Explore Minnesota Fishing Report July 25, 2013

[mudbrook]

Explore Minnesota Fishing Report  July 25, 2013 
 

The walleye bite remains good throughout much of the state, far better than what is typical of mid-July. The weekend forecast calls for continued mild temperatures and sunny days making a trip out on the water even more enjoyable! Please remember that the current warm water temperatures make it imperative to play and release fish quickly.

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

Rainy Lake walleye have moved to the mid-lake structure. Jigging with a leech or crawler in roughly 30 feet of water on the edges of the submerged humps is the best bet. Some of the best fishing has been east of the Brule Narrows, but walleye are being caught closer to the Island View area and in Sand Bay as well. Crappie fishing has been best in the west end of Black Bay. Smallmouth bass remain active along the rocky south shore of the lake and along the island shorelines. Most insect hatches have ended and the fish are turning more aggressive. Rainy River fishing has been best below the dam and for the stretch of river to the Falls Country Club downstream. The walleye are hanging near the rocky structure and deeper holes which are both abundant in this three- or four-mile stretch of river. Shiner minnows are working best in the river; due to the current, it's best to try a spinner rig pulled slowly against the current. Sometimes just drifting downstream works well too. Smallmouth bass have been active in the river, especially in weedy areas in depths of 6-12 feet of water which are often found on the longer, slower bends in the river. Again, bass like some structure, so look for rocky shorelines as well. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Anglers fishing Kabetogama and Namakan lakes have had to switch depths and strategies for all species this week. Some walleye can still be found shallow when using either light jigs tossed and retrieved or a slip sinker rig with leech or crawler. Most walleye, however, have moved to depths of 18-25 feet where slip sinker rigs with crawlers and leeches are working best; a spinner on the snell often times triggers more fish. Anglers preferring a jig and minnow approach are finding perch, sauger and walleye in roughly 35 feet of water. Northern pike are hitting surface and semi-surface plugs near the weed edges; a fast retrieve is triggering fish, and trolled husky jerks or similar crankbaits along shorelines and weed edges are also working well. Expect to be busy. Smallmouth bass are active along the gravel shorelines and rock piles, responding best to crayfish lures. For walleyes, work mid-Kabetogama, such as the Martin Islands, Chase Island, and Cuculus on down to Green Island. Walleyes and northern pike have been active at the shallow bays such as Lost, Blind Ash and Nebraska bays. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely

Walleye fishing has slowed somewhat due to the mayfly hatch and the emergence of young of the year baitfish that are keeping fish full. Smallmouth bass, bluegills and perch, however, remain quite active roughly 8-15 feet down on the Lake Vermilion rock piles. Slip bobbers with half a crawler are catching the most fish. Musky fishing remains steady, with topwaters and bucktails producing fish. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage

The cool, clear waters and cool, clear nights are a great combination for some great fishing action! Areas with reads, weed beds and rocky shorelines are holding lots of northern pike and smallmouth bass. All types of lures are putting these fish in the net, especially when worked in the shallow bays and along the shorelines. Walleye anglers are pulling fish from 6-19 feet of water when bobber fishing. Also try trolling smaller crankbaits along the shorelines and where the weedlines drop off, with some 2- to 4-pounders recently pulled from Hungry Jack Lake and Poplar Lakes in the mid Gunflint Trail area. Elbow Lake, located just out of Grand Marais and a bit off the Gunflint Trail, is producing walleyes during evening hours; the most productive methods have been minnows under bobbers and casting. www.VisitCookCounty.com

Grand Rapids

Walleyes can be found deep on the reefs and humps in 18-25 feet of water. Water temperatures are approximately 75- to 77-degrees. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are coming from the deep weedlines. Check the areas with rock structure associated with weeds for the most smallmouth bass and keeper-size walleyes. Jigs tipped with a leech or nightcrawler will put fish in the boat. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Fishing remains very good on Lake of the Woods. Good numbers of walleye and sauger are being caught over the deep and shallow reefs, as well as over the deep mud. On calm days, anchor over 30-33 feet of water and work a 3/8-ounce jig and frozen shiner for the most fish. Pink, gold, and bubble gum have been the most effective colors. On windy days, drift spinners with leeches or crawlers. Both Big Traverse and Little Traverse are producing good numbers and trophy-size fish. Limits are being taken by anglers drifting in areas north of Garden Island, at the rock piles and shorelines in 8-13 feet of water north of Zippel Bay, and in depths of 20-25 feet west of Zippel Bay. Hammered gold, bronze, pink and chartreuse are the preferred colors. Rainy River water levels have been high with strong currents. Walleye can be found around the rocky structure and in the holes when using a jig and minnow combination. Smallmouth bass are active at the mouths of the rivers and along the shorelines with boulders. At the Northwest Angle, the mayflies have hatched but have not slowed the fishing. For the most fish, try jigging in 28-32 feet of water over rocky reefs, or try drifting with spinners near Four Blocks, Starren Shoals, and Little Oak Island. Muskie and northern pike remain very active during low light hours. Bass fishing remains strong, with fish relating to the bays and transition areas. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com, www.warroad.org

