beach, Center Reef and North Reef. For sunfish, work the weed edges using leeches and waxworms.

Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, sunfish are active along the weed edges of most bays. Crappies are coming from the weeds as well. Muskies can be seen on top of the weed edges during morning and evening hours. And for largemouth bass, hit the weed pockets.

Chisago City
Chisago, Sunrise, and North and South Center lakes are producing good numbers of panfish. Northern pike are also active on Sunrise. Bass action has been good, especially on North Center Lake around the Islands, on Chisago Lake at the A-frame and at the Islands, and on South Center Lake around Pancake Island. A few walleyes were recently pulled from the area off Needle Island on South Center Lake during evening hours.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

Red Wing
On the Mississippi River, walleye and sauger anglers are having succes at Upper Pool #4 in 5-12 feet of water on jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or leeches. Some anglers are also doing well with crankbaits. Red crawdad and firetiger seem to be the most productive. At Lower Pool #4, anglers are doing best while slowly trolling crankbaits through 8-12 foot depths. Smallmouth and largemouth bass action has been excellent in the backwaters at Indian Slough, near Wabasha-hit the rip rap and eddies with a slight current for the most fish.

Mankato
On Lake Washington, walleyes are hitting crankbaits in 18 feet of water, 10 feet down, at Grassy Island. Minnesota River catfish are taking large suckers and large chubs during evening hours. Large pike are active on Little Jefferson Lake, with fish hitting spinnerbaits cast towards the weedlines. Bass can be found using spinnerbaits and plastic worms on Lake Tetonka.

Montevideo
Large catfish are taking cutbait, stinkbait, worms, crawlers and dead minnows on the Minnesota River near Granite Falls.

Ortonville
On Big Stone Lake, perch and bluegills are being pulled from the Islands, all the way to the south end of the lake. Work the 7- to 8-foot weed edges on the South Dakota side during evening hours for the most fish. Catfish are chasing nightcrawlers in the Minnesota River. The stretch from Odessa to Lake Lac qui Parle Lake seems to be the most productive.

In general, shorebirds are migrating through Minnesota on their way to wintering grounds during the month of August. These birds can often be seen in shallow wetlands and mudflats. August is also an excellent time to view sandhill crane families leaving their nests in the marshes for adjacent wetlands and mudflats.

The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:

Three BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were found by Kim Eckert at Mud Lake in Traverse County on July 30th. To view these birds, begin at the junction of State Highways 117 and 27, and travel one-quarter of a mile on 117. Take the first right along Mustinka River and follow this road north for about one mile to the flooded field adjacent Mud Lake. One of the Buff-Breasted Sandpipers was found here, and the two others were just north of here.

On August 3rd, Jim Mattsson reported numerous shorebirds at a Dakota County wetland along 180th Street, one-half mile west of Goodwin Avenue. Among the species found were SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, STILT SANDPIPER, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER.

On August 1st, Rick Pertilly found a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD in Minneapolis along the walking trail that runs along the north side of Betty Crocker Drive, between U.S. Highway 169 and General Mills Boulevard.