Explore Minnesota Fishing Report July 11, 2013 Most species of fish are exhibiting full summer patterns, with most of the walleyes having moved to deeper waters. The best action remains during low light hours and on cloudy, slightly windy days. Walleye are responding best to crawlers and jumbo leeches, as well as crankbaits at dusk; consider a faster presentation to get walleyes to react and make a snap decision.
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2013/2014 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 11; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 25; muskie, June 1. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. Please note that seasons and regulations vary for certain boundary waters and some individual lakes and rivers--consult the Minnesota DNR Fishing Seasons and Minnesota DNR Fishing Regulations websites for the most current information.
This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism, with information provided by statewide tourism organizations and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Walleyes have moved from the rocky shorelines to the deeper waters, hanging on the edges of the submerged structure. Look for walleyes along the rocky shorelines and on the underwater reefs in roughly 25 feet of water; head deeper as water temperatures rise. Jigging and trolling a spinner rig with a minnow has worked well, but soon the walleye will respond best to leeches. Smallmouth bass have been active along Rainy Lake's south shoreline from Rainy Lake City to Cranberry Bay. Rainy Lake City has also been great for large northern pike. Rainy River walleye are most easily located by looking for areas with current, such as above and below the various rapids and the dam at International Falls. In the river, the best bet for bait is a shiner minnow. Smallmouth bass are also quite active in the river, with topwater lures working best. 800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Lots of large walleyes are being pulled from lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, with several fish measuring over 28-inches caught and released. Many large bass measuring 18-20 inches are also being reported. A 42-inch northern pike was recently caught, along with many measuring over 3 feet. The mayfly hatch appears to be over, so the walleyes should turn more aggressive and head to summertime haunts. Check the reef edges for good some walleye action. The shallow weedlines should also hold fish. Depths in the 20-30 feet may yield good results for all species until the water gets a bit warmer and fish move deeper. For the most fish, use crawlers, leeches and artificial lures; in the deeper waters, use minnows and slip bobbering. The west end of Lake Kabetogama is warming fast, pushing the walleyes toward mid-Kabetogama and down towards Lake Namakan where anglers report a consistent bite. 800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comTower/Soudan -Lake Vermilion
The walleye fishing was very inconsistent last week due to the mayfly hatch. Currently, most of the fish are being caught off the rocky humps and reefs. Fish are being pulled from 6-15 feet of water on crawlers and leeches on lindy rigs and under bobbers! Bass fishing has been exceptional. Largemouth bass have been active in the shallow, thick weeds. Smallmouth bass have been very aggressive on the rocky shorelines. Senkos, topwater lures and crankbaits are all producing large smallies. Anglers report lots of catch and release muskies, with fish pulled from the weeds and a few coming from the rocky structure. Glide baits and topwater lures have been best, but bucktails should work best once the mayfly hatch is entirely over. Northern pike are staged on the deeper weed edges, hitting various sizes of Mepp's spinners. Stay on the deeper edge of the thick weeds and be sure to have your net nearby! 800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comEly
The weather and the fishing have heated up, with good numbers of walleyes being taken, some measuring up to 30-inches! Summer patterns have been established. Bottom bouncers and crankbaits lead the pack; try a fire tiger, perch or old reliable silver and black rapala for the most fish. Spinner rigs in silver or gold are working as well. Anglers are having success attaching crawlers, leeches and minnows, with all producing fish. Large pike are striking large spinners and spoons when cast or trolled along the weed edges or points in depths of 3-10 feet. Lake trout are still making a splash for anglers either deep jigging or trolling silver, green, or white spoons. Sunnies are still on their beds, hammering jigs tipped with small soft baits in water as shallow as 2 feet. Some of these fish have weighed up to a pound! 800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
On Lake Saganaga, a whopping 37-inch northern pike attempted to eat a 3-pound sucker fish and was caught in the act. The pike died while trying to ingest the smaller fish. The woman who landed the monster northern pike now has the two fish in her freezer, with the sucker still stuck in the pike's mouth. She plans to have the pair mounted together. And in the warmer, side pools off Lake Superior there are schools of trout fry testing their small fins among the rocks. These fish are a great indicator of clean water conditions. It will be some time before they head out to Superior's clear, deep waters just off the shoreline where they will one day become prize lunkers.