Bemidji

The surface water temperatures in area lakes dropped a bit this past week, with a much cooler weather pattern taking hold. There is a slight green tint starting to develop on area waters, but most lakes are still very clear for this time of year. Lake Winnibigoshish has been a hot spot, especially on the bars and humps; anglers are having to figure out which humps hold the slot fish and which humps hold the keeper-sized fish. Walleye action has slowed on Bemidji and Cass lakes recently, with the best fishing taking place during mornings and evening hours, and on the days with some wind or cloud cover. Most of the clear water lakes should have a decent night walleye bite this week due to the July 22nd full moon. Nighttime anglers should try trolling shallow-diving minnow baits or crankbaits along the clean bottomed shorelines or on the shallower mid-lake bars and humps with longer stretches of good trolling water. Also try a few casts from the docks using a floating minnow bait, or just toss out a lighted slip-bobber with a leech set a couple of feet under the bobber. 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com

Bena -Lake Winnibigoshish

Walleye fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish continues to be strong, especially for those willing to change their traditional tactics a bit. Walleye anglers report a good spinner bite in the deeper weed beds in 8-12 feet of water; tip the spinners with crawlers or leeches, move at speeds up to 2 mph. A few walleyes are coming from the where the bars drop down to 30 feet deep. The humps are giving up some walleyes to anglers using spinner rigs. The perch bite is extremely good at this time, especially at the humps and bar drops. Nice perch in the 10-inch range, and often up to 12-inches are coming in on jigs tipped with minnows. Sunfish action has been amazing at the deeper weed edges in 8-12 feet of water. While early and late in the day are best, sunnies will throughout the day. Use smaller jigs tipped with a small leech or piece of crawler under a bobber for the most fish. Crappie fishing is good along the coontail beds during evening hours and up until dark. Smaller jigs with twister tails are the way to go. Northern pike have been hard to keep off the hook, especially when trolling large crankbaits outside of the weed edges, with an occasional 5- or 6-pound fish being taken. Bass action has been great in the Sugar Lake area, at Tamarac Bay and in Cutfoot Sioux. For the most action, use light Texas-rigged worms in the thickest weeds inside of northern pike territory. Jig worms will work just outside of the weed edges, but expect a few pike as well. www.lakewinnie.net

Walker - Leech Lake

Fishing on Leech Lake has been best on the deeper sand flats and at the edges of the weed beds. Anglers covering lots of water using bottom bouncers with crawlers or leeches are taking fish. Another productive method has been trolling with shad raps from early in the evening to after dark. The Goose Island Flats on to The Meadows and The Snake Pit Flats are great sandy flat areas to check out. Trolling bottom bouncers or crankbaits along the rock piles on the east side of the big lake has also produced some walleyes. The humps in Walker Bay are starting to give up some walleye during midday hours. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Hackensack

The much needed cool down this week has greatly improved fishing. Many area lakes are giving up walleyes to anglers using crawlers on slow death hooks at the deeper humps. Slip bobbers and leeches in and on the edge of the taller cabbage weeds have been working well. Some walleye anglers are even having success sight fishing on the clearer area lakes; stand on the bow as you slowly move through the cabbage beds and pitch jigs out in front of the schools. The bass action is great in the shady areas along the shorelines and deep weed edges. Low hanging trees and heavy beds of lily pads have been holding the most fish. Weedless worms and scum frogs will work best, but anything weedless will get the job done. For a change of pace, drop off the deep weed lines with some weighted plastics. The crappie bite has been good at dusk the last few weeks, especially when using crappie minnows and plastics. Gradually move shallower as it gets later. The recent cool down also rejuvenated the muskies. Just about every type of lure seemed to be working, but smaller and slower baits seemed to be the most productive. 800-279-6932; www.hackensackchamber.com

Detroit Lakes

Walleyes are scattered, coming from the top of the weeds, from the 15-20 foot edges, and from the deep waters at mid-lake structure. Spinner rigs and live bait rigs with leeches & crawlers are producing the majority of fish. Panfish are active in the weed beds. Some muskie anglers are having success on Big Detroit, Sallie and Pelican lakes. Most of these anglers are casting baits, with very few trolling plugs. There have also been reports of nice rainbow trout pulled from Bad Medicine Lake by anglers trolling spinners over suspended fish. Please remember that due to warm summer water and air temperatures, catch and release fish will need to be returned to the water as quickly as possible. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central 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

