Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update, June 26, 2014 Summer fishing patterns have been slow to develop since water temperatures remain relatively low. As patterns begin to take hold, anglers are finding walleyes in several locations. Leeches and crawlers are now producing the majority of fish. Please note that most lakes have high water levels due to near record precipitation so anglers should use caution and watch for debris.
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2014/2015 Fishing Season for most inland waters are as follows: walleyes, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 10; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 24; muskie, June 7. 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 Basics web page for the most current information.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
The ramp at Tilson Bay and the Voyageurs National Park Visitor Center are now accessible and anglers getting out are being rewarded with nice numbers of quality fish. Slowly trolling or jigging with a minnow has been best for walleye, although lures cast towards shore are picking up lots of smallmouth bass and northern pike. Anglers have been concentrating on the area between Black Bay and Cranberry Bay, primarily since the fishing has been so good. Rainy River water levels are still high and it has been difficult to launch a boat, however, water levels are receding. Anglers are expecting good fishing action once the river is accessible since the flood waters washed in all sorts of bait fish from the tributary streams and beaver ponds. 800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
What a memorable June, with crazy weather yet great fishing despite high water levels. Lake Kabetogama is recovering nicely, and anglers aren’t complaining due to the consistent fishing action and mild temperatures. Walleye anglers are having success using a variety of methods. Shallow water fishing has been good for anglers using slip bobbers or slip sinker rigs, minnows with bobbers, and leeches with lindy rigs in 6-12 feet of water. The normal pre-summer pattern of slip sinker rigs with crawlers or leeches slowly trolled over soft lake bottom structure in 18-28 foot depths is heating up rapidly. Smallmouth bass action has been pretty solid; reports of trophy-sized fish should start up shortly once the water warms a bit further. And this weekend, June 28 & 29, check out the Lady Slipper Arts & Crafts Festival in Kabetogama, with an outdoor juried arts & crafts show, numerous food vendors, a 5K Run, and Antique Car Show. 800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comTower -Lake Vermilion
The walleye bite has been excellent on Lake Vermilion! Lots of nice keeper-sized fish, along with a fair amount of mid-range slot fish are being taken. Earlier in the week, the walleyes were found in the same locations as the previous week, particularly, the shallow bays with rock piles, and the rocky shorelines. The fish have been hanging out on top or very close to the rocks in 9-16 feet of water. The bite has usually been best during early morning and evening hours. During the middle of the week, anglers began reporting a good bite at the mid-lake rock reefs, with depths of 20-33 feet being best. Both bait rigs and jigs have been good presentations when tipped with a leech or piece of crawler. The panfish bite has been very good now that the fish are on their beds. Check the rushes for the most bluegills and crappies. 800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comEly
Walleye fishing has been very good, with most anglers taking limits of fish. Lots of keeper-sized fish are being taken by anglers either slowly-trolling spinner rigs, or using jigs at the reef edges. The majority of anglers have switched to crawlers on spinners; when fishing the shallows, a jig and leech combination has been best, especially at the flats in 12 feet of water or less. Quite a few walleyes, some measuring over thirty-inches, have been reported, with many anglers releasing those that are over 22-inches and most likely to produce. Large northern pike, measuring up to 46-inches, have been caught by anglers using live suckers or working spinner baits and spoons at the emerging weed edges and rocky points. Some really nice lake trout are being reported. These fish are responding best to green patterned spoons, and rapalas with glass minnow patterns or blue backs. Sunnies and crappies are still in the shallows, preparing to spawn. It should be only a matter of days before they begin their annual ritual. 800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Saganaga and Seagull lakes, located at the end of the Gunflint Trail, have been treating walleye anglers very well, with fish weighing 7- and 8-pounds being taken. The smallmouth bass bite has been fierce on Sawbill Lake, located at the end of the Sawbill Trail, just out of Tofte. Most of these fish are coming from the shoreline weeds on crawlers worked in 4-10 feet of water. Lake Superior is giving up lots of nice salmon. A nice sized Coho, weighing 4 pounds, was caught just outside of the Grand Marais harbor. A little further down the shoreline, near the Cascade River, a nice sized rainbow trout weighing just shy of 5 pounds, was reeled in. Depths of 120-150 feet, not far off shore, have been best.
