July 6, 2012 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report
Anglers are using more aggressive tactics and faster presentations due to warm water temperatures on bodies of water throughout the state. Another effect of warm water temperatures is an increase in algae growth, and the subsequent decrease in visibility. This reduction in visibility is usually good for muskie anglers since these fish are more apt to confuse a lure for actual forage. Temperatures should turn cooler by this weekend, making conditions wonderful for fishing and comfortable for angling.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
Please help prevent the transport of harmful invasive species; do your part to protect Minnesota?s waters by following the state Aquatic Invasive Species laws.
Subscribe here to receive any or all of our reports by email or RSS/news feed.
This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Walleye are starting to gather on the submerged reefs in Rainy Lake, with fish also found at the windward side of islands and rocky shorelines. Anglers recommend worms over leeches, and leeches over minnows. Crappies can be found on the structure in Black Bay when jigging. Large northern pike continue to be pulled from the mouths of Black and Cranberry bays when trolling the weedy edges with a large minnow. Some of the areas recommended include both sides of Bald Rock, Lost Bay, and north of Grindstone and Dryweed Islands. Anglers fishing east of the Brule Narrows should check out Marion Bay, Finlander Bay, and north of Big Island. Rainy River anglers are having success with the walleye in 12-20 feet of water, especially in the longer bends in the river and near the Manitou and Long Sault Rapids. 800-325-5766
Kabetogama
Water temperatures are rising rapidly, measuring in the mid-70s earlier this week. Surprisingly, there was still a shallow water walleye and northern pike bite near the weed edges, with anglers having success pulling a rig or crankbait through 8-12 feet of water during lowlight hours. The mid-day bite varied depending on preferred method of fishing. Anglers had success using a jig and minnow in 35-40 foot depths at the reef edges at the Martin Islands and the Headlight, and at the deep drop-offs near rock piles on Kabetogama and Namakan. Another productive technique was a leech or crawler on a rig, slip sinker, bottom bouncer or bait-walker worked slowly along the shorelines and sand bars, with or without a spinner. Snell length depended on the depth finder, with anglers adjusting the length to keep bait in the strike zone, generally 1-3 feet off the bottom. When using a crawler, inject air for buoyancy. Northern pike have been mixed in with the walleye, and found in deeper waters adjacent to weed edges. The early morning and late afternoon bite has been best, with buzz baits and reef-runners attracting pike near the surface. The perch and sauger bite has been best when using a jig and minnow presentation in the deeper waters. 800-524-9085
Crane Lake
800-362-7405
Ely
Walleye weighing up to 11-pounds have recently been registered, with action expected to remain good. Leeches and crawlers have been the best producers, with slowly-trolled crankbaits a close second. Most walleye are coming from the reefs and rock outcroppings in 8-12 feet of water. Crappies and sunnies are aggressively hitting baits presented in 3-10 feet of water. Small spinnerbaits, such as beetle spins are very effective since they can quickly cover more water, ruling out non-productive areas. Once schools of fish are located, switch over to live bait or small soft baits on a jig beneath a slip bobber. Anglers searching for northern pike should use spinnerbaits and spoons at the emergent weed edges and drop-offs around islands and lake shore points. 800-777-7281
Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Walleye fishing has been great just outside of Grand Marais on Devils Track Lake. For the most fish, try trolling a slip bobber or float rig with a leech. Try your hand at some whitefish action as well, with small mayfly-type lures working best. Both species have been most active at night. Rainbow trout fishing has been excellent on Mink Lake, located roughly 12 miles up the Gunflint Trail. For the most fish, use night crawlers. Smallmouth bass are extremely active, hitting crawlers on many inland lakes. Lake Superior is also giving up lots of fish. The lake trout can be found suspended in 50-60 feet of water. Charters are reporting a few salmon as well. Lake trout and coho salmon typically start to bite once surface water temperatures "heat up" to roughly 50-degrees. Shore anglers will want to try casting near the mouths of large rivers, with record-breaking coho pulled from the mouths of the Cascade, Onion and Brule rivers in the past few years--little Cleos and rooster tails should produce the most fish.
