Explore Minnesota Fishing Report May 30, 2013 Most of the walleye have completed their spawn, and a great walleye bite continues to be reported in the shallows throughout the state. Jig and shiner minnow combinations remain the preferred presentation. Larger minnows and leeches are also beginning to work well.
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
Memorial Day weekend brought some decent weather and lots of angling action to International Falls' lakes and rivers. Walleyes have been hitting near the mouths of the bays and inlets, sometimes in surprisingly shallow water. Jigging or trolling a spinner rig with a minnow has been working well. Northern pike have also been hitting near the mouths of bays. Smallmouth bass and crappie reports have been few, but will likely increase once water temperatures rise a bit. Rainy River walleye action has been similar, with anglers having the most success near the confluence with other rivers and streams. Another hot spot has been just below areas with a steady current, such as below the Ranier Rapids and below the dam at International Falls. Spinner rigs tipped with a minnow have been best. 800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
It was a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend for anglers, with many limits of walleye and northern pike reported; quite a few sauger and a few nice jumbo perch were also taken. Walleyes were found in very shallow waters, as well as in depths down to 35 feet. The best advice for walleye anglers is to look for good windward structure that features shallow water, a sand and gravel bottom, and leads to deeper waters. Once the best depth is determined, vertically jig through the area. In extremely shallow locations, use a slip bobber and minnow. Shiners seem to work best, followed by rainbow and fathead chubs. Leeches will also turn fish once water temperatures warm. Northern pike are hitting nearly anything placed in front of them. The sauger bite is expected to improve once they complete their spawn, with fish found shallow while they recuperate. 800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comTower/Soudan -Lake Vermilion
Anglers are reporting an increase in fishing action as water temperatures rise on Lake Vermilion. Fish continue to be pulled from depths of 35-45 feet on jigs tipped with minnows. The larger walleyes can be caught by casting jigs or floating bobbers into the shallows, but the bite hasn't been as aggressive as the deep water bite. As the shallow waters warm, crappies are staging at their spring spawning areas, with crappie action getting better each day. Look for the fish to "tree up" in the coming week or so. Northern pike fishing has been extremely hot with fish measuring up to 41-inches being caught and released this past week. Both casting and trolling smaller crankbaits over the preexisting weed beds has been the key to success. Several bass were also caught and released this past week by anglers casting smaller jerkbaits for pike. Many fish have been pulled from the rocky shorelines on smaller swim baits. 800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comEly
While fishing has been better than expected the past couple of weeks, Memorial Day weekend was exceptional. Catches of fifty or more walleyes were not unusual. Jig and minnow combinations have been the best presentation, however quite a few anglers did well when casting shallow running crankbaits in water less than 10 feet deep. Anglers slowly trolling crawler harnesses through mid-range depths of 8-15 feet also took some fish. Northern pike measuring up to 44-inches were reported; a sucker under a float, and large crankbaits and spoons produced the most fish. Large smallmouth bass are in a pre-spawn feasting frenzy and attacking large crankbaits and jig and tube combinations in crawfish colors. 800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
The days are warmer, the grass is greener, and the fish are biting! Walleye remain active in the shallows. Just outside of Grand Marais, off the Gunflint Trail, Elbow Lake is giving up good numbers of fish. This is a rocky, shallow body of water, and consistently produces well for walleye anglers. Minnows and nightcrawlers are the bait of choice; leeches will remain lifeless on your hook until the water warms a bit. Trolling rapalas through roughly 10 feet of water is even working well. A few anglers have reported good catches on Two Island, Hungry Jack and Poplar lakes located just off the Gunflint Trail. Lake trout remain very active, with a 9-pound fish recently pulled from Gunflint Lake. These fish are still deep, and this fish was found suspended in roughly 45 feet of water. Northern pike are staying close to the surface in 6-12 feet of water. Trolling or casting jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or rapalas are turning the most fish. The smallmouth bass have been very hungry on Sawbill Lake, located just north of Tofte. These fish are coming in on worms, and a few anglers have reported some exciting fights.
