Explore Minnesota Fishing Report Thursday, August 21
In general, muskie anglers are having success during low-light hours.
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Northeastern Minnesota
International Falls
On Rainy Lake, leeches and crawlers are triggering walleyes in 30-40 feet of water near Blueberry Island and the American Narrows. Depths of 30-32 feet at Sand Bay have also been good for walleyes. The golf course area of the Rainy River is producing walleyes during evening hours. Smallmouth bass remain the most active on the Canadian side. Crappies are being pulled from the Red Root River area of Black Bay.
Grand Rapids
Walleye action has been consistent when using rapalas and salmos in 8 feet of water on lakes Pokegama, Deer, Sugar, and Trout at night. The best day bite is taking place when using leeches in depths of 17 feet on Trout Lake. The 12- to 18-foot weedlines of Pokegama, Wabana, and Spider lakes are producing crappies during evening hours. Bluegills are active on Bass and Grave lakes, as well as on the Mississippi River. Bass remain active on most area lakes.
Kabetogama
On Lake Kabetogama, anglers are taking walleyes during the day, with the bite reaching its peak during evening hours on the 20- to 30-foot reefs and weed edges. Stickbaits tossed along the deep weed edges are triggering northern pike during morning and evening hours. Smallmouth bass have moved to the deeper structure, and numbers of fish continue to be taken on crankbaits and minnows.
Tower
On Lake Vermilion, muskie action remains very good at the weedlines, rock reefs, and points. During the day, use large bucktails, with topwater lures working best during low-light hours. Lindy rigs and crawlers are producing walleyes in 17-22 feet of water. The evening walleye bite has been good on the rock reefs when using slip bobbers and leeches. Senkos are producing smallmouth bass in the shady areas, as well as at the vertical structure.
Grand Marais
Walleye action has been best at night in 8-20 feet of water on Devil’s Track Lake, in depths of 8 feet on Elbow Lake, and in 35 feet of water on Saganaga and Seagull lakes. For northern pike, try trolling spoons on Northern Lights and Elbow lakes. Smallmouth bass remain active on all area lakes. Crawlers are producing brook trout on Carrot Lake. Coho salmon are being taken by downrigging over depths of 150 feet on Lake Superior.
Duluth
Boulder Lake is kicking out walleyes in 10-12 feet of water on chubs and leeches. Walleye anglers are also taking fish using crawlers in depths of 12 feet on Fish Lake. Crappies and bluegills are coming from 14 foot depths on Fish Lake. For northern pike, work sucker minnows in 6 feet of water on Rice and Fish lakes. On Lake Superior, walleyes are coming in on crankbaits and spoons trolled through 20 feet of water on the south shore. King and coho salmon are being taken 35-40 feet down on Lake Superior, and lake trout are active near the bottom in depths of 70 feet.
Northcentral/West Minnesota
Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, walleyes are hitting crankbaits, as well as jig and minnow combinations, in 28-33 feet of water along the south shore. Downrigging has started to produce walleyes out on the deep structure. The current has slowed on the Rainy River and the sturgeon bite has been excellent. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, the majority of walleyes are coming in on a jig and minnow worked in 25-30 feet of water.
Blackduck
Blackduck Lake continues to produce lots of smaller walleyes, with the larger fish coming from Gull Lake during evening hours on crankbaits. The 10- to 14-foot weeds on Gull Lake are giving up lots of panfish. The deep weedlines on Rabideau and Gilstead lakes are holding bluegills and a few crappies.
Bemidji
Walleyes are being taken using leeches and crawlers in 7-11 feet of water off Diamond Bar on Lake Bemidji during evening hours. The 8- to 12-foot cabbage areas of Turtle and Plantagenet lakes are also producing walleyes. The best panfish action has been in 12-16 feet of water on Sucker, Alice, and Pimushe lakes. Muskies are starting to hit bucktails and topwater lures during low-light hours on Bemidji and Plantagenet lakes.
Cass Lake
Walleyes continue to hit jig and minnow combinations at the 7- to 12-foot weed flats. A few fish are coming off the deep sides of the bars in 20-25 feet of water on crawlers and spinners. At night, troll crankbaits through depths of 8-12 feet on the bars. Sunfish and crappies are coming from 12-16 feet of water at the Allen’s Bay reeds. Muskie anglers are having success using bucktails and topwater lures at the weedlines early and late in the day.
Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, the larger northern pike have started hitting spoons and minnows along the shoreline breaks and weedlines. Look for perch on the rocks and points in 12-15 feet of water. A jig and minnow continues to work well for walleyes at the 6- to 8-foot weeds. Work Moxies Hole, Sugar and Snaghole bars using live-bait rigs in depths of 18-25 feet for a few walleyes.