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
The recent cold front and high pressure system has fish scattered and a little more finicky. Up until the change in weather, fish were most often at the mid-lake bars and humps. Depending on the day, they would either be up on top in roughly 18 feet of water or off the break in 23-28 feet of water. Roach rigs tipped with a full crawler has produced the majority of fish, however some are starting to inhale leeches. Fishing should improve greatly as the weather has stabilized. And water temperatures rise further, vegetation will get even thicker and this should result in a good spinner bite along the shorelines.
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
The reefs and deep waters are producing limits of walleyes on Lake of the Woods. The many reefs on the west side of Big Traverse near Long Point and Arnesen's have been especially good. Garden, Knight and Bridges islands on the north end remain hot spots. Fish the tops early and late in the day, and during the middle of the day when there is a good walleye chop. Otherwise, check the rock to mud transition areas. The deep mud basin on Big Traverse has also kicked into high gear. Jigging, crawler harnesses, and trolling crankbaits are all producing limits. Walleyes are also coming from both the Morris Point and Lighthouse gaps. This week's hot colors are gold, pink and chartreuse. Smallmouth bass are active in the Rainy River and up at the Northwest Angle. For the most action, target shallow boulder areas with gradual sloping banks. Shallow-diving crankbaits and spinners have been effective. Up at the Northwest Angle, the reefs are on fire, with large numbers of walleyes being taken. Jigging and pulling crawler harnesses are the way to go. Large northern pike are also coming from the reefs. Muskie anglers are lots of success as the weed growth increases, with good numbers of fish being taken from the weedlines, rocky points, and bays with boulders. 800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com,
www.warroad.orgBemidji
Walleyes are biting more often during morning and evening hours, especially on days with some wind. Most of the lakes are still very clear, therefore some wave action is needed for walleyes to feed in the shallows during the day. Mayflies and other types of flies are still hatching out of the mud basins on area lakes, generally making the fish in deep waters more difficult to catch than fish holding in the shallows. Upper Red Lake has also been a good choice for walleye action on days with calm winds since this lake is more turbid. Anglers are still catching walleyes in 6-10 feet of water on most presentations; a bottom bouncer and spinner is a good choice for covering lots of water until a productive area is located. Perch fishing has been a good back-up plan when the walleye turn finicky. Many perch are feeding in 5-8 feet of water in the larger lakes, with anglers taking fish when using jigs tipped with minnows. 800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
While anglers continue to catch walleyes on Cass Lake, they are having to work a bit harder to limit out. Leeches and crawlers worked at the breaks and bars in depths of 8-15 feet have been best. During evening hours, shad raps are also producing fish along the weedlines. 800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
Warmer air and water temperatures caused the mayflies to hatch last weekend on Lake Winnibigoshish, however, at the time of this report there have been fewer bugs for the last couple of days. The mayfly hatch resulted in a sporadic walleye bite. Fishing has been decent on the main lake bars and far north humps for several short periods throughout the day. Rigging plain hooks with crawlers and leeches has been the most successful presentation, especially when working the upper edges of the structure up onto to the tops of those structures; depths of 23 feet up to as depths as shallow as 15 feet have been best. If you get annoyed with hooking snails along the bottom, inject air into your crawlers. You can also put on an online floater to keep leeches raised up off the bottom, but check often to make sure you are not catching snails. Perch, on the other hand, remain extremely active. With a bit of sorting, a great meal can be caught quickly. Jigs and minnows are the best way to net these fish. The northern pike bite is good for those trolling larger plugs. Fire tiger or natural perch patterns have been best. Sunfish action continues to improve. For good numbers of fish, check the deeper coontail beds in 5-8 feet of water early and late in the day. A small hook, a split shot and 1/16th- or 1/32nd-ounce jig with an inch of nightcrawler has been very effective.
