September 30, 2011 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report Anglers will get to enjoy great fishing, beautiful weather and stunning fall colors this weekend - this is a great time for a combination fishing and sightseeing vacation! Fall fishing patterns are now the norm, with jig and minnow combinations producing the most fish.
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
While fall fishing is generally good, anglers are reporting some very aggressive walleye. Active spots have been in Sand Bay, around the American Narrows, and on the reefs heading east to the Brule Narrows. Jigging with large minnows is working best. Smallmouth bass are also hitting fairly hard, with most coming from along the rocky shorelines on the south side of the lake. For crappies, hit Black Bay. Grouse hunting is expected to really heat up once the leaves begin to fall. And birdwatchers will enjoy the many species of birds that can be seen preparing to head south. 1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
Angler numbers are below normal, likely due to the current fire, and campfire restrictions in the Boundary Waters. Those that have ventured out, however, are having some difficulty finding good numbers of walleye. Fish are scattered over different depths, and have not yet schooled. This should occur over the next few weeks as water temperatures continue to fall. Current lake temperatures are in the upper 50s. Anglers that are having success are using crawler harnesses and minnow rigs as these allow more area to be covered quickly. Crappie fishing has improved, and should continue to do so in the upcoming weeks. Small tube jigs and minnows have been working best. Northern pike are responding to suckers fished along the weed edges and shoreline points, with large crankbaits slowly-trolled along the drop-offs also working well. 1-800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
1-800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Large lake trout are biting on Saganaga at the end of the Gunflint Trail, with keepers found suspended in 35-65 foot depths. Trolling with spoons is working well for these delectable and colorful beauties. Rainbow trout are hitting nightcrawlers worked in 25 feet of water in Trout Lake, just north of Grand Marais. Anglers using crawlers on harnesses are taking nice-sized walleye from the reefs in 20 feet of water on Homer and Devil's Track lakes. Northern pike are being pulled from Lake McFarland near Hovland on jig and harness set-ups. Large bass are being hooked on Cascade and Caribou lakes located just north of Lutsen. On Lake Superior, the trout continue to run deep, with good numbers coming from 120 feet of water. Pink salmon have moved into the Temperance and Cascade rivers, and a chinook has been spotted in the Temperance River as well. Anglers are looking forward to the beautiful, warm fall days forecasted for this weekend, and anxious to take advantage of the amazing fall fishing action!
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Fishing has been tough due to windy and cold conditions on Lake of the Woods. This weekend, however, should be nice and fishing should improve. For the most fish, try trolling crankbaits outside the Lighthouse Gap, at Graceton Beach, and in 25-28 feet of water at Long Point. Some fish are also being taken by anglers jigging shiner minnows in these areas. As the temperatures get colder, the walleye will move toward shore, and eventually moving into the Rainy River. There are signs of the shiners now running in the river; once the water temperature cools another 10-degrees or so, the walleye will follow the shiners and action will really heat up! 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Walleye are biting on most of the larger lakes, with Bemidji, Cass, Upper Red and Winnibigoshish giving up good numbers. Most anglers have switched to jigs and minnows, but anglers can still catch walleye on live bait rigs tipped with night crawlers, leeches (if you can find them), and larger minnows. Walleye have been moving off the sides of structure in most of the deeper lakes and along the shoreline breaks in the shallow lakes. Muskie anglers have been having some success casting larger jerkbaits, crankbaits and large plastics. Trolling becomes a larger factor as lakes continue to cool. Anglers can catch some of the largest pike this time of year as the tulibees begin to move into the shallows to spawn. Bass fishing is often great in the fall as most bass move out of the heavy, shallow cover to the outside edge of the weeds, gathering into larger schools. Perch are moving to the edges of the flats in areas with chara or rocks on the bottom in search of crayfish and minnows. Crappie anglers are finding crappies moving into deeper waters, especially with deep rocks or wood cribs. Anglers are having the most success using jigs and minnows on light tackle. Sunfish are holding at the remaining green weeds as long as they can before moving to mid-depth mud flats to hunt for insects and zooplankton. The fall colors should reach their peak sometime next week, with gorgeous fall color already progressing through the tree canopy and understory. Now is a great time for a combination hunting, fishing and sightseeing vacation in the area. 1-800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comWalker - Leech Lake
1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comPark Rapids
1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
Anglers will get to enjoy great fishing, beautiful weather and stunning fall colors this weekend! The unseasonably warm weather has kept the water temperatures in the 60's. Walleye are scattered from deep to shallow. The Cormorant Lake tournament last weekend produced some tremendous catches! Most fish were caught in 25-45 feet of water. A couple of shallow water patterns were reported on a couple of other lakes, with reports of fish coming from the sharp breaks in depths of 17-22 feet. While it may take a bit more time, the fish are biting. Jigs and rigs tipped with minnows are producing the most fish, although some anglers continue to take fish on crawler rigs. Bass and northern pike have been feeding aggressively in the shallow water. Big Detroit, Pelican, Sallie, Beers and Battle lakes are all producing good numbers of muskie. Large sunfish are being pulled from the deep weed edges at the sharp breaks out to the deep water. Small jigs tipped with live bait are working well. There will be at least another week or two before turnover. This is great time to hit the water! 1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Walleye can be found in 20-30 feet of water on Otter Tail Lake during the day, with crankbaits in 5-10 feet of water producing fish at night. For the most fish, use a crawler and spinner, or a redtail on a jig or lindy rig. Crappies and sunnies have been active in 5-10 feet of water in most of the surrounding lakes. Perch have been active in depths of 10-16 feet, with many 10- to 12-inch fish being taken. 1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comAitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