Walker
On Leech Lake, crankbaits are triggering walleyes during evening hours from Pine Point to the Grandview Flats in 10-12 feet of water. Spinners and crawlers are working well in depths of 14-16 feet just north of Goose Island, at Stony Point, and at the main-lake reefs. Muskies are chasing small bucktails on the weedlines of Sucker and Portage bays. The pencil reeds in Walker Narrows are giving up lots of bluegills. The rice beds in Boy and Steamboat bays have been good for bass.
Hackensack
Jig and minnow combinations, and live-bait rigs tipped with crawlers, are turning walleyes on Woman Lake in 25 feet of water and at the 15- to 18-foot weed edges. Crappies are hitting white Beetle Spins and minnows on Ten Mile and Pleasant lakes. Muskie action is improving on Baby and Little Boy lakes. Largemouth and smallmouth bass seem to be active on all area lakes.
Park Rapids
Spinners and crawlers are triggering a few walleyes on Long Lake in 28-30 feet of water. Work the weedbeds of Fifth Crow Wing Lake using minnows for northern pike. Island Lake is kicking out bluegills in depths of 12-14 feet. Topwater lures are producing muskies on Big Mantrap Lake. The bass bite remains strong on all area lakes.
Detroit Lakes
Leeches, crawlers, and minnows are producing walleyes from the weedlines out to 20 feet of water on Sallie, Big Detroit, Melissa, Pelican, and Cormorant lakes. Muskies are hitting Cowgirls at the humps and weedlines of Big Detroit Lake. Bluegills are being taken from the deep cabbage on Floyd, Island, Severson, Sour, and Big Detroit lakes. Crappies can be found suspended over depths of 20 feet on Melissa, Big Detroit, and Pelican lakes.
Battle Lake
Sucker minnows are producing walleyes on Otter Tail Lake in 18-24 feet of water. Some evening walleye action is being reported on West Battle Lake in depths of 24-28 feet. The 12-foot weedlines of West Battle are giving up northern pike and muskies. Panfish are coming from 12-14 feet of water on Dead and Star lakes. Bass action remains strong on all area lakes.
Alexandria
Walleyes are hitting spinner rigs worked in 20-25 feet of water on Lake Miltona during low-light hours. Lakes Mary and Reno are producing fish in depths of 15-20 feet. Panfish remain active at the weedlines of lakes Carlos, Le Homme Dieu, Darling, and Mary. For bass, work crankbaits and plastics at the deep weedlines and bars of most area lakes.
Osakis
On Lake Osakis, bluegill action is slowly improving at the 8- to 12-foot flats and weedlines. For the most fish, use small jigs tipped with red worms or leeches. Northern pike and bass are very active at the deep weedlines, with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and minnows all working well. Walleye activity has slowed this past week.
Sauk Centre
Plastics and minnows are producing crappies on Little Sauk Lake in 6-8 feet of water, and on the north end of Big Sauk Lake in depths of 12 feet. Sunfish have been an easy catch on Fairy Lake in 16 feet of water, in depths of 10-12 feet on Maple Lake, in 17 feet of water on Big Birch Lake, and right in the weeds on Lake Villard. Crawlers are producing a few walleyes on Big Birch Lake in depths of 30-34 feet, and on Sauk Lake in 16-18 foot depths. For northern pike, hit Fairy Lake using minnows in 15-18 feet of water.
Brainerd/Nisswa
Redtails and crawlers are producing walleyes in 16-22 feet of water on Gull and Pelican lakes. Bass and northern pike are hitting live bait and artificial presentations at the deep weedlines on Gull, North Long, and Round lakes. Look for panfish at the 12- to 14-foot weedlines of most lakes and bays.
Crosby
Walleyes are being taken by anglers working the scattered weedbeds in 17-19 feet of water on the northwest end of Serpent Lake. Rapalas are producing walleyes on Pelican Lake in depths of 7 feet after dark. Bass anglers are catching some very large largemouth bass on Horseshoe and Rabbit lakes when using plastics in depths of 8-12 feet. Smallmouth bass are attacking topwater lures on Serpent and Clearwater lakes, as well as on the Mississippi and Pine rivers. Look for bluegills on Little Rabbit and Mahnomen lakes. Lakes Adney and Ross have been good for crappies. The best brook trout action is taking place on Huntington Pit, with the best rainbow trout activity occurring on Manuel Pit.
Crosslake
Walleye action on the Whitefish Chain remains good during low-light hours according to anglers using lindy rigs with redtails, leeches, or crawlers in 20-34 feet of water. The better locations have been Foley’s Bar and Ruttger’s Bar on Whitefish, and the rock pile on Cross Lake. Some anglers are finding suspended walleyes over depths of 80 feet when using crankbaits. Spinnerbaits and minnows are producing northern pike on most of the weedlines. Bass remain active at the weeds, docks, and swimming rafts. Panfish can be found suspended over the 16- to 20-foot points and weedlines.