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
With warm, sunny weather and water temperatures in the 70s, most species of fish are exhibiting full summer patterns. Leech Lake walleye are responding best to crawlers and jumbo leeches, as well as crankbaits at dusk. A long leader trolled slowly with a red bead and red hook has been very effective. A jig with a leech or a half crawler is working well in Walker Bay's Sand Point and Cedar Point areas during evening hours. The east side of the lake from the trench off Stoney Point to the rocks at Grassy Point has produced some large walleyes for anglers pulling bottom bouncers with crawlers or leeches. On the west end of the big lake, anglers continue to find some walleyes when pulling a bottom bouncer on the Goose Island Flats on to the Meadows and Sucker Bay between the two Duck Points. Largemouth bass anglers are doing well when throwing spinnerbaits into the weed beds. Muskie fishing is expected improve rapidly now that the water temperatures have turned warm. For the most fish, throw bucktails or jerkbaits. Panfish fishing has been good from the docks and at the deeper edges of the weed beds. 800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comHackensack
Classic summer patterns are becoming established, and fishing has been very good overall. During the day, crawlers remain the best producer, especially with longer snells. Bottom bouncing is also working well. Most fish are scattered and it is necessary to cover a lot of water for a limit. Slow death hooks with crawlers have been very productive. Night trolling crankbaits have also started to produce fish over the last few days. Deep-diving lures, especially in silver, gold, purple and blue have been very effective. Strong crappie action is being reported from many of the smaller area lakes, as well as the larger lakes such as Ten Mile, Webb and Birch. Start in depths of 14-18 feet before dusk, then move into the shallower waters for the evening bite. Whether casting or trolling, stay on the move using small plastics for the most action. Slowly dragging a mini tube or mini mite jig with an electric motor should result in lots of active fish. The smallmouth bass are attacking topwater lures during morning and evening hours, and weighted plastics have been working great during the day off the rocky breaks. Minnow baits have been working very well on the rock shelves, with walleye getting picked up occasionally. Muskie fishing remains great; changes in weather are often the best time to head out. Larger baits have started to produce well, but tossing an average-sized bucktail continues to produce fish. Expect an increase in action over the next couple of weeks. 800-279-6932;
www.hackensackchamber.com Park Rapids
Walleyes have been on the move as they feed on perch in 18-30 feet of water. The best action has been at the rocky and gravel reefs that are surrounded by deep water. The best approach has been a rock-it jig tipped with a golden shiner minnow or leech dropped to the bottom of the lake. Manipulate the jig using slow movements with an intermittent hop to induce the strike. This technique has been working well, with some nice perch also being taken. According to local anglers, now that the surface water temperatures are over 70 degrees the larger pike will head for deeper waters to feed. For the most action, locate the deep growing cabbage weed stands near even deeper water. Multiple lure configurations will lead to success, including crankbaits and the classic pole float and sucker minnow. Smallmouth bass fishing on the clear lakes has been phenomenal this year, especially at the rocky reefs, sand bars and sunken islands. Largemouth bass thrive in areas with thick cover as they can more easily isolate their prey. While they can found in shallow, muddy waters, lots of large females will spend their summers nestled at the bottom of tall cabbage and coontail weed stands in 8-20 feet of water. The majority of bluegills were still on their spawning beds in 6 feet of water or less as of late last week. The crappies were still feeding in and around the deep cabbage weed stands. 800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
