Explore Minnesota Fishing Report August 2, 2013 Water temperatures dropped a few degrees this past week due to cooler air temperatures. While fishing action slowed during this time, the bite has steadily increased now that weather conditions have stabilized. Many species are coming from slightly deeper waters. The largest walleyes are being taken when using a slow presentation. The weather forecast calls for sunny days with highs in the 70s & 80s today through Sunday -perfect for enjoying a day on the water!
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
Smallmouth bass have been the talk of the week following the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship which ended last weekend. While few have shared details, it appears that artificials on the surface were the key to success. Walleye anglers are finding fish on the submerged reefs in 25-35 feet of water when using crawlers and leeches. On the Rainy River, walleye fishing has been good above the dam and around the Ranier Rapids; there have been few reports of fish downstream of the dam. River walleye have been hanging near the deep holes and rock structure where there is some current, with these fish generally responding best to shiner minnows. 800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Fishing has been inconsistent due to weather fluctuations. Anglers have had some good catches when using spinner rigs, plain hooks and crawlers in 14-20 feet of water. Jig anglers have also caught fish in depths of 30-36 feet when using a jig head and minnow. When the fish turn finicky, try a leech. Northern pike have favored live bait and artificial lures worked along the shorelines and weed edges. Smallmouth bass are chasing crayfish, therefore, check the gravel beds and reef tops for the most bass action. Most walleyes have moved onto their summer reef hangouts. Hot spots to check out include Center Reef at West Kabetogama, and the Martin Islands, Blundt Island, and the Headlight for mid-Kabetogama locations. Anglers fishing Lake Namakan have had the most success fishing the structural shorelines and rock pile edges at Green and Larkin. 800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comTower -Lake Vermilion
The mayfly hatch is finally winding down, and the walleyes are now targeting the young-of-the-year perch. The positive side of this transition is that they have turned more aggressive now that they have to chase their dinner! The best presentation remains a bait rig tipped with half of a crawler. It can be helpful to add a small float next to the hook in order to keep it above and away from the crayfish! For the most action, hit the reefs and shoreline breaks. The smallmouth bass bite remains strong on the rocky shorelines and shallow rocky reefs, with almost any presentation triggering a hit. Muskie action was amazing when the moon was full, with the rocks and weeds giving up monster fish to anglers using bucktails.
www.lakevermilionresorts.comEly
Despite less than ideal weather conditions last week, fishing has been good for quite a few anglers. Large northern pike have been attacking large crankbaits and spinnerbaits worked in depths of 3-15 feet of water. Walleye anglers are taking fish when trolling spinner rigs. A slow troll has worked best in order to cover more water, with fish scattered throughout the water column in depths of 5-25 feet. Crappies and sunnies are very active, hitting waxworms, small minnows and soft baits on a jig or suspended under a bobber. Just last week, walleye anglers reported some of the largest fish of the season, some measuring up to 31-inches. Several smallmouth bass measuring up to 21 -inches were also reported. 800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
It's Fisherman's Picnic weekend, and there is no better way to celebrate than to head out and catch fish! The fishing has been better than expected, with lots of nice walleyes recently taken, one weighing 5-pounds, 15-ounces! Reports indicate that jig and minnow combinations are turning the most walleyes on lakes in the Gunflint Trail vicinity. On Clearwater Lake, one angler took a 4-pounder while casting shallow or running crankbaits through roughly 15 feet of water. Northern pike have been aggressive all summer long. Anglers are taking good numbers when trolling crawler harnesses through shallow to mid-range depths of 10-15 feet of water, with one pike weighing roughly 7-pounds pulled out of Poplar Lake in the Mid Gunflint Trail vicinity. Smallmouth bass are in a feeding frenzy, hitting jigs and tubes in crayfish colors. Sawbill Lake, north of Tofte, is known as a great bass lake, and time on the lake should provide lots of fun, fast action. And on Lake Superior, salmon remain hungry, with a 5-pound fish taken off the rocky shoreline just west of Grand Marais near the Cut Face River mouth.
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
Walleyes can be found deep on the reefs and humps in 18-25 feet of water. Water temperatures are running approximately 75- to 77-degrees. Smallmouth and largemouth bass can be found on the deep weedlines. Look for areas with rock structure associated with weeds for smallmouth bass and keeper-size walleyes. Jigs tipped with leeches or nightcrawlers should put fish in the boat.