Duluth - Lake Superior
800-438-5884
Grand Rapids
Area lakes continue to produce walleye, northern pike, bass and panfish. Walleye are scattered in deeper waters, with schools of fish being harder to find. The best approach is to be persistent, pulling bottom bouncers and blades through the deeper waters. Smallmouth bass and northern pike remain easier targets, with both being pulled from thicker shoreline vegetation. Professional anglers have had lots of success using jigs with impulse jigging leeches and nightcrawlers. Lakes such as Pokegama and Winnibigoshish are giving up good numbers of walleye to dedicated anglers. Smaller area lakes are giving up lots of bass and panfish. Sand Lake, located 40 miles north of Grand Rapids, is producing lots of walleye at the main lake structure. Anglers using northland rock runner bottom bouncers on gold or fire tiger rainbow spinners tipped with nightcrawlers are having the most success, especially when moving at .9 mph. Walleye are averaging between 13- and 15-inches. Lots of northern pike, measuring 18- to 22-inches, are also being reported. Perch are running smaller this year, averaging 8- to 9-inches. On Ball Club Lake, perch are biting at the edges of the bars and humps in 24-29 feet of water. The best bait system is a northland fireball jig or northland thumper jig tipped with a fathead minnow; the most productive colors are parakeet and sunrise. For walleye, try rock runner bottom bouncers with a rainbow spinner and nightcrawler in 12-18 feet at the weeds. Round Lake slot walleye are active on the weedlines, with most measuring 18- to 22-inches in length. For keepers, hit Center Bar. Perch action is heating up for anglers using mimic minnows and spinners on firetiger with a piece of nightcrawler or small minnow trolled or casted at Center Bar. Another good bait system is a rainbow spinner, fathead minnow and a bullet weight or split shot. Start planning your next fishing trip with a Professional Grand Rapids Area Fishing Guide. 800-355-9740
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Fishing has been hot along the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Nice walleye are coming from 8-13 feet of water in front of the Lighthouse and Morris Point gaps, from depths of 22-24 feet near "The Field," and from assorted off shore reefs across the lake. Spinners and crankbaits seem to be the best bet as water temperatures warm. Downriggers and leadcore are proving effective. Gold and silver have been best for spinner colors. Lots of slot fish, as well large fish measuring up to 32-inches, have recently been taken. Areas around Little Oak and Garden islands have also been hot spots. Drifting or trolling on calm days have been best. Northern pike anglers are finding fish on the rocks around Long Point. At the Northwest Angle & Islands area, spinners and crankbaits are working well. Deepwater Bay's sunken islands, reefs near Massacre Island, deep water and structure around Garden Island, and the north end of Little Oak are all holding good numbers of fish, many over 28-inches. Muskie action is heating up with lots of fish being taken from the rocks, sand and weeds. As of Monday, July 2, water temperatures were in the 70s near shore. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in two upcoming Lake of the Woods walleye tournaments: The Minnesota Tournament Trail, July 6 & July 7, and the AIM Pro Walleye, August 16, 17 & 18. 800-382-FISH
Bemidji
Surface water temperatures have risen above 70-degrees in most area lakes. There is an increase in the rate of algae growth, resulting in reduced visibility. Anglers are starting to use faster presentations for the walleye and other species, with bottom bouncers, spinners and trolled crankbaits two presentations that typically work best when surface water temperatures rise above 70-degrees. Muskie anglers should find that the muskie are becoming more active. The rise in algae will actually benefit muskie anglers since the reduced visibility will increase the chance that lures are mistaken for the real thing. 800-458-2223
Cass Lake
Walleye are hitting leeches worked in 18-20 foot depths on Cass Lake. Rapalas are also working well at dusk. Jumbo perch have moved into the shallows. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows in Allen's Bay. Panfish are moving along the weed edges in 10-12 feet of water. Muskie anglers are catching more fish when using bucktails. 800-356-8615
Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish
218/665-2268
Walker - Leech Lake