Water temperatures are now in the mid-seventies for most Detroit Lakes area lakes. As a result, walleyes have transitioned to mid-lake structure found in 14-24 feet of water. Leeches and crawlers have been the best baits. Bottom bouncers and spinners are also producing fish consistently. Northern pike are hitting crankbaits and spinners pitched to the weed beds. Large sucker minnows will also turn some fish. Lots of muskie follows are being reported, but there have been fewer bites due to the increase in holiday traffic. Casting to the shallow flats is the best bet. Bass have been extremely active with the increase in temperatures, and plastics pitched to the weed beds and rocks have been producing lots of fish. Sunfish are everywhere, with anglers taking good numbers of fish on pieces of crawler and small leeches worked at the weeds. 800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Glenwood
Fishing on Lake Minnewaska has been excellent, with walleyes, bass, northern pike, sunnies and crappies all biting! Walleyes are being caught using spinners and live bait in 14-19 feet of water. Bass are an easy catch in the shallows when using leeches and bobbers or when casting spinnerbaits. Northern pike are being caught throughout the lake, but most have been small. Sunnies are active in the shallows, hitting waxworms and small leeches on small jigs under bobbers. Crappies are being caught when drifting through depths of 10-14 feet of water using small minnows and spinners. Lake Reno remains great for walleyes and crappies. For walleyes, use live bait and spinners; for crappies, use jigs tipped with small minnows. A good walleye bite is also being reported on Lake Miltona. 320/634-3636
Whitefish - Whitefish Chain of Lakes Region
As of late last week, water temperatures had risen about 75 degrees on most area lakes. As a result, most walleye relocated to the second weedline in 12-15 feet of water. Try lindy rigs tipped with either a leech or crawler. Crappies have turned more active, but the best locations have been difficult to pinpoint. Sunnies have been shallow around the docks, weedlines and weed beds. Bass have been extremely active, attacking plastics, spinnerbaits tipped with a plastic minnow, and live bait on a jig or rig.
www.whitefish.orgPine River
Lakes in the Pine River area have really "kicked into hight gear" for bass and northern pike anglers! There have been amazing reports coming from anglers fishing nearly all area lakes, large and small! Crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastic presentations have all worked very well. Walleyes have been most active on days with wind. Leeches, nightcrawlers and minnows on slip-sinker rigs have been the key to success, although a jig and minnow combination will still turn some fish near the weeds. Most of the walleyes have headed out to their summer haunts on the humps and submerged rock piles in the middle of the lakes, although some anglers continue to find soem fish when trolling crankbaits at dusk and into the night along the shorebars in 10-15 feet of water. Panfish have also moved to offshore bars and can be found hovering in 10-15 feet of water along the edges of the weedbeds. For the most fish, use a small jig tipped with a worm or leech without a bobber. Muskies are just starting to prowl the rock reefs and weedbeds, and will become increasingly active as the water warms further. 800-728-6926;
www.pinerivermn.comBrainerd Lakes Area
Walleyes seem to be switching gears every day. Most of the walleyes are hitting live bait rigs tipped with a medium-sized minnow. Night crawlers have also worked well, but the smaller fish will nibble generally tear them to pieces before the walleye can get to them! The most productive lakes have been North Long, Round, and Whitefish. When the walleyes biting, the pike and bass are! Nearly every presentation worked in 8-20 feet of water on a weedy breakline will result in an exciting day of fishing. The weedy points and inside turns should offer the best action. 800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Walleye fishing remains very good, with reports indicating good action throughout Lake Mille Lacs. During the day, launch captains and guides are finding most walleyes in depths of 27-31 feet of water. On the south end of the lake and at the edges of the main lake flats such as 7 mile, 3 mile, Myr Mar and Resort flats check the gravel bars and deep rock reefs for the majority of fish, with Garrison Reef also producing lots of fish. Most anglers are having success using lindy rigs, with or without bobbers, tipped with leeches or crawlers. If lindy rigging doesn't work, bobber fish but remain mobile; once a school of fish is located, toss out a slip bobber. Smallmouth bass are active in the shallows, with the nicest fish coming from Cove Bay, the rock north of Wahkon Bay, and around Doe and Grass islands. While various plastics will get their attention, a slower and more calculated presentation will produce the most fish. Muskies are in transition from their post spawn areas to their summer haunts. Work areas with good, thick cabbage for the most action. 888 -350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar Lakes Area
