Explore Minnesota Fishing Report Friday, July 11
Anglers report that most of the walleyes, bass, and panfish have moved to the deeper weedlines.
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Northeastern Minnesota
International Falls
On Rainy Lake, walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers during the day in 30-35 feet of water. During low-light hours, work depths of 10-14 feet using minnows in Sand and Black bays. Large minnows are producing northern pike in the American Narrows and Lost Bay. Consistent smallmouth bass action is being reported on the Canadian side.
Grand Rapids
Walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers in 18-24 feet of water during the day, and jigs tipped with minnows worked in depths of 10-12 feet during evening hours. Some of the better locations this week include Sugar, Wabana, Pokegama, and Trout lakes. Sunfish and crappies can be found in less than 6 feet of water on Bass and Spider lakes, as well as in Poole’s Bay on Lake Pokegama. The 20- to 30-foot breaks of Lake Pokegama are giving up good-sized northern pike. Muskie anglers are reporting lots of follows on Deer and Moose lakes.
Kabetogama
On Lake Kabetogama, walleye anglers are taking fish from the windswept side of the reefs and shorelines when using leeches and crawlers. The main-lake reefs are expected to also produce fish in the near future. Northern pike are hitting minnows and artificial bait along the weedlines. Smallmouth bass are aggressively hitting crayfish-colored crankbaits and spinners at the rocky shorelines and rock piles.
Tower
On Lake Vermilion, walleyes continue to be pulled from the mud, as well as from the reefs and humps of most large bays, with crawlers and leeches producing the majority of fish. Topwater baits and Senkos fished “wacky style” have been best for bass in the weeds. Northern pike are hitting white spinnerbaits on the weedlines. Muskie anglers report a lot of follows.
Ely
Walleyes are hitting slowly-trolled rapalas and lindy rigs tipped with leeches in 10-20 feet of water on Shagawa and White Iron lakes. The reefs of Burntside Lake are giving up walleyes to anglers using leeches. Smallmouth and largemouth bass remain active in the shallows of most area lakes.
Grand Marais
Walleyes are hitting leeches worked in 12-15 feet of water on Devils Fish Lake, and in depths of 20-30 feet on Saganaga and Seagull lakes. Crankbaits have worked best on Devil’s Track Lake, especially in 8-10 feet of water. Lake trout can be found suspended over 50 feet of water on Trout and Greenwood lakes, while Kimball and Mink lakes are producing rainbow trout on crawlers. Trolled spoons have provided excellent northern pike action on Northern Lights Lake.
Duluth
Look for bluegills and crappies in 8-10 feet of water on Fish Lake. Leeches are triggering walleyes in depths of 8-10 feet on Fish Lake, and at the 6- to 10-foot channel edges on the St. Louis River. Northern pike are hitting large chubs on Rice Lake. The north shore of Lake Superior is giving up lake trout roughly 30-40 feet down, with coho salmon being taken near the surface on spoons and plugs.
McGregor
Leeches are producing a few walleyes in 14-20 feet of water in Bellhorn Bay on Big Sandy Lake. The weedlines of all area lakes seem to be holding bass and northern pike, with fish coming in on both artificial and live bait. The shorelines and shallow weeds of Big Sandy and Minnewawa lakes are giving up sunfish.
Northcentral/West Minnesota
Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, jigs, lindy rigs, spinners, minnows and leeches are all producing quick limits of walleyes. Work the Lighthouse Gap, Pine Island, and Zippel Bay areas in 18-32 feet of water for the most fish. At the Morris Point Gap area, spinners and leeches are working best in depths of 12-14 feet. The Clementson Rapids area on the Rainy River continues to produce smallmouth bass and northern pike. At the Northwest Angle & Islands area, walleyes are being pulled from 10-18 feet of water around Oak and Flag islands.
Waskish
On Upper Red Lake, walleyes are hitting spinners and leeches throughout the lake in 6-8 feet of water. A jig and minnow conbination continues to trigger walleyes on the Tamarack River in depths of 8-10 feet. The mouth of the Tamarack River is giving up lots of northern pike. Although crappies have been scattered, a few are coming from the rock piles and cribs.
