Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - May 29, 2015

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Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - May 29, 2015
 
    
Lake Vermilion, home of the 2015 Governor’s Fishing Opener
Great bass action on Lake Harriet; photo courtesy of Leslie Anderson

The walleye bite is continually improving as water temperatures rise. This is expected to be a great weekend for fishing, with mostly dry conditions and highs in the 60s!

Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2015/2016 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 9; muskie, June 6. Please note that a new, early catch-and-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass opened May 9, 2015. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. 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.

 
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River

Walleye anglers have been doing well on Rainy Lake, with great reports coming from Sand Bay, and from the stretch from Dryweed Island to Brule Narrows. Smallmouth bass have been hitting along the rocky southern shoreline. Large northern pike are being pulled from the mouths of the bays. Additionally, some anglers have found pockets of crappies in Black Bay. Walleye anglers are currently having the most success using minnows on a hook, light jig or slowly trolled with a spinner rig. Anglers are doing well with the walleye and smallmouth bass above and below the dam at International Falls. The areas downstream seem to have been hit with muddy run-off from the recent heavy rainfalls and water clarity is temporarily an issue. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Ely

Walleye action remains steady, with fish more spread out more than they were a week ago. Anglers that stay on the move are doing well, taking fish on crankbaits, or by dragging spinners tipped with minnows, leeches or crawlers. The best action has been along the breaks near shallow water flats. Try working up and down the slopes until locating where fish are holding, then work along that contour line. Northern pike anglers report the beginnings of a summer pattern, with fish seeking deeper waters than normal this time of year. Perhaps, they are following other forage that is schooling just off the drops. For the most action, use a suspended sucker, or try casting or trolling spinner baits, spoons or large profile crank baits in depths down to 20 feet. Crappie action is heating up as water temperatures warm. These fish have been holding adjacent to the shallower spawning flats. Minnows under a bobber work well, but more and more anglers are using soft baits to catch fish. Try tipping any of these baits be tipped with a wax worm to draw even more attention from crappies. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Duluth - Lake Superior and inland waters

Water temperatures climbed into the low 60s on the St. Louis River over Memorial Day weekend, and fish were biting well. Anglers caught fish by using jigs, worm harnesses, and a variety of crank baits. Most fish were caught in shallow waters, but some were taken on crank baits in fast-flowing current in 12-15 feet of water. Worm harnesses continue to offer the best bite for post-spawn fish -- soak the crawlers in water to stretch them out and troll at speeds of .9- to 1.2-miles per hour while using the wind to your advantage for boat control. In the fast current, troll crank baits and let the swift water do the work. The most productive colors seem to mimic the shiners, with metallic blues, greens, and pinks working well.  Recent rainfall has brought water levels up and provided fresh oxygen for the fish. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids

Anglers are enjoying nice catches of multitude species of fish. The walleye fishing on area lakes has been good to excellent on lakes such as Big Splithand, Jessie, Bowstring and Scenic 7 Round. The best approach has been a jig and minnow combination, but some anglers are doing well using leeches on rigs or under a slip bobber. Northern pike have been active on Pokegama and Bass lakes. Crappies have moved into the shallows, preparing to spawn. Recent rains have caused lake levels to rise to near normal levels, alleviating access issues.  www.visitgrandrapids.com

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

Fishing has been great this week, especially with the warmer temperatures and clearer waters. Anchoring and jigging with a frozen shiner has been the best bet, with lots of walleye limits pulled from 17-24 feet of water near the Lighthouse Gap and Pine Island. Many of the limits have included trophy walleye. To the north, some anglers are doing well fishing the many reefs around Knight and Bridges islands in 17-21 feet of water. Heading west, anglers are catching nice numbers of fish in 16-19 foot depths off the fields west of Zippel Bay, and in 18-30 foot depths off of Long Point and Twin Islands. Those pulling spinners have had the most luck in 14-25 feet of water between Pine Island and Zippel Bay. The most productive colors have been gold, white, pink, and chartreuse/green. On the Rainy River, anglers continue to take good numbers of fish during morning and evening hours in depths of 15-19 feet, especially from the mouth of the river to Wabanica Bay or the International Bridge. The recommended colors are pink, orange, and gold. Up at the Northwest Angle, anglers report a great mix of fish, with limits of walleye, sauger, crappie, northern pike, and smallmouth bass being taken. Success has been best in 18-21 feet and 26-32 feet when hopping between island points and currents. The best walleye spot on the Minnesota side has been between Oak Island and Blackbird Island, with a 21-foot hole in the area that is giving up lots of fish. Soldiers Point and Garden Island have also been good. The majority of fish are coming in on 1/4- and 3/8-ounce jigs. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji Area Lakes