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
North winds have stirred up the larger fish on Lake of the Woods. Many slot fish running 20-inches and larger are coming from along the edges of reefs, 28-34 feet over mud. For the most fish, troll crankbaits or drift with spinners baited with crawlers or leeches along Garden, Bridges, and Little Oak islands. Some charters have started downrigging with positive results. Also try anchoring with a jig and frozen shiner in 30-33 feet along the Canadian border closer to the South Shore near Pine Island. Red with white, and hammered gold are the most productive colors. Water levels are high on the Rainy River. Strong currents are bringing minnows upstream, and lots of walleyes are following. Casting from shore is producing limits. Sturgeon activity is on the increase. Up at the Northwest Angle, spinners baited with a chub are turning the most walleyes, especially in depths of 18-25 feet at the reefs around Little Oak, Four Blocks and Falcon islands, and at the rocks in Little Traverse Bay. Muskie are still active in the top waters. 800-382-FISH
Bemidji
Surface water temperatures have dropped into the upper 60s in most area lakes due to a weather pattern more often seen in September. Hopefully, this gets the walleyes and muskies to bite like they normally do in the fall! If the cool weather pattern continues for at least another week, the thermocline in the lakes could begin to break down, which would make one more odd weather-related event during this unusual summer. Lake Winnibigoshish still has the hottest walleye bite in the area. Anglers are finding walleyes on the numerous bars and humps, as well as in the cabbage weeds that ring the shoreline. Northern pike and perch have also been active in Big Winnie, so anglers have a chance of catching a mixed bag of fish. Panfish action has been good in many of the smaller lakes, with bluegills and sunfish holding along the outside edge of the cabbage and coontail weed beds. Perch have been active in many of the larger lakes, with most of these fish in the weeds. Perch may burry themselves in the cabbage weed beds or they may use the inside edge of the cabbage weeds to look for crayfish hiding in the mats of chara on the bottom. Muskie and walleye anglers report difficulty in finding active fish in many area lakes. Muskie anglers have had the best success on days with overcast skies and some wind. Walleye anglers are still finding some walleyes in the shallow to moderate depths, with bottom bouncers and spinners with nightcrawlers or leeches working well in some lakes, while live bait rigs and larger minnows are producing in other lakes. 800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
Fishing has been decent, with anglers taking just enough fish to make a trip out onto the water worthwhile. Most of the walleyes are coming from 15-20 feet of water off the breaks and bars. During evening hours, work the weedlines. Anglers are also having some success with the panfish, northern pike and bass. While the fishing is not exceptional, the mild and comfortable weather conditions are making all outings enjoyable, and catching fish just adds to the fun! 800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
The walleye bite has been good on the north humps of Lake Winnibigoshish from Third River Bar on north and west. Spinners and rigs tipped with crawlers or leeches have been the most productive approach. The north shore weed beds are also putting fish in the boat, especially from Stoney Point to Farley Creek, with small crankbaits or spinners tipped with crawlers or leeches producing fish in depths of 8-10 feet. Other areas to check out include Tamarac Bay, and just off the High Banks in 10-12 feet of water. Perch have turned more active on the deeper humps and bar edges in 15-25 feet of water. Northern pike remain active, hitting larger spoons and crankbaits. Sunfish action remains excellent early and late in the day. The crappie bite has been decent during evening hours; for the most fish, check the coontail weed edges in 8-12 feet of water using 2-inch twister tails on 1/16th- or 1/32nd-ounce jigs.