Blackduck
Lindy rigs and leeches are turning walleyes at the 10- to 14-foot weedlines of Blackduck Lake. Walleyes are also being taken by working the 10- to 15-foot bars on Gull and Island lakes during evening hours. The weedlines of Gilstead and Rabideau lakes continue to produce good numbers of panfish and bass.
Bemidji
Lindy rigs tipped with minnows or crawlers are turning walleyes in 8-16 feet of water on Lakes Bemidji and Plantagenet. Shad raps trolled through depths of 6-8 feet at night have also produced walleyes on both lakes. Muskies are chasing small baits on Lake Bemidji, but few have been boated. Throw spinnerbaits for bass on Deer Lake and Lake Thirteen. For panfish, hit Grace, Pimushe, and Midge lakes.
Cass Lake
During the day, walleyes are coming from 12-14 feet of water, as well as depths of 30-35 feet on Cass Lake. Rapalas are turning walleyes at night in 4-6 feet of water on Deadman’s, Turtle River, and North Cedar bars. For northern pike, hit Tom’s Bar using a jig and minnow combination. Look for perch in depths of 4-6 feet on Cass and Pike Bay lakes.
Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers on the main-lake bars, such as Bena, Big Muskie, Sugar, and Snaghole. On windy days and during low-light hours, hit Little Stoney Point using a crankbait or jig and minnow combination in 8-12 feet of water. Small northern pike are active on top of the bars.
Walker
On Leech Lake, leeches and crawlers are producing walleyes in 15-20 feet of water on most main-lake humps and flats. Walleyes are hitting crankbaits during evening hours off the points and shoreline breaks. Bass are hitting topwater baits in the bays. Muskie action remains limited.
Hackensack
Walleyes and perch are coming from 12-17 feet of water on Woman Lake. The emerging weedlines of Ox Yoke, Pleasant, and Birch lakes have been good for panfish. For northern pike, hit the weedlines of Ten Mile Lake. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are active on most area lakes.
Park Rapids
Leeches and crawlers are producing walleyes in 16-22 feet of water on Fish Hook and Big Sand lakes, as well as in 16 foot depths on Long Lake. Big Toad, Potato, and Eagle lakes, as well as the Crow Wing Chain, continue to give up sunfish in 8-10 feet of water. Work the weed edges of Two Inlets Lake for crappies. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are active on area most lakes, with Belle Taine being best for numbers of smallmouth bass.
Detroit Lakes
Walleyes are hitting minnows and leeches at the 10- to 16-foot weedlines of Big Detroit Lake. The 11- to 20-foot weed edges of Sallie, Melissa, and Big Cormorant lakes have also been good for walleyes. Sunfish have moved to the weedlines on Big Detroit, Melissa, Floyd, and Cotton lakes. Bass and northern pike remain active on most area lakes. For muskies, try Cowgirls on Big Detroit Lake.
Battle Lake
Sunfish are being pulled from 10-12 foot depths on Star, Bass, Clitherall, Dead, and West Battle lakes. Walleyes are hitting crawlers and leeches worked in depths of 15-30 feet on Otter Tail, West Battle, Walker, Silver, and Clitherall lakes. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows trolled along the weedlines of West Battle, Otter Tail, South Turtle, and Clitherall lakes. More muskie activity is being reported on West Battle Lake. Crappies are coming from the weedlines of East Battle and Blanche lakes.
Alexandria
Look for crappies at the weedlines of lakes Le Homme Dieu, Darling, Carlos, and Ida. Sunfish have been an easy catch on most area lakes in 10 feet of water. Bass have moved to the weedlines and flats of most lakes. Walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers worked in depths of 12-18 feet on lakes Ida and Miltona. Reno and Mary lakes are giving up walleyes in 12-18 feet of water.
Starbuck
Walleyes continue to hit leeches and crawlers in 12-18 feet of water on Lake Minnewaska. Spinnerbaits are producing good numbers of bass throughout Minnewaska. Panfish action remains consistent on the Glenwood end of the lake in depths of 12-15 feet. Lots of smaller northern pike are coming in on sucker minnows and spinnerbaits worked along the weedlines of most are lakes.