www.visitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
Walleyes are still moving around the lakes in search of shiners and other forage. Anglers will want to concentrate on the shoreline structure on windblown sides of the lake that offer emerging weeds, rocks or gravel. Most importantly, pay attention to your GPS and sonar to locate mid lake structure and sharp breakline structure in deep and shallow waters. And don’t just look for fish, look for clouds of bait that look like giant beach balls. Concentrate on breaklines by locating underwater points, flats, humps, bumps and bars. In areas with new weeds, rock or gravel, you will find the habitat and forage that walleyes, perch and northern pike prefer; bass also frequent these areas. 800-335-9740;
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Lake of the Woods is giving up good numbers of slot and trophy-sized walleyes, with limits being common. Anglers jigging in depths of 16-20 feet and 32 feet are having success the most success near Long Point, Zippel Bay, and Graceton Beach during low light hours. During afternoon hours, drift with crawler harnesses. Anglers are also doing well when jigging in depths of 25-30 feet of water at Morris Point and Pine Island. There have been good reports coming from anglers pulling hammered gold spinners with crawlers, leeches or minnows at the sand bars of Little Oak, West Bar, and Bridges. Gold, pink, and orange are the hot colors this week. On the Rainy River, walleyes are hitting brightly colored jigs worked close to shore and off the docks; depths of 15-18 feet have been best. At the Northwest Angle, walleye anglers jigging gold and orange jigs and pulling harnesses through 20-30 feet of water are having lots of success. Northern pike and bass are active at the weed beds and shorelines. Muskie opener was excellent, with lots of large fish taken by anglers casting spoons and spinners over the weed beds. 800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Virtually all of the lakes in the Bemidji area have high water levels due to near record precipitation this month. Surface water temperatures are still in the high 60s in most lakes, with summer fishing patterns slow to develop. Anglers are finding walleyes in several locations. Some of the walleyes are feeding on perch, crayfish and other baitfish in 6-8 feet of water on the edges of the cabbage weeds or on the shallow rocks. Walleyes are also feeding on the sides of both the shoreline and mid-lake structure in 12-18 feet of water, hitting live bait rigs with leeches or inflated night crawlers. Spinner rigs with crawlers and bottom bouncers will work better as the water temperatures rise above 70 degrees. Perch fishing has also been good in the shallow, with anglers having success using smaller jigs and fathead minnows. Anglers will often catch a mixed bag of fish when targeting perch, with walleyes and northern pike using many of the same areas as the schools of perch. The shoreline breaks on Upper Red Lake remain hot for walleyes. Fish are holding on the shoreline structure longer this year due to the high water levels and cooler water temperatures. Most anglers are finding fish in 5-7 feet of water using a variety of presentations. The high water also means there may be debris floating in some lakes, so anglers stay aware, take it easy and wear life jackets when traveling across the lake, just as required during a fishing tournament. 877-250-5959;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
Water temperatures are rising on Cass Lake, and the shiner action is coming to an end. Anglers are now having the most success when using leeches and crawlers. During evening hours, anglers are doing well using shad raps and rapalas. 800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
A summer pattern is developing on Lake Winnibigoshish. As the water warms, the fish feed more often but not as long, with anglers reporting several short bite windows lasting only 15 to 30 minutes. The best bite has moved off shore at the bar and humps. Areas to check out include Bena Bar out to Long Bar, Moses and Snag Hole on the west side of the lake, Moxey's out to the humps on the east side, and areas north and west of Third River bar. The weedlines no longer hold many fish unless it is raining or windy. Perch action is decent in the 12-25 feet of water, with jigs and fathead minnows turning the most fish. Look to Tamarac Bay and the river channel for perch and walleyes, especially in depths of 12-20 feet. Crappies and sunnies are active in Cutfoot and Little Cutfoot Sioux. Other lakes to consider include Portage, Six Mile and Little Ball club.