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
Fluctuating weather conditions put a damper on fishing on Leech Lake last week, but this week's mild and stable conditions have caused the fishing to heat back up again. Crawlers and leeches remain the best bait for catching walleyes, especially when used with a green spinner and bottom bouncer. Many anglers are also having success with a lindy or roach rig, colored bead and colored hook trolled very slowly on the sand flats. Anglers fishing during early evening hours and after dark are having success when trolling shad raps on the edges of the rock reefs and wind-driven points. Walker Bay's Sand Point is often filled with anglers bobber fishing with leeches early in the evening. During the day, anglers fishing the big lake are finding some walleyes when drifting at The Meadows, and between First and Second Duck. When the wind blows, hit the rocky reefs, such as Mokey and Big Rock. Muskie reports continue to improve, with fish coming from the shallow rocks and cabbage weed beds on all types of lures, especially cowgirls and bucktails. Bass anglers are finding fish on the shorelines and deep weed edges. 800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comHackensack
Area lakes are giving up walleyes to anglers trolling crankbaits during evening hours, and pulling crawlers behind spinners during the day. Some anglers continue to find fish using redtails in deeper waters. The key to success is covering water until you locate pockets of fish. Bass anglers are doing very well when using spinnerbaits and rigged worms at the outer edges of the weeds. Crappies remain active during evening hours, with some very nice fish being pulled from 12-16 foot depths. For muskies, try bucktails and slow twitch baits.800-279-6932;
www.hackensackchamber.com Park Rapids
Many species are coming from slightly deeper waters. Days with cloud cover and a west wind are best, with good numbers of fish being taken. The larger walleyes can be found close to the bottom in 20-25 feet of water when using a slow presentation. If quantity is more important than quality, head to the 8-10 foot weed flats for lots of eating-sized walleye. A longer snell paired with an 1/8th-ounce weedless weight will do the trick. The long snell and light weight sinker will keep the set up above the weedline and in the strike zone. Nice-sized northern pike are coming from the deep growing cabbage weeds near the deepest waters. Sunken islands and points that are surrounded by very deep water are best. A large sucker minnow on a circle hook with a steel leader and heavy sinker is hard to beat. Deep-running crankbaits are also a good choice when casting; crank fast to get your lure to the right depth, then slow down and hold on! Largemouth bass are responding to topwater lures at the lily pads and thick growing weed cover in the shallows. Black is the best color on sunny days since only a silhouette of the lure can be seen by the fish. A great crappie bite is also being reported, with anglers taking lots of nice fish using small leeches at the submerged weed cover in 15-20 feet of water. These fish have been actively feeding all day long. Expect to take some large bluegills as well. 800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.com Detroit Lakes
Water temperatures dropped 6- to 8-degrees to roughly 70-degrees this past week due to cooler air temperatures. Fish are still being taken, and the bite should improve immensely now that weather conditions have stabilized. Most walleyes are coming from the breaks where deep water meets long extending points and mid-lake structure. For the most fish, hit depths of 15-25 feet using live bait rigs or spinners with leeches or crawlers. Panfish remain very active in the weeds, and northern pike are very active on the flats hitting fast moving presentations. Muskie anglers are taking lots of 40- to 48-inch fish when pitching baits to the weed beds on Big Detroit, Sallie and Pelican lakes. 800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Glenwood
The water is warm, and the dog days of summer are near. Walleye action has slowed on all area lakes. The best bet is to fish early in the morning, late in the evening, and after dark. Bass and northern pike remain an easy catch. Sunfish are also being taken from area lakes. 320/634-3636
Whitefish - Whitefish Chain of Lakes Region
Spinners and crawlers, and leeches on lindy rigs are producing walleye, especially during low light hours. Begin in roughly 20 feet of water and stay mobile until you locate fish. Large northern pike are hitting large minnows on jigs and bobber rigs worked just outside the weedlines. Large bass are active along the weedlines in 15-20 foot depths, with the smaller fish still in the shallows. Plastics and spinnerbaits should lead to lots of action. For crappies, hit the 10-15 foot weeds using crappie or fathead minnows.