Leech Lake anglers are having success with the walleye when pulling a spinner rig with a crawler or leech at the windswept points on the main lake. Most fish were at the structure in 15-30 feet of water. Fishing with a weighted or floating jig with a minnow or leech worked well on the weedlines. Walker Bay's Sand Point has given up some nice walleye of all sizes just before sunset and until dark. Anglers pulling lindy rigs with leeches or crawlers, and those bobber fishing with a leech have done well. Shad raps and hot'n tot lures pulled after dark have turned some large walleye. Muskie reports have improved considerably, with good numbers coming from the cabbage weeds found in 4-10 feet of water at the west side of Portage Bay and at Grand Vu Flats. Bass anglers are having a blast at Miller and Steamboat bays when tossing spinner baits. For panfish, hit the weeds in 4-6 feet, or fishing in the reeds.800-833-1118
Hackensack
Panfishing has been excellent throughout the area. Walleye action has slowed due to the many fronts, however anglers do continue to take fish on crawler harnesses and long snells. 800-279-6932
Park Rapids
800-247-0054
Detroit Lakes
Despite very hot temperatures this week, fish have continued to bite on most area lakes. Anglers are taking advantage of cooler temperatures during lowlight hours since mid-day fishing has been difficult due to the heat; always drink plenty of water when fishing in these conditions. Most walleye are coming from the 19-26 feet of water at the mid-lake structure. Leeches and crawlers dominate the bite, with crankbaits working well at the shallow flats at night. Bass are relating to the shallow water weed beds. Northern pike are taking advantage of the baitfish in the cabbage weeds. Muskie anglers are pulling fish from Detroit and Pelican lakes when casting baits over the shallow water weed beds. Sunfish are devouring small leeches and pieces of nightcrawler. 800-542-3992
Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Otter Tail County's bass are on the bite! A limit of largemouth bass was recently taken from West Lost Lake on Sally frog jigs fished at the edges of the reeds and cane, and also in mid-depths over the tops of the weeds. As the sun rises, try Sally craw jigs in purple/blue, black/blue and green pumpkin at the weedlines. Otter Tail County is known for its exceptional bass lakes. 800-423-4571
Glenwood
320/634-3636
Whitefish
Pine River
800-728-6926
Brainerd Lakes Area
Walleye are being pulled from the shallow and mid-summer structure on Gull Lake. The shallow fish are relating to the tall cabbage in 8-12 feet of water, hitting jigs tipped with a minnow or some gulp. The mid-summer structure fish can be found in 20-25 feet of water when using live bait rigs with redtails or shiners. Bass can be found throughout Gull Lake at the outside edges of the weedlines, and at the backside of the weed flats. Try pitching a jig and plastic, casting a small crankbait, or using a slip bobber and panfish leech--especially if fishing with kids. Panfish have moved off their shoreline bedding areas and can be found in 9-12 feet of water using a 1/32-ounce jig and panfish leech under a float. Soon they will move to mid-lake structure. North Long Lake is also a great lake for a variety of species. Concentrate on the weedlines in 12-16 feet of water using a live-bait rig with a redtail, creek chub or sucker minnow. Pitching into the weeds with a light bass jig tipped with plastics or gulp will produce fish as well. For walleye, try trolling spinners with crawlers behind a bottom bouncer, and cover lots of water. Bass have been very active, attacking crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigworms. At the northern end of Lake Mille Lacs, fish are coming from the edges of the flats in 25-28 feet of water. Flats such as Myr Mar, Mattons, 7 Mile and 8 Mile have been very good producers; be sure to also check out some of the smaller flats which recieve less fishing pressure. Lindy rigs and leeches continue to produce, but spinners, crawlers and minnows are starting to work as well. The bobber bite is still a great fish producer on the reefs and mud during evening hours. Smallmouth bass are very active on the rocks, hitting tubes jigs and senkos. 800-450-2838
Aitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
800-526-8342
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
The deep water of Lake Mille Lacs is where you will find the daytime walleye bite, with fish coming in on leadcore and rigging on the mud and gravel bars in 20 feet of water and deeper. The evening walleye bite has been best in depths of 8-16 feet when there is a slight breeze. Anglers that choose to release a fish should handle it as little as possible and return it to the water as quickly as possible. The water is warming up daily, with surface temperatures measuring over 75-degrees on the 4th of July. 888-350-2692
Willmar