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
Leech Lake anglers report a summer bite starting to take hold, and lots of fish being taken. The bugs are starting to hatch at the rocks, and walleyes are showing up on the main lake rocks at Mokey Reef, Annex, Sub, and areas around Pelican Island. Fish these areas using a lindy rig or bottom bouncer and crawler or leech in 11-16 feet of water. Also try pulling spinners to cover more territory. Pay attention to where bug hatches are occurring, and look for transition areas where gravel or sand turn to mud. Windblown shoreline breaks on the south end, along with the major points such as Rogers and Diamond, are also producing fish on days when the wind is blowing in the right direction. Lindy rigs, slip bobbers, and trolled crankbaits such as a #5 shad pap are all producing fish. As the water temperatures reach the low 70s, expect the fish on the south end to start migrating to off-shore humps and structure. The walleye bite has also been good in Walker Bay. Shoreline breaks and humps near the shoreline breaks are giving up fish in 12-20 feet of water. Lindy rigs with a leech or crawler have produced the majority of the fish this past week, but pitching a jig and shiner up onto the windblown shoreline is a great back-up plan. 800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comHackensack
Area lakes are giving up lots of walleyes, with the majority of fish coming from Woman, Ten Mile, and Little Boy lakes. Crawlers remain the most productive choice of bait, but leeches are also working well. Depths down to 24 feet have been best; if the clouds roll in or the wind picks up, move into the shallows. Try dragging plain hook rigs at a slow drift, and switch to a spinner rigs if this technique is not productive. Evening and early morning hours have been best. Walker Bay has been the hot spot on Leech Lake all week. Similar techniques are working well, however, depths of 12-18 feet have been best. Bass fishing has been awesome, with fish stacking under the thicker slop. Scum frogs and weedless plastics have been best for these fish, but be sure you are using heavy line which is necessary to work them in the thick weeds and floating vegetation. Lots of hog largemouth bass are being reported, with smallmouth bass very active in slightly deeper waters. Sunnies are very active in the shallows of area panfish lakes, including Leech. For the most fish, pitch light jigs or just bobber fish tight to the weeds. Crappies have been mixed in at the deeper weed cover. Muskie fishing has also been good; keep the bait fairly small and vary the retrieve speed to entice them to bite. Focus on the smaller area lakes for now, and move on to the larger lakes in the next few weeks. 800-279-6932;
www.hackensackchamber.comDetroit Lakes
Water temperatures continue to hover in the high 60s and low 70s in the Detroit Lakes area. Inconsistent weather and high water levels have made fishing for all species inconsistent and variable. Most walleyes are relating to near shore breaks that extend into the main lake or to the mid-lake humps. For the most fish, look in 13-20 feet of water using live bait rigs tipped with minnows, leeches or crawlers, jigs and minnows, or spinners tipped with leeches or crawlers. Anglers report that some crappies are still spawning/milking, and many of these fish have been taken off the flats in 8-11 feet of water when using jigs tipped with minnows or plastics. Beetle spins have also produced fish. The sunfish are coming from the weeds of most area lakes, with anglers also catching bass in these areas. Northern pike continue to aggressively feed at the outside weed edges. Many muskie have been pulled from both Big Detroit and Pelican lakes. Sallie has been slower, but it continues to produce a few muskie. 800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Country
Despite high water levels and recent heavy rainfall, the walleyes continue to bite! Early this week, water temperatures in area lakes had dropped to roughly 63 degress, cool enough to halt the sunfish spawn! In fact, many sunfish may not even spawn this year. This, and other effects of cool water temperatures, have altered the “normal” late-June patterns. It may be time to try something new. Many fish, including walleyes, northern pike, crappies, sunnies and bass, are stationed between the shoreline and the weedline/first drop areas, with very little deep water fishing taking place; concentrate your efforts on the flats and shallow weed edges. Nightcrawlers have been the best producer, turning fish of all species. In fact, nightcrawlers are currently the best means of locating a school of fish. Once found, continue fishing or switch to your most trusted presentation. 800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comBrainerd Lakes Area