www.whitefish.orgPine River
Pine River area lakes are kicking out large numbers of bass, with excellent reports coming from Whitefish, Pine Mountain, Woman, Pelican, and most of the smaller area lakes. The best presentations include spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastics worked in the shallow slop on down to 25 feet. Northern pike are also active, with some pike measuring 30-plus inches. Walleyes are in their summer mode, hanging in 15-30 feet of water and on the mid-lake humps. Anglers are having the most success when using crawler rigs and leech rigs. 800-728-6926;
www.pinerivermn.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Last weekend's cool temperatures made the bite more challenging on Lake Mille Lacs. The weather has stabilized and the bite is improving quickly. Walleye anglers will want to downsize their offering and use a slower presentation. A leech under a bobber may work better than a trolled crawler and spinner. Most of the fish are being taken at the structure during low light hours. 888 -350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar Lakes Area
While the recent cool down caused the bite to slow, panfish, northern pike and bass continue to be taken from along the weedlines in 10-15 foot depths. Use leeches and crawlers on Diamond, Eagle, Andrew, Florida and Nest lakes for the most action. Anglers continue to take a few walleye on Green Lake in 25-30 feet of water, with some fish found even deeper. There have also been some spotty reports from walleye anglers fishing Eagle, Diamond and Nest lakes. The current favorable weather conditions should cause the bite to heat up once again. 800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan area
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Walleye anglers have been taking fish using leeches and minnows during lowlight hours. The best location has been at the weeds on North Center, Chisago, and South Lindstrom lakes. Panfish anglers using small leeches in depths of roughly 7 feet water have had success. Crappies have been suspended in 20-30 foot depths. Lots of bass action is being reported by anglers fishing under the docks, and in the rocks in 15 feet of water, with most lakes producing fish. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Area Lakes
Sunfish anglers are taking lots of fish from White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes when using waxworms, leeches and nightcrawlers in 5-15 feet of water. Crappies are also hitting on Bald Eagle Lake, taking crappie minnows from depths of 12-18 feet of water. Bass and northern pike have been very active on both lakes on the deeper edge of the weedlines; for the most action, use live bait or crankbaits. Walleye anglers are finding fish on Bald Eagle Lake when using fathead minnows and leeches during evening and early morning hours. On White Bear Lake, look for walleye using minnows and leeches after dark. Muskies are just starting to hit on White Bear Lake, mostly at night. Bald Eagle Lake muskies have been very active during the day, hitting blade baits worked on the humps and long points. 651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia/Lake Waconia
Lake Waconia anglers are catching plenty of sunnies and crappies on Lake Waconia. Good action continues to be reported on the north and south sides of Coney Island in 10-14 feet of water. Recently, some of the larger panfish have been biting on the edges of the weeds in 10-14 feet of water on the reefs such as Keg's Reef, North Reef and Pillsbury Reef. Bass remain very active in the shallows, especially in the reeds on the northwest side of the lake and by the Rock Dock; the larger largemouth bass are on the reefs in or around the weeds. Casting artificial baits such as plastic worms, jigs and spinnerbaits are good options on Cemetery, North and Pillsbury reefs. Anglers wanting to use live bait should stick with leeches and crawlers. Walleyes are most active during evening hours, just before and just after sunset, as well as early morning before sunrise. While most fish are running 10-14 inches, Lake Waconia walleye must be at least 16 inches to keep. An occasional lunker measuring in the mid- to upper 20-inch range is also being reported. Areas to check out include 12-18 foot depths at Keg's Reef, Red's Reef and North Reef. 952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of Thursday, August 1, water conditions for Forestville Creek, Gribben Creek, Pine Creek, the South Fork Root River at Forestville State Park and the Million Dollar Bridge, Wisel Creek, Camp Creek and the Whitewater streams were mostly clear and normal. The South Branch Root River at Lanesboro was considered muddy with normal water levels. Off and normal conditions were reported for Duschee Creek. Blue-winged olives, size #20, were being seen later in the evening on cloudy days. Smallmouth action was described as slow, but some nice fish were being reported. As updates on stream conditions become available they will be posted on the Southeast Minnesota Stream Conditions web page. 800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
A summer fishing pattern continues on Big Stone Lake. Anglers pulling crankbaits are taking walleye and perch from the 10-11 foot flat across from Schmidts Landing, as well as on the outside of Knight and Manhattan islands. One group of anglers took a few walleyes measuring 25- to nearly 28-inches when pulling spinners and crawlers on planer boards down the middle of the lake. The Windmill Reef area is getting plenty of action from perch anglers. Good numbers are being taken when anchored up on the rocks and lightly jigging or slip bobbering over the side. The Bay View Points and the Grape Vine Reef have also given up fish. It has been hard to determine the best bait, with pieces of nightcrawler, minnows, and even a few spikes and waxworms producing fish at certain times. Anglers hope that the recent cool temperatures will make the perch think it's fall so they school up and are even easier to catch! 800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