www.VisitCookCounty.comDuluth/Grand Marais - Lake Superior
Between May 24 and May 27, flows in the lower shore rivers were found to be back at normal levels and running clear. Water temperatures were in the mid-40s in the mornings, and at 51-55 degrees in the afternoons. Fishing pressure was light and anglers reported lots of success, especially by those fishing for steelhead. Strong winds off the lake made shore fishing for kamloops difficult. Interviewed anglers reported 22 steelhead and 14 kamloops. Along the middle shore, water levels were at normal levels and running clear. Stream temperatures were in the mid- to upper 40s in the mornings, rising to the low 50s by afternoon. Fishing pressure was moderate and interviewed anglers did fairly well, landing 13 steelhead, 5 kamloops, 3 brook trout, and a number of suckers. Along the upper shore, rivers were maintaining strong flows in the larger rivers and moderate water levels in the smaller tributaries. Morning water temperatures were in the mid-40s, rising to the lower 50s by the afternoon. Angling pressure was moderate and anglers reported fair success. Interviewed anglers reported catching 13 steelhead and 6 brook trout. Suckers were also present in many of the larger rivers. Trap totals through May 24 are 1117 kamloops and 127 steelhead.
Grand Rapids
Fishing remains excellent throughout the Grand Rapids area, with exceptional action reported on Lake Winnibigoshish. Fish are hungry now that most have recovered from the late spawn. Most of the eating-sized fish are coming from 8-9 feet of water, with the larger females holding in depths of 4-5 feet. The best approach has been to drag a 1/16-ounce fireball or stand up tipped with a minnow through a windblown gravel area. Shiners seem to produce well, but can be difficult to find. Rainbows are putting plenty in the boat as well. To learn of the many lakes and rivers in the Grand Rapids vicinity, check out the Visit Grand Rapids Lakes & Fishing web page.
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Last weekend, fishing was excellent on the south end of Lake of the Woods, with most anglers finding limits of walleyes in front of both gaps, at Pine Island, Zippel Bay and the Twin Islands in 8-22 feet of water. The majority of fish were taken by anchoring and jigging a frozen shiner; pink, bubble gum, glow and gold were strongest colors. Trophy fish were fairly common. Northern pike action remained strong, with Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay giving up good numbers. Up at the Northwest Angle, limits of walleyes were pulled from 15-30 feet of water. The best method was to jig a minnow slowly. The most effective colors have been orange, chartreuse, and glow hot colors. On the Minnesota side, Soldier's Point, American Point and Brush Island produced the most fish. Most of the fish were relating to the shorelines, with some large fish measuring over 28 inches reported. Spring showers have helped raise water levels in the Rainy River and Four Mile Bay area which was greatly needed following last year's dry conditions. At the time of this report, most walleyes have completed their spawn, and fish are scattering along shorelines and shallow rock reefs not far offshore. 800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
While Memorial Weekend has past, anglers are still waiting for the peak spring walleye bite to begin. As of last weekend, anglers were still catching mostly male walleyes, with the larger female walleyes just starting to turn active in the lakes. Surface water temperatures were in the low to mid 50s in most lakes which is nearing the point where walleye action heats up and the crappies and sunnies move into the shallows to feed. Fishing should continue to improve as the water in the lakes continues to warm. Most of the larger lakes have been producing fish, but these lakes are still about two weeks behind a normal year. Jigs and shiner minnows have been the bait of choice for most walleye anglers, but some anglers have also been catching walleyes on live bait rigs with larger minnows or leeches. The night bite has also been good on nights when the skies are clear. Many anglers have had success when trolling pencil-style minnow baits at night, but anglers can also use a lighted slip bobber with a minnow or leech. Walleyes have been shallow at night, so some anglers may be able to pick up a few right off the end of their docks. Bass anglers had some success on opening weekend, but the water was too cold for any of the fish to start making their beds as they get ready to spawn. Bass will spawn when surface water temperatures reach the low to mid 60s. 800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
Fishing is good on Lake Winnibigoshish! Schools of bait fish are running along the shorelines and the walleyes are following them. Walleye anglers are taking good numbers of fish when working shiners in 4-10 foot depths. Run a 1/8-ounce jig tipped with a shiner until you hit a couple of fish, then slow down and work the area. Glow jigs and parrot jigs are working well, with some blue jigs also being successful. Walleyes are coming from all areas of the lake. Hot spots reported include Duck Pass and Townsight to the Bird Houses on the east side, Sugar Island to Mallard, north shore Farley to the rock pile, and 'The Gap.' This is a great time to be chasing walleyes with kids since they have been easy to find and hungry. The perch bite has also been very good. They are ending their spawn and all sizes are being taken. Again, children are especially loving all of the perch action. Northern pike anglers are reporting lots of success. The trollers are doing well when trolling mid-size crankbaits 4- to 6-inch range. Some larger walleye are also hitting these rigs, and surprising quite a few pike anglers. At the time of this report, water temperatures were in the low to mid 50s in most areas of the lake. This is the time to hit the lake since the next 2-3 weeks should offer incredible fishing.