Isle/Onamia
On Lake Mille Lacs, on the east end of the lake, live bait rigs and crankbaits trolled off the deep flats and rocks have produced a few walleyes during the day. The evening bite has been better, especially in 14 feet of water or less when using slip bobbers and leeches. Muskie action is improving each day, with anglers reporting some good activity during evening hours when using topwater baits. For smallmouth bass, work the docks and boat lifts using tubes. On the west end of the lake, a few walleyes are being taken on crankbaits and spinner rigs during midday hours by anglers willing to cover lots of water. The evening hours have been the most productive. For the most walleyes, try slip bobbers and leeches off the flats in 30-34 feet of water. Also hit the top of the mud in depths of 24-30 feet, and check the mid-depth rocks. Work the rock points and reefs using crankbaits or tubes for smallmouth bass. Muskie anglers report the most action at night. The bays are giving up good-sized northern pike.
St. Cloud/Eden Valley
Look for sunfish in 8-12 feet of water on Rice, Pearl, Horseshoe, and Cedar Island lakes. Rice and Cedar Island lakes have also have produced crappies in depths of 12 feet. Crawlers are turning a few walleyes on Rice Lake in 12-16 feet of water. On Brown’s Lake, minnows are providing steady northern pike action from the weedlines out to 18 feet of water. Work the deep breaks around the islands of Lake Koronis for lots of smallmouth bass.
Twin Cities vicinity
Elk River/Zimmerman
Work the 8- to 12-foot weedlines on Green and Spectacle lakes for sunfish and crappies. Bass are hitting topwater baits during low-light hours on Blue and Elk lakes. Smallmouth bass and catfish action remains strong on the Mississippi and Rum rivers.
Annandale
Minnows are producing walleyes and northern pike on the deep weedlines of Clearwater Lake. Bass continue to be pulled from the deep and shallow weeds of most lakes. Cowgirls are triggering muskies on Sugar Lake during evening hours. Sunnies and crappies are coming from 10-12 feet of water on Clearwater, Sylvia, and Pleasant lakes.
Prior Lake
Sunfish are active in 12-14 feet of water on Hydes and Pierson lakes. Work the 14- to 18-foot weedlines using sucker minnows and crankbaits on Auburn and Pierson lakes for northern pike. Bass are hitting topwater lures on Minnewashta, Steiger, and Bavaria lakes. The Minnesota River continues to produce catfish.
Waconia
On Lake Waconia, sunfish action remains strong in 16-20 feet of water at Red’s Reef, Kegg’s Reef, and just north of the island. The island area is also producing large bass. Muskies are hitting bucktails during low-light hours on the reefs. A few walleyes are being taken during evening hours on jig and minnow combinations worked on the reefs.
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, sunfish and bass are being taken from the 6- to 8-foot milfoil pockets and sand areas. For a few muskies, work the points and weed flats using bucktails in 14 feet of water during the evening hours. Northern pike and walleye action has been limited.
Chisago City
Work the 10- to 16-foot weedlines of North Center, Little, Chisago, and South Lindstrom lakes for panfish and bass. Sunrise Lake is giving up northern pike in 12-16 feet of water on sucker minnows and spoons. Walleye reports have been minimal, with an occasional fish being taken at night on crankbaits worked on Chisago or North Center lakes.
White Bear Lake/Northeast Metro vicinity
Crankbaits are producing a few walleyes in 20-30 feet of water on the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers. Small sunfish remain active on most area lakes, with some larger fish coming from the weed edges of White Bear Lake. Muskies are hitting bucktails at the shallow weeds of Bald Eagle, Forest, and White Bear lakes. Northern pike are coming from the shallow and deep weedlines of most lakes. Demontreville and Big Marine lakes are kicking out bass in depths of 10-12 feet.
Southern Minnesota
Faribault
Lake Mazaska is producing northern pike in 10-12 feet of water on spoon plugs and shad raps. Look for sunfish in depths of 8-10 feet on Shields and Mazaska lakes. Crappies can be found suspended over 12-14 feet of water on French and Mazaska lakes. Work the bars and points using crankbaits and jigs on Cedar and French lakes for bass. Small bucktails and topwater lures are triggering muskies at the French Lake shorelines.
Mankato
Limits of crappies are coming from 10-25 feet of water on Madison Lake. Look for bluegills in depths of 10-12 feet on Washington Lake, and in 10-20 feet of water at Lake Francis. Walleyes and northern pike action has been minimal. Bass continue to be pulled from the weedlines of most lakes on plastics.
Fairmont
Bluegills and crappies are coming from 6-10 feet of water on Budd and Sissiton lakes. An evening crappie bite is taking place at the weedlines of Fox Lake, with minnows working best. Catfish continue to hit crawlers on Budd, Sissiton, and Hall lakes throughout the day.
“The information in this report is provided courtesy of Outdoor News, and Explore Minnesota Tourism.”