Sunfish have been active on Diamond, Eagle, Andrew, Florida, Green, Nest and Games lakes. A few anglers reported walleye action on Eagle, Diamond, Andrew, Florida, and Green lakes. The most productive depths for walleyes have been 25-35 feet. Northern pike and bass seem to be biting everywhere! 800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan area
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Sunnies have been biting on all area lakes, with larger fish coming from the weedlines in 8-10 feet of water on slip bobbers with panfish leeches or worms. The best northern pike action has been during early morning and evening hours. Anglers have had the most success using sucker minnows in 10 feet of water on North Center and Sunrise lakes. Walleye anglers are taking fish from along the weedlines in 12 feet of water, as well as from depths of 18-20 feet. The majority of fish have come from Lindbergh Point on Green Lake. Bass fishing has been good on all area lakes in the shallows. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWaconia/Lake Waconia
Fishing has been good on Lake Waconia. The crappie bite has been impressive, especially on the north side of the island in 8-14 feet of water. Worms and crappie minnows have been best. The bass bite remains strong, with action best in the shallows during early morning hours. The larger fish can be found off the weed edges and in the weeds on reefs such as Cemetery, North and Pillsbury. Jigs and leeches, and Texas-rigged worms are working well. Water temperatures are rising and the walleye action should be best off reefs such as Kegs, North and Red's in 14-20 feet of water; the west and east ends of the island are popular areas as well. Lots of 10- to 14-inch fish have been reported, with some walleye measuring in the upper 20-inch range. Muskies have also been active, especially on the weed edges between the marinas, and beyond Lola's toward the beach. Other areas to check out include around the island, and at the weeds on reefs such as Center, North and Kegs. 952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of Thursday, July 11, Whitewater Stream Conditions will mostly clear to slightly cloudy, with a normal water flow. As of Monday, July 8, conditions were clear and normal for Forestville Creek, Gribben Creek, the South Branch Root River at Forestville State Park, and Trout Run. Duschee Creek was considered off and normal, and the South Branch Root River at Lanesboro was still muddy and high. As further updates on stream conditions become available they will be posted on the Southeast Minnesota Stream Conditions web page. 800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comFairmont Area Lakes
Hall and Budd lakes have been producing lots of crappies for anglers using minnows on the rock piles. Anglers are also taking fish when using flu flu jigs tipped with waxies and worms on Sisseton and George lakes, especially in the shallows by trees and docks. These three lakes have also been good for largemouth bass and some catfish in the shallows. Walleye action has been best at night, with Hall, South Silver and Tuttle lakes all giving up fish. 800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
Although the 4th of July Holiday and warm temperatures brought out an abundance of water skiers, tubers and jet skiers, anglers still did very well on Big Stone Lake last week and weekend. The walleye bite has slowed down which is very typical of late June and early July, but some anglers continue to take fish. The majority of fish are coming from the weedlines and on top of the weeds; begin at the bottom and work your way to the top to draw attention. Nice walleyes, measuring 15-19 inches, are being reported. The south end of the lake remains popular, but anglers are also reporting good catches between Manhattan Island and The Reef, north from Mallard Pointe to Lookout Pointe, and around the Windmill Reef area. Bottom bouncer/spinner/crawler presentations are being replaced by crankbaits. The key is to move around. The most exciting action has been reported by perch anglers. One family with three boats brought in 50 perch on July 6th. They started out using minnows and crawlers, but then tried spikes and did extremely well. Many anglers have also been using smaller leeches. The island area remains a good spot, with the GrapeVine and Windmill Reef areas also producing lots of fish. The bluegills, crappies and white bass are also keeping anglers busy. 800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