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
Leech Lake anglers have been challenged by different weather fronts and a gusty southeast wind for much of the past week. Despite the changes in weather, fishing remained good. Walleyes have been coming from depths of 4-10 feet. A stand-up jig with a red hook and shiner or rainbow minnow has been a good choice, and a lindy rig with a red hook has also worked well. On windy days, pulling a sea anchor was the best way to fish. On calm days, anglers also had success when slowly trolling. Although walleyes have been active nearly all day, some early evening fishing has been fast and furious, especially around Pine Point. Pine Point offers a good drifting wind which worked well this past week, with all sizes of walleyes being taken. The west shoreline, starting at Joe's Landing, Star Point and the Hardwoods, has also produced some good walleye catches and some nice jumbo perch. Other spots where anglers are having success are Grassy Point, Stoney Point and Ottertail Point. In addition to walleyes, Leech Lake is well-known for its largemouth and smallmouth bass population, and the bass season is now open. Leech Lake surface water temperatures have been warming up into the upper 40s in Walker Bay and the middle 50s in big lake. Anglers need to use extra caution while water temperatures remain cool. 800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comPark Rapids
Fishing in the Park Rapids area has been good for several species. Late last week, crappie anglers were experiencing a great bite, with fish positioned in water less than 6 feet deep. The shallow backwater bays were best for numbers, especially where the lake bottom was dark and fertile. A jig and crappie minnow or a small jig and plastic tail were perfect for both crappies and bluegills. Northern pike have finished spawning and should be actively feeding once again. Anglers have had the most success in depths of less than 10 feet. Walleye activity had been better than expected with the late spring. Fish were most active during morning and evening hours. Shiners and fatheads on fireball jigs were the best bet, especially when worked in 6-8 feet of water against the pencil reeds. 800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
Water temperatures on most Detroit Lakes area lakes remain in the low 50s. Warmer days and nights with the extended daylight hours should begin to warm the water quickly. The bass opener was a huge success for bass anglers since these fish remained very shallow water, guarding their nests. Crappies have also moved to their spawning sites in the shallow waters. For the most fish, work the warm water weed areas in 4-8 feet of water. Most crappies can be found suspended roughly halfway down. Crappie anglers are having the most success using small jigs or hooks tipped with crappie minnows under bobbers; small jigs with twister tails are also working well. Walleyes remain shallow on most area lakes, with anglers pulling fish from 8-14 feet of water at the edges of the large flats. Most fish are still relating to the shoreline breaks. Successful techniques include jig and minnow combinations, rigs tipped with minnows, leeches or crawlers, and slip bobbers with leeches. Northern pike are very active in the shallows. The muskie are just completing their spawn which should be perfect timing for this Saturday's Muskie Opener! Please note that multiple days of rain last week have brought water levels back up and all accesses are now in great shape. 800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Glenwood -Lake Minnewaska
As of late last week, walleyes were being pulled from Lake Emily by anglers using shad raps in the shallows. Reno and Pelican lakes gave up walleyes to anglers using fatheads and shiners. Lake Minnewaska walleyes were becoming more active, hitting fatheads and shiners around the points and bars in 10-14 feet of water. Crappies and sunnies remained the best bet on Minnewaska, especially at the Starbuck Marina and Fish Hatchery Bay where limits of good-sized fish were common. 320/634-3636
Pine River
Anglers have been finding good numbers of walleyes in the shallow waters during low light hours, with fish also being taken from 10-15 foot depths during the day. The cold water temperatures have made slow presentations and smaller baits essential to success. Don't be afraid to use something as small as a crappie jig tipped with a minnow for the walleyes. Northern pike have been more active, cruising the 12-15 foot weedlines. Bass should be schooled in the shallow bays and inlets. For the most fish, try a small spinnerbait and plastic presentation. Crappie action has picked up, and fish should remain schooled in the shallows. 800-728-6926;
www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
Fishing has heated up in the Whitefish Area, despite recent heavy rains. Walleye anglers should bring along at least two of the following baits: minnows, crawlers, or leeches. Some rapalas may also be helpful. The best approach has been a jig tipped with a minnow or other live bait. During the day, work the breakline; at night, fish the channels and shallows. Northern pike are hitting live bait, mostly minnows, at the weedlines in 12-15 feet of water. For sunfish, use jigs tipped with fatheads, crappie minnows or waxworms. Slip bobber rigs will also work well in the warm, shallow waters. Bass are responding to spinnerbaits, plastics and live bait.