Osakis
On Lake Osakis, the 8- to 12-foot weedlines continue to produce walleyes. Look to the main-lake bars and Miller’s Bay for the majority of fish, especially during low-light hours. A few sunfish are coming from the bars in 10-12 feet of water. Bass and northern pike remain an easy catch throughout the lake.
Sauk Centre
Sunfish are being pulled from the 8- to 10-foot weedlines of Villard, Maple, and Sauk lakes. Leeches are producing walleyes in the weeds of McCormick Lake, and on the deeper flats of Big Birch Lake. A few walleyes are also coming from 12-16 feet of water on Maple Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows worked in depths of 8-15 feet on Big Birch Lake, and at the 12- to 16-foot weedlines of Sauk Lake. Sauk and Fairy lakes have also been good for nice-sized bass.
Brainerd/Nisswa
Walleyes are hitting leeches and nightcrawlers worked in 18-30 feet of water on Gull, Round, North Long, and Pelican lakes. Spinnerbaits and plastics are triggering bass on most area lakes. Northern pike are coming in on sucker minnows worked at the weed edges of most lakes during the day. The weedlines have also been good for lots of panfish.
Cross Lake
Upper Whitefish, Crosslake and several smaller area lakes are producing walleyes during evening hours in depths of 18-26 feet. Lindy rigs tipped with redtails, leeches, or crawlers have been the most effective. Bass are hitting spinnerbaits and plastics on the docks and along the weedlines of most lakes. Northern pike action has been best on the weed flats. Crappies can be found suspended next to the established weedlines.
Crosby
Largemouth bass are hitting plastics in 6-12 feet of water on Nokay, Mahnomen, Lower Mission, and Bass lakes. Northern pike are coming in on spinnerbaits. For panfish, hit depths of 8-14 feet on Black, Black Bear, Bass, Little Rabbit, Ross, and Cedar lakes. Spinners and crawlers are turning walleyes in 18-24 feet of water on Serpent and Rabbit lakes during evening hours.
Isle/Onamia
On Lake Mille Lacs, the deep gravel and mud flats on the east side of the lake are producing walleyes during the day in 25-32 feet of water. For the most fish, use crankbaits, or lindy rigs and leeches. The shallow rocks continue to be best during evening hours, especially when using slip bobbers and leeches. Muskie action has improved during evening hours. Smallmouth bass remain active on the rocks. On the west end of the lake, the mud flats are giving up walleyes in depths of 24-28 feet during evening hours; after dark, hit 26-32 feet of water using slip bobbers and leeches. During the day, lindy rigs and leeches are producing the most fish, especially at Five Mile, Seven Mile, and Curley’s flats. Some anglers report good northern pike and walleye action during evening hours when using shad raps along the weedlines in St. Alban’s Bay. For smallmouth bass, use tube jigs and crankbaits on the rock points.
St. Cloud/Eden Valley
Sunfish are coming from 4-8 feet of water on Cedar Island, Long, Horseshoe, and Rice lakes. Look for walleyes during evening hours on Koronis and Rice lakes on the 8- to 12-foot weedlines. Northern pike and bass action has picked up at the weedlines of most area lakes. For channel cats, hit the Sauk River.
Twin Cities vicinity
Elk River/Zimmerman
Largemouth bass are hitting spinnerbaits at the weed edges of Green and Blue lakes. Northern pike are being pulled from depths of 10-12 feet on sucker minnows worked on Green and Blue lakes. Sunfish are coming from the shorelines of Green Lake. The Mississippi and Rum rivers have been good for lots of smallmouth bass.
Annandale
An evening walleye bite is being reported on Clearwater Lake, with most fish coming in on leeches, crawlers, and spinners worked in 16-25 feet of water. Similar presentations have worked well on Cedar and French lakes in depths of 18-25 feet. Sunfish continue to be pulled from the 10- to 12-foot weedlines on Clearwater, Cedar, and Sylvia lakes. Look for bass on the emerging weedlines of most lakes. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows worked in 10-14 feet of water on Pleasant Lake.