Fishing has been great in the Willmar Area Lakes! A lot of panfish and northern pike have been recently pulled from Andrew, Florida, Games, Eagle and Green lakes. Walleye have been very active on Green, Eagle and Diamond lakes. Good numbers of sunnies and crappies can be found on Willmar, Foot and Ringo lakes. Temperatures should turn cooler by this weekend, making conditions wonderful for fishing and comfortable for anglers! 800-845-8747
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls
715/483-3580
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Bass fishing has been excellent on Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes along the weedlines; please note, however, that bass are catch-and-release only. The best fishing has been in the shallows, under the docks and on top of the water, during early morning and evening hours. For the most fish, use jigs tipped with worms, spinnerbaits or crankbaits along the weedlines. Walleye can be found in deeper waters when using leeches and fatheads, especially on South Center Lake. Northern pike are pursuing sucker minnows in front of the old Bluhm Farm on Chisago Lake. Panfish are being pulled from most area lakes on panfish leeches, crappie jigs and flu flu jigs. For the largest crappies, hit Chisago Lake. 651/257-1177
White Bear Area Lakes
While the fishing has slowed a bit, anglers continue to catch lots of sunfish and bass in 6-10 feet of water on Bald Eagle Lake. On White Bear Lake, sunnies and bass are holding in depths of 8-18 feet, with both chasing leeches and nightcrawlers. The crappies have moved out to depths of 12-20 feet, hitting crappie minnows and waxworms on jigs. Northern pike and muskie action is heating up, with fish coming in on spinnerbaits and other blade baits worked rapidly through the water. Walleye action has slowed somewhat, however anglers continue to take fish during early morning and night time hours on leeches and fathead minnows. 651/653-5122
Waconia
952/442-5812
Southern Minnesota
Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
877-525-3248
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of Thursday, June 28, conditions were mostly clear and low for Canfield Creek, Forestville Creek, Duschee Creek, Gribben Creek, Wisel Creek, the South Branch Root River at Lanesboro, and the South Branch Root River at Forestville State Park. Trout have been active. At the time of this report, several species of caddis were noticed outside on the office walls. Vegetation was getting thick and many anglers are fishing terrestrials with a nymph as a dropper when possible. Smallmouth bass action has also been good, with quite a few smallmouth taken on crawfish patterns and tan buggers just last week. For detailed fishing maps showing defined property lines and easements, check out Trout Angling: Southern Minnesota. 800-944-2670
Rochester - Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
800-634-8277
Winona
Walleye are hitting leeches and willow cat minnows early in the morning and at dusk; check the wing dams and current breaks on the Mississippi River for the most fish. Sunfish were very active until the river levels rose, and action should pick up once levels drop back to a more normal level. The best approach is a worm or artificial lure. Crappies are in the structure, such as old tree trunks and limbs where there is current. A minnow on a gold Aberdeen hook s is a good choice. Catfish are active, and hitting stinkbaits. Use a three-way river rig with enough weight to keep it on the bottom. Northern pike have responded best to sucker minnows. Silver bass action has been good around the current breaks near the Lock Dams, as well as on the downside of the wing dams. For the most fish, use fat head minnows, or streamers with Colorado or Willow blades. And don't forget the sheephead which are always fun to catch! 800-657-4972
Faribault Area Lakes
800-658-2354
Albert Lea
800-345-8414
Fairmont Area Lakes
800-657-3280
Ortonville -Big Stone Lake
Anglers continue to pull lots of fish from Big Stone Lake, however the heat has reduced the number of anglers heading out. Those that hit the lake during early morning and late afternoon/evening hours are being rewarded, with limits of nice 17- to 19-inch walleye coming in. Limits of perch in the 7- to 10-inch range are being taken as well, a few measuring 13- to 14-inches. The south end remains popular for walleye anglers, but good reports are also coming from the Smiley Face and Rocky Ledge areas, and north to the Hartford Beach area. Pulling bottom bouncer/spinner/crawler combinations remains the best bet for walleye and perch. Some avid perch anglers have started targeting fish using a traditional perch fishing method, focusing on the south tip of Lagonna Beach, the Grape Vine Reef and Rocky Ledge. Quite a few perch are also coming from the docks. 800-568-5722