Surface water temperatures in the Bemidji area have finally exceeded the point where they were on the day the walleye season opened, with most lakes now in the low 60s. The "fish fly" hatches have begun, with a heavy hatch of midges on many lakes this past week. The spottail shiners are just completing their spawn so they will be moving back into deeper waters shortly, taking many of the walleye with them. The insect hatches in the mud basin are the next best thing once the spottail shiners finish spawning along the shoreline. This means more walleyes and other species will be moving to deeper water to take advantage of the feeding opportunity provided by the insect hatches. There are literally millions of insects that hatch out of the mud basin of the lakes. Midges are among the earliest varieties of aquatic insects to hatch, and mayflies and the larger varieties of dragonflies are among the last to hatch. The insect hatches provide abundant food for minnows and small fish, as well as tulibees, whitefish, suckers and perch. Gamefish, such as walleye and northern pike, are usually more interested in eating the minnows and smaller fish that are attracted to the area by the insect hatches. Some walleyes are still using the emerging cabbage weed beds and windswept shoreline rocks, while others have started to move off the shoreline-connected structure, headed for mid-lake structure in the basin of the lake. Crappies, sunnies, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are all preparing to spawn once surface water temperatures reach the mid- to upper 60s. Please leave the fish alone while they are on their spawning beds so they can complete their annual replenishment of the lakes and provide for future generations of fish. 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com

Walker - Leech Lake

The weather greatly impacted angling on Leech Lake this past week and weekend. Water temperatures have fluctuated due to cooler than normal weather, rain and wind, and as a result, walleye fishing was sporadic. Anglers needed to switch from early season walleye fishing locations to the weeds in areas such as Mounds Point and Deadhead Bay. Searching the windswept shorelines for pockets of feeding fish has been best. The Meadows and Big Hardwood produced lots of fish when the wind was blowing into shore. The Grand Vu and Goose Islands flats attracted lots of walleye anglers as well. It seemed like many walleye moved to deeper, to 10-12 foot depths, when the wind stopped blowing. Currently, the best rig is still a jig tipped with a minnow or leech. A lindy rig is also a good setup when used with a red hook while pulling a minnow or leech. When the wind dies down, pulling a crawler should also be very effective. During early evening hours, artificial plugs are also starting to be effective. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Detroit Lakes

Lakes in the Detroit Lakes area were extremely busy over the Memorial Day weekend. Many walleye, crappies, northern pike, bass and sunfish were caught by anglers. Most walleye were pulled from 8-14 feet of water on jigs and shiners. The shiner run is near its end, so look for other baits to become more productive over the next couple of weeks. Many walleye, crappie and northern pike are relating to the cabbage weed patches which have grown significantly this last week. Pelican Lake will be hosting a large walleye tournament this weekend so there will be considerable fishing pressure all week on Pelican as anglers prepare for the tournament. Accesses are now in good shape due to periodic rainfall which has raised water levels. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area

The surface water temperature on most lakes in Otter Tail Lakes Country is in the low to mid--50s, and the walleye bite is taking off. Lots of 16- to 19-inch fish are coming from several lakes, with most of the active fish being pulled from 6-11 feet of water. A 1/16-ounce jig tipped with a shiner minnow has been best, especially when ripping the jig while moving 1.0- to 1.5-mph. Try to get the jig and minnow combination as far away from the boat as possible, and use 8-pound fluorocarbon line for this type of fishing. For rigging, use either a 1/8-h or ¼-ounce slip sinker above an adjustable snell that is about 30 inches long – by utilizing the adjustable style rig you can easily vary the length of your snell depending on the reaction of the fish. Sometimes the length should be more than 4 feet long even when fishing in the 6–11 feet of water. For rigging, slow down to.5- to 1.0-mph. Keep an open bail on your spinning reel and drop the line from your finger as soon as you feel a bite to allow the fish time to “eat” the bait before setting the hook. Remember to match your hook size to your bait size, i.e. a #2 or #4 for the shiners. A good crappie and sunfish bite is occurring on many area lakes.  Crappies are being caught on tube jigs, tinsel jigs and a plain hook in some cases. Look for new, emerging weeds or cabbage as a good starting point for both species. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Perham Area Lakes

Anglers offered good reports over Memorial Day weekend, with Big and Little Pine lakes both kicking out lots of fish. The shiners are still running so jigs and shiners were working well in 6-8 feet of water. A few fish were taken on lindy rigs with shiners or leeches in depths 12-14 feet. Otter Tail Lake remained productive, with fish coming from 8-10 foot depths on jigs and shiners. Rush and Star lakes have also been good to anglers – for the most fish, hit 16-18 foot depths using lindy rigs and red tails or shiners. As water temperatures rise, consider adding leeches to your repertoire. Crappies and sunnies have been most active in the 6-8 foot pencil reeds and bulrushes. Bass have been in the shallows hitting spinner baits, and northern pike remain shallow on the weedlines in 6-12 feet of water. www.perham.com ; 218-346-7710