Crappies and sunnies are becoming more active at the weedbeds and under the bridges on Minnewawa and Big Sandy lakes. On Aitkin Lake, look for sunfish and northern pike on the 10-12 foot weedlines. Walleye reports have been limited. On the north end of Lake Mille Lacs, walleye action has been good for anglers after dark, especially for those bobber fishing with leeches, shad raps and minnow baits after dark. While the shallow rocks are typically best this time of year, the flats are still giving up decent numbers of fish. The rocks continue to produce quite a few fish as well during evening hours. Small crankbaits are working well during the day in depths of 26-28 feet. The launches are averaging 40-50 walleye per trip for each night run. 1-800-526-8342;
www.aitkin.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
On the southeast side of Lake Mille Lacs, the fall bite has taken off. Anglers are taking the most walleye at dark when using a crankbait in the shallows. Jumbo perch are scattered in the bays, schooling in the near future. The muskie should soon be feeding near the rocks. The fishing and the fall colors are spectacular! As of late last week, fish were scattered in 6-36 feet of water on the southwest corner of the lake. Most fish, however, were coming from depths of 28-32 feet. The fish seem to prefer a little larger baits recently, such as a minnow rapala and #7 shad. Anglers using a leech under a slip bobber have been doing a bit better. There has also been a decent reef bite during evening hours in depths of shallow as 6 feet at 3-Mile, the Graveyard, Sherman's Point and at the break south of Barnacle's. A few large perch have been pulled from the usual fall spots, including Vineland, Wahkon and Isle in 4-7 feet of water. For the most fish, use minnows, but bring along some small leeches as back-up. Surface water temperatures have dipped into the 50s. 1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
Anglers are taking good numbers of nice-size walleye from Green, Big Kandiyohi and Eagle lakes. Solomon Lake action has picked up again, with a nice mix of large perch, crappies and walleye being taken. Panfish and walleye have been very active on Florida, Nest and Andrew lakes. Willmar and Foot lakes offer some great fishing in the culverts, with large sunnies and crappies taken during the day, and a few walleye coming in at night! The weather should remain beautiful through this weekend - perfect for fishing! 1-800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
This is generally the best time of the season to catch bass. Anglers report excellent numbers coming from the rocks on Chisago Lake in 8-12 feet of water. Walleye fishing is picking up in the channel between Big and Little Green lakes, with anglers taking fish when using fatheads or shiners. And northern pike and crappie action has been best when using sucker minnows on Sunrise Lake. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Area Lakes
Anglers report very active fish on both White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes. Lots of walleye have been taken by anglers using leeches and fathead minnows. Northern pike and muskie anglers are doing very well using fast-moving lures and spoon-style plugs. The panfish bite has slowed a bit this past week, but anglers are still taking some fish from the weedlines on waxworms, nightcrawlers and crappie minnows. Bass remain active, with good numbers taken on plastic worms and jigs. For the most fish, hit the weedlines, the backside of the weed edges near shore, and around the sand or gravel on the backside of the weeds. 651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
1-877-525-3248;
www.lakecitymn.orgLanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of Thursday, September 29, there was just one more day of the 2011 Trout Season. There had been numerous reports of very nice trout coming from area streams and rivers, with a number of large 20- to 25-inch browns recently taken. Trout Run was somewhat cloudy on Tuesday and a little high. Blue-winged olives had been seen on Trout Run, Pine Creek, and Gribben. 1-800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comRochester -Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
Area rivers remain above the magic 50-degree temperature when the fish really turn active. Fall temperatures are key to a good bite. The muskie bite should be heating up in the near future. At present, continue to use slow falling plastic baits along the rocky shorelines and in the deeper pools. Large sucker minnows can also be very attractive to the muskie this time of year. Choose your outings carefully as windy days will bring down leaves, sometimes making it difficult to cast around them. However, once the leaves have fallen the banks reveal their own beauty with the rock outcroppings showing through - some are truly amazing when you realize how long they have endured. 1-800-634-8277;
www.rochestercvb.orgFaribault Area Lakes
1-800-658-2354;
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
1-800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
1-800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville - Big Stone Lake
Perch fishing has rebounded and anglers continue to take limits with relative ease on Big Stone Lake. Anglers are having success using a variety of bait, including spikes, crawlers and minnows, with minnows likely working best. Some anglers prefer a plain hook with a split shot about a foot above the hook, and others are using ice fishing lures and bobbers. Good numbers of perch are coming from the Grape Vine, Bay View, Buck's Point, Windmill Reef, Shady Beach, SoDak Shores, and various other locations. The water temperature dropped to 58-degrees last weekend. Few walleye have been seen recently, but most anglers are pursuing perch until the walleye action heats up again. Balmy, pleasant fall days are expected this weekend, providing a great opportunity to head out and set the hook. 1-800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