Prior Lake/West Metro vicinity
Large sucker minnows are turning flathead catfish in the Minnesota River. Sunfish are active in 6-12 feet of water on Hydes and Minnewashta lakes. Northern pike and bass have been active at the weedlines of Steiger, Pierson, and Auburn lakes. An occasional walleye is being pulled from Hydes Lake on leeches worked in depths of 14 feet.
Waconia
On Lake Waconia, sunfish action remains strong along the 12- to 16-foot weedlines. Muskies can be found using bucktails and topwater lures in the swimming beach area. An evening walleye bite is being reported off Harm’s Point, Cemetery Reef, and Kegg’s Reef in 12-18 feet of water. The larger bass have moved to the deep weedlines and reefs.
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, walleyes are hitting slip bobbers and leeches worked tight to the weeds in 15-18 feet of water. Sunfish, bass, and northern pike have moved to the weeds in depths of 10-14 feet, with the majority of fish being taken during morning hours. Crappies can be found scattered among the milfoil tops when using a slip bobber and minnow.
Chisago City
Work the outside weed edges on Chisago, South Lindstrom, and South Center lakes for lots of sunfish. Walleyes are hitting leeches on the 14- to 16-foot weedlines of Chisago Lake. Slip bobbers and leeches have produced a few walleyes on the weed edges of South Center Lake. The weedlines of Sunrise Lake continue to give up northern pike and bass.
White Bear Lake/Northeast Metro vicinity
Look for sunfish and bass in the shallow weeds of lakes Peltier, Centerville, Jane, White Bear, and Big Carnelian. Muskie anglers are seeing a few fish on Bald Eagle and White Bear lakes, but most are reluctant to bite. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows at the 10- to 12-foot weedlines of Big Marine Lake. A few walleyes are coming from 20-30 feet of water on the St. Croix River.
Southern Minnesota
Red Wing
On the Mississippi River, long-lining crankbaits in 10-18 feet of water at the Maiden Rock Flats and Warrentown areas, just outside of Lake Pepin, has produced walleyes and sauger. The rock piles in Lake Pepin are giving up smallmouth bass and an occasional walleye. Work the docks in Baypoint Park for bluegills and crappies.
Waterville
Horseshoe Lake is producing walleyes in 13 feet of water during evening hours. The weedlines of Lake Tetonka are giving up a few smaller walleyes. The bridge area on Sakatah Lake remains good for an occasional burst of crappie activity. Look in depths of 6-10 feet on the south end of Sakatah Lake for sunfish and northern pike.
Mankato
German, Madison, and Washington lakes are producing good numbers of bass. Walleyes are be hitting lindy rigs and leeches in 14 feet of water on Washington Lake, with walleyes coming from the weedlines of Madison Lake on X-raps. Spinners and crawlers are turning walleyes on the southeast end of Lake Hanska. The bays of Washington and Madison lakes remain good for panfish during midday hours.
Fairmont
The shorelines of Hall, Budd, Sissiton, and George lakes continue to hold crappies. Fox and Big Twin lakes are producing a few walleyes during evening hours. George Lake has been best for bass action. Tuttle and East Chain lakes are giving up northern pike and a few walleyes.
Ortonville
Walleyes are hitting crankbaits trolled through 12-14 feet of water on the north end of Big Stone Lake. White bass are active throughout Big Stone Lake. A few walleyes are coming from depths of 8-10 feet off the north end of Artichoke and Oliver lakes during evening hours. Artichoke Lake is producing good numbers of crappies in 8 feet of water on minnows.
Willmar
Diamond Lake is giving up walleyes in 10 feet of water on leeches. Leeches are also working well in depths of 30-40 feet on Green Lake, and in 15-30 feet of water on Eagle Lake. On Willmar and Foot lakes, northern pike, panfish, and walleyes are being pulled from depths of 4-20 feet. Look to the deep weedlines of Florida Lake for walleyes during evening hours. Sunfish and bass are coming from the weedlines of most area lakes.
“The information in this report is provided courtesy of Outdoor News, and Explore Minnesota Tourism.”