Sauk Centre - Sauk Lake

Sauk Centre area lakes are giving up lots of northern pike, with Grove, Sucker, Westport, Gurney and Little Sauk lakes producing nice numbers. The walleye are hitting spot tail shiners in 10 feet of water on Long Bridge Lake, and in 12-35 feet of water on Lake Osakis.  Crappies are in the shallow bays, hitting crappie minnows and plastics. Water levels are good once again. 855-444-SAUK; www.visitsaukcentre.com

Pine River

Walleye are in their early summer patterns on lakes in the Pine River so jigs with minnows or plastics remain effective, but nightcrawlers and leeches are becoming more productive each day. Look for walleye to be hanging near their spawning areas or the shallow drop-offs in 15-25 feet of water. Northern pike have been very active at the base of the weedlines, hitting crank baits and spinner baits. For the most action, cast from deep to shallow, bringing your lure over the top of the weed beds. Bass are still hovering along the shallow weedlines and in the bays since they have just completed their spawn. Plastics are working well, along with shallow-running crank baits and spinner baits. Panfish are especially active, with bluegills and crappies taking small jig presentations either fishing under a small bobber or offered through straight line retrieves in the shallows. 800-728-6926; www.pinerivermn.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

Walleye fishing has picked up on the southern half of Lake Mille Lacs where the smallmouth bass and northern pike remained strong. The walleye bite should continually improve as water temperature rise. On the north end of the lake, most walleye have relocated to the flats. Overall, the walleye bite is pretty average compared to a year with "normal" water temperatures. Leeches have taken over as the top bait of choice, with crawlers and shiners being about equal for second place. For the most action, try a "plain" rig such as a plain hook, colored hook, hook & bead, or even a small floater. The spinner bite should be good very soon. Both the smallmouth bass and northern pike remain very active in Cove, Wahkon and Isle. A slow presentation has been key for the smallies, while a bobber ad sucker combination has been best for the northern pike. Surface water temperatures are hovering around 60 degrees. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar Lakes Area

Fishing in the Willmar Lakes Area has been great, especially on Big Kandiyohi Lake. Many anglers have been finding nice-sized walleye while trolling and jigging with fatheads and leeches. Active lakes to check out for walleye this week and weekend include Big Kandiyohi, Diamond, Eagle, Willmar and Foot lakes. By this weekend, expect Green, Norway and Solomon lakes to be kicking out fish as well! Panfish can be found in the shallows of just about every lake in the Willmar Lakes Area. And one local angler caught a 28-inch, 11-pound channel catfish on Big Kandiyohi last week. 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
White Bear Area Lakes

Crappies and sunfish are being pulled from Bald Eagle, White Bear and Carnelian lakes. Anglers having the most success are using crappie minnows and fathead minnows. Walleye are active in the St. Croix River, with leeches turning nice numbers of fish. Walleye anglers will also want to check out Bald Eagle Lake later in the day. 651/653-5122; www.ExploreWhiteBear.org

Waconia

As of late last week, Lake Waconia was giving up nice numbers of fish. Bass have offered the most exciting action, and could be found in a variety of depths. Anglers reported lots of panfish action in the shallows. Walleye anglers were doing well using fatheads and leeches in 4-8 feet of water at night, and in 14-18 feet of water during the day. 952/442-5812; www.destinationwaconia.org

Southern Minnesota
Lanesboro -Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams

As of Thursday, May 28, area streams and rivers monitored by fisheries staff were mostly clear, with normal water levels, however, some were off/muddy and high. On the Winnebago Creek, light Hendricksons were coming off very well. A March brown was also seen, and they were coming off other waters also. Trout were rising between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Light Hendrickson duns were yellowish-olive with yellow pigment at the base of their wings...very nice looking bugs! Considerable rainfall forecasted for the evening hours, and staff hoped the rain wouldn't shut the hatch down completely. Anglers are encouraged to stop by a DNR Fisheries office in southeast Minnesota to pick up a copy of the new 2015 Trout Angling Opportunities in Southern and Central Minnesota booklet. Check the DNR Fisheries web page for locations.   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. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Albert Lea Area Lakes

Anglers are pulling lots of crappies from Fountain Lake, with minnows working best. Fountain Lake is also producing quite a few northern pike and sunfish. Walleye anglers report good action on Fountain and Albert Lea lakes. Use white jigs for the most fish. 800-345-8414; www.albertleatourism.org

Ortonville - Big Stone Lake

Most of the action on Big Stone Lake has been on the south two miles of the lake. A variety of species are being caught, including walleye, crappie, white bass, largemouth bass, bluegill and northern pike. It seems every angler is coming in with a different story. Some did well while trolling spinners and crawlers or crank baits; some took fish while drifting with bobbers. Others had success using jigs and minnows. The common denominator was that the presentation be over the emerging weeds, along with fishing during low light hours or at night. 800-568-5722; www.bigstonelake.com