Walleyes can be found by using a spinner tipped with a crawler or shiner. Leeches on lindy rigs, and jig and minnow combinations are also working well, especially early in the morning and at dusk. Start in 18 feet of water. Northern pike anglers are taking fish on jigs or bobber rigs with large minnows worked on the outside edge of the weedlines. Smaller pike are practically jumping in the boat! Bass are responding well to plastics and spinnerbaits worked at the weedlines in roughly 18 feet of water. For panfish, use crappie minnows or fatheads at the weeds in 10-15 feet of water. www.whitefish.org

Pine 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.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

The fish continue to bite on Lake Mille Lacs, and fishing is much better than it usually is at the end of July. Leeches, crawlers, minnows and hardbaits are all producing fish. Preferred colors are purple, blue and silver. Most walleyes are coming from 27-plus feet of water at the mud and gravel areas. Some of the better locations include the 4-Mile Gravel, Sloppy Joes, Greg's Flat and Seguchie Flat. A few perch are also being taken. Please note that the current warm water temperatures make it imperative to play and release fish quickly. 888 -350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar Lakes Area

Walleyes are still being pulled from 25-30 feet of water on Green Lake, with some fish found even deeper. Anglers continue to have success using leeches and crawlers. Panfish anglers are having success on Diamond, Eagle, Andrew, Florida and Nest lakes. The best depth for panfish, bass and northern pike has been 6-12 feet. This weekend will be a bit cooler, and fish are expected to move a bit shallower. Fishing should also improve. 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan area
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area

Walleye anglers are taking fish using leeches and minnows during lowlight hours. The best location is at the weeds on North Center, Chisago, and South Lindstrom lakes. Panfish are hitting small leeches worked in depths of roughly 7 water. Crappies can be found suspended in 20-30 foot depths. And bass anglers are pulling fish from all area lakes; for the most action, check under docks and in the rocks in 15 feet of water. 651/257-1177; www.chisagolakeschamber.com

White Bear Area Lakes

Sunfish are very active on both White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes. Anglers are having the most success using waxworms, leeches and nightcrawlers in 5-15 feet of water. Crappies are also being pulled from Bald Eagle, with most of the fish coming in on crappie minnows worked in 12-18 foot depths. Bass and northern pike are active on the deep edges of the weedlines on White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes; use crankbaits and live bait for the most fish. Walleyes have been hitting fathead minnows and leeches during evening and early morning hours on Bald Eagle Lake. On White Bear Lake, use the same presentations after dark. Muskies are just starting to hit on White Bear Lake, but mostly at night. They have been very active during the day on Bald Eagle Lake. For the most fish, use blade baits on the humps and long points. 651/653-5122; www.ExploreWhiteBear.org

Waconia/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.org

Southern Minnesota
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams

As of Thursday, July 25, water conditions for Gribben Creek, the South Fork Root River at Million Dollar Bridge, Wisel Creek and Camp Creek were mostly clear and normal. Forestville Creek and the South Branch Root River at Forestville State Park was considered clear and low. And off and normal were reported for Duschee Creek and the South Branch Root River at Lanesboro. The morning of July 23, brown drake spinners were seen clinging to the walls of the gas station. On July 22, tricos were coming off of the South Branch Root River. A flying ant "hatch" was seen on East Beaver Creek the previous day. And there was a report of large golden stoneflies at Forestville State Park. It's streamer stripping and terrestrial time. As updates on stream conditions become available they will be posted on the Southeast Minnesota Stream Conditions web page. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Fairmont Area Lakes

Bluegills are active in 3-6 feet of water on Hall, Budd and Sisseton lakes, with anglers taking fish from shore using flu flus and worms. Crappies are being pulled from depths of 9-15 feet on Hall and Budd lakes by anglers using minnows. Catfish are coming from the shorelines of Hall, Sisseton and George. Bass anglers are doing well on Hall and George lakes around the structure. For walleye, head out during evening hours. 800-657-3280; www.fairmontcvb.com

Ortonville -Big Stone Lake

As of late last week, Big Stone Lake anglers had turned their attention to perch. Lots of anglers were out trying to fill their live wells with the quality and quantity of perch that were seen this time last year. The traditional perch spots were being worked over, including Windmill Reef, the Grape Vine, Bay View Points, Mallard Pointe, Rustling Elms Bay and Goose Isle. Reports were mixed, with some anglers doing well, and others only finding smaller fish. The bait of choice varied. Anglers still seeking walleyes had the most success when the wind blew, and taking the most fish when casting #5 shad raps into the wind whipped points. One angler cast around the GrapeVine for just over an hour, catching and releasing six walleyes, one measuring 24-inches. Be sure to check the weeds, especially when the wind starts blowing. 800-568-5722; www.bigstonelake.com