www.whitefish.orgIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
As of last Friday, the best walleye bite was in the warmest waters of Lake Mille Lacs. Surface water temperatures were hovering around 50-degrees. The most consistent action was taking place on the north end sand in the Vineland and Big Point areas. Minnows and small- to medium-sized leeches will do the trick. Please note that no one may fish for any species or possess fishing gear on the lake from 10:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m. through 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 10. 888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar Lakes Area
Die hard anglers that braved the cold, wind and rain have had really good luck this week. Bass, northern pike, walleyes and panfish have all been reported. The average water temperature in area lakes is 57-58 degrees which is unusually cold for this time of year. The best fishing locations are the shallow, warm waters. Just some of the lakes to check out this weekend include Eagle, Diamond, Florida, Andrew and Nest lakes, and possibly Green Lake. 800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan area
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Walleye anglers continue to pull fish from area lakes. Most of the walleye are coming in on flatheads, shiners and leeches worked in 6-16 feet of water, especially on South Lindstrom, North Center, South Center and Chisago lakes. Crappies are biting on all area lakes with the larger crappies being pulled from South Lindstrom and Chisago lakes. Anglers are taking the majority of fish on crappie minnows, and jigs tipped with waxworms. Anyone looking for some good northern pike action should check out Chisago, North Center and Sun Rise lakes. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comSouthern Minnesota
Red Wing -Mississippi River
Fishing on Pool 4 of the Mississippi River has been fair to good this past week. Walleye anglers are taking fish when trolling at the head of Lake Pepin, as well as at the Bay City Flats. The panfish bite is going well; anglers reports that the crappies are beginning to spawn in the backwaters. Most fish that have been caught have been taken on tube jigs or minnows worked in less than 5 feet of water. Catfishing seems to be improving each week. Channel cats are being caught with regularity on both prepared baits and cut sucker. Flathead catfish are starting to bite and most fish are coming in on live suckers or bullheads. The water level is expected to rise a bit with the recent rainfall; be sure to use caution when running the main channel as there is a small amount of debris in the water. 800-498-3444;
www.redwing.orgLanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of Tuesday, May 28, despite lots of rain over the weekend the South Fork Root River was clear and normal, however it was rising as the afternoon progressed. Duschee Creek and Gribben Creek were fishable. As updates on stream conditions become available they are posted on the Southeast Minnesota Stream Conditions web page. 800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comAlbert Lea
Northern pike have been biting on Pickerel Lake, with limits of fish being common. The best approach is to use an original floating rapala, especially in the clearest water in the lake. Fountain Lake is giving up northern pike, walleyes and bluegill by the city beach. Tube jigs are turning good numbers of fish. Anglers should check in with a local bait shop before launching their boats since the recent heavy rainfall could change how the fish are currently behaving. 800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
Good numbers of various species continue to be taken. Walleye are being pulled from 5-12 feet of water on Hall and Budd lakes, with most of the fish coming in on live bait rigs and crankbaits. Panfish are hitting fast and furious. The most recent reports indicate that the crappies have been most active in 3-8 foot depths on most area lakes, including Hall, Budd, Sisseton and George lakes. The best approach has been a small jig tipped with a minnow. Bluegill anglers are finding the majority of fish on Budd and George lakes; the best approach has been a tiny jig tipped with a waxworm or leech worked in 3-8 feet of water. Perch have been the most active on Iowa and North Silver lakes, with minnows on a float working best. 800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville - Big Stone Lake
Mother Nature was uncooperative over the Memorial Day Weekend, but many anglers still opted to put on rain gear and try their luck anyway. Those that did were well rewarded. The walleye bite on the south end of Big Stone Lake had really turned on. Crankbaits and spinners resulted in limits in very little time. While there were reports of some smaller 13- to 14-inch walleye, many keeper-sized 17- to 19-inch fish were also taken. A few anglers even took trophy-sized walleyes. The best approach was to troll a #5 shad rap through 6-8 foot depths. Spinner action is starting to pick up as well. Late afternoon and evening hours have been the most productive. While walleye have been the most active, white bass, northern pike and perch are being reported as well. 800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