The walleye bite is taking shape nicely, and fish are coming from several area lakes including Gull, North Long, and Pelican. Depths of 12-22 feet have been best depending on weather conditions and time of day. A variety of presentations have been productive, such as jigging a fathead, rigging a redtail, rigging a leech, and pulling a crawler. Fish are transitioning to their summer locations now that the water temperatures are warming and the weeds are growing. If you're not marking fish in the deeper waters, check the weed beds. Bass continue to bite in the weeds and under the docks. If it's calm and sunny, try the docks as they will be tucked under them looking for shade. If the wind is blowing or if there is some cloud cover, check the weed edges and tops of the weeds. A rubber worms fishing on a jig or "wacky style" have been best. 800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
On Lake Mille Lacs, the "deep" fish are mostly in 30-plus feet of water, respond best to a pink or silver spinner rigs. Speed is critical, with 1.0 MPH being best. Use enough weight to get the presentation down far enough; a 1 3/4-ounce weight generally does the trick. On the other end of the spectrum, a slip bobber and leech will work will in 8 feet of water or less when worked over the largest rocks you can find. These tend to be larger walleye. Evening hours are best in the shallows, but days with a good wind should also produce shallow fish. Be sure to get your line away from the boat and keep your noise to a minimum. Anglers and charter fishing guides also report a mudflat bite in roughly 24 feet of water. While the flats can be inconsistent, take the time to toss a slip bobber and leech at these areas if you find a decent concentration of fish. If not, spinner-up and start your search. The Boot, Sherman's and Seguchie are all good starting points. Bass remain active in 10 feet of water or less. Northern pike action is picking up, with some nice fish taken on suckers under a bobber. 888 -350-2692;
www.millelacs.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
White Bear Area Lakes
Bald Eagle Lake is producing lots of nice walleyes this week. Panfish are also being pulled from Bald Eagle Lake by anglers fishing near Reed Island. White Bear Lake is giving up lots of panfish and bass in the area near the VFW. White Bear Lake anglers also report walleyes coming from the area near Manitou. 651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
Please note that a wake restriction has been placed on Lake Waconia by the Carver County Sheriff due to the recent heavy rainfall and subsequent high water levels. 952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lanesboro -Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
The heavy rains have moved on and the rivers and streams are slowly returning to normal. As of June 26, most area waters were considered clear, with water levels ranging from normal to high. Fisheries staff also reported that the South Branch Root River was clearing nicely, and fishable in some areas upstream. Some small hoppers were seen in the pasture and meadow areas along several streams. Unfortunately, storms are in the forecast for this weekend, so anglers are encouraged to get out there today or tomorrow! As updates on stream conditions become available, they are posted on the Southeast Minnesota Stream Conditions web page. You are also welcome to call the office for updates at 507-467-2442. Before traveling, please check out the new detailed fishing easement maps. 800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
Anglers spent last week dodging thunder showers on Big Stone Lake, and the water level rose roughly a foot last weekend. Anglers that did get out on the water had mixed results. The water was pretty stirred up due to the inflow from the Whetstone River, and periods of strong wind. Despite all of these factors, anglers still reported fish. Some walleye anglers, however, found perch, bluegills and crappies at the ends of their lines. Trolling remained the favorite method, with a few anglers anchoring at the rock piles and throwing out slip bobbers or casting crankbaits. Dock and shoreline anglers continued to do well, especially during evening hours, and there were plenty of reports of perch, bluegills, walleyes, and even a bullhead or two. The white bass bite heated up on Saturday when air temperatures reached 86 degrees, and the winds were calm. 800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
