Statewide Minnesota Fishing Report as of Friday, October 16

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Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.

While water temperatures dropped considerably during the recent cold spell, the warm-up forecasted for this weekend should result in some great fishing action!

Northeast Minnesota

International Falls

For information on where the fish are biting and what techniques are working best, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

The first measurable snow of the season put a damper on weekend fishing, but hardy anglers still ventured out on the chilly waters. While somewhat slow, the pace picked up by the beginning of the week. Walleyes have begun to school and are hanging deep as they adjust to the rapidly dropping water temperatures. A jig and minnow combination worked at the reefs or fast structure breaks has been best. Walleye action is expected to continually improve as the season progresses. Northern pike are feeding on bait fish at the weed edges and current flows. For the most fish, use a light northern sucker or large stickbait. Crappies can be found in 28-35 feet of water in the Ash River area and on to the Namakan area. This action should pick up as water temperatures stabilize. Nice perch and sauger catches are also being reported. For further information, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com

Ely

The weather has not been conducive to great fishing. The wind and rain have kept most anglers inside, enjoying the warmth of the cabin. Still, some hearty souls have been venturing out, and taking some very nice walleyes. Jigging and slowly trolling lindy style rigs have been effective, especially when paired with a lively minnow, which when moved at or near the bottom in the deeper pools seems to be irresistible to the walleyes as they fill up before winter. A drift sock is recommended this time of year since it will help slow and control your drift, keeping you in the zone for a longer period of time. Large northern pike and muskies are also filling up before winter arrives, and this time of year is one of the best for catching the largest fish. Anglers are having the most success using large suckers along the drop-offs and rocky points. With the colder temperatures, higher wind gusts, and rough water conditions it is very important that you always keep your life jackets on. To learn more, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Duluth/Lake Superior & inland lakes

To locate charter boats and guide services, and to find out where the fish are biting, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or visit www.visitduluth.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Rainy River water temperatures are holding at roughly 46-50 degrees, and the current remains calm. The shiners continue to run in certain areas of the river, but they also continue to move inconsistently. The run should pick up and become more consistent with the upcoming warmer air temperatures. The river bite remains best during early morning, late afternoon and evening hours. Anglers are reporting some larger walleyes, ranging from 24- to 29-inches in length. On Lake of the Woods, anchoring and jigging with 3/8- to 3/4-ounce orange, chartreuse, and white jigs tipped with frozen shiners seems to be best. For the most action, hit Zippel Bay, the Morris Point Gap, and the Lighthouse Gap. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Cass Lake/Deer River/Lake Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux

To learn about the best locations and methods to fish area lakes, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit www.casslake.com

Bemidji

Surface water temperatures are now in the upper 40s. Cold water fishing can be similar to ice fishing in many ways, and walleye anglers are usually better off down-sizing their baits, using light line, smaller jigs and medium size minnows with a vertical presentation. Use electronics to locate fish before dropping your bait. Walleyes should be in the deeper water, and therefore visible on sonar. Many anglers have been fishing in the afternoon to take advantage of the warmest portion of the day. The extended forecast predicts slightly warmer temperatures for this weekend and into next week, so anglers may still be able to get on the lakes to do some fishing this fall. Muskie anglers should fish right up until when the lakes begin to freeze for a chance at some of the largest fish of the season. Many anglers are casting as long as they can, and then switch to trolling large crankbaits on the sides of the structure when their hands get too cold to cast any more. Panfish are transitioning into their winter patterns in many lakes. Anglers should also take the opportunity to learn where the fish are biting before the winter ice fishing season begins. For more information, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com

Central Minnesota

Miltona

To find out more about where the fish are biting on Lake Miltona, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Pine River Area Lakes

Anglers that braved the cold this past week were rewarded with walleyes! Action was good during the day and early evening hours on Whitefish, Pine Mountain, Woman and Leech lakes. Jig and minnow combinations have been best, but walleyes are also hitting shallow-running plugs during low-light hours. Look for walleyes near the sharp drop-offs adjacent to deep water in depths of 15-50 feet, depending on light conditions. Northern pike and largemouth bass are also very active and coming in along with the walleyes. This is the time of year to hook a trophy muskie, and a number of 50-inch muskies have been pulled from Leech, Cass and Big Winnibigoshish. Most of these fish have been released. Panfish are active and schooled tightly, so if you catch a crappie you will likely catch many more. Crappies can be found suspended off the deep edge of the weedbeds. For the most fish, use a slow retrieve. To find out more, dial 1-800-728-6926, or check out www.pinerivermn.com

Brainerd/Nisswa Area Lakes

To learn which species of fish are biting and where to find them, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs

Anglers report mixed success on Lake Mille Lacs. The action was split between trolling and bobber fishing ? those in boats reported at least a few nice keeper-size fish. Much of the bite took place in less than 10 feet of water, and peaked by 10:30 p.m. Some anglers are finding perch in Wahkon and Isle bays, however size and success is inconsistent. Surface water temperatures are down to the high 40?s, and if temperatures become more seasonable as predicted for this weekend expect fall fishing to heat up. For more information, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out www.millelacs.com

Willmar Lakes Area

Walleye anglers continue to take nice numbers of fish from Willmar and Foot lakes. The best approach has been a fathead or sucker minnow. Ringo Lake is producing some nice walleyes as well. Water temperatures have cooled down, but warmer weather is expected this weekend which should result in some great fishing! Just some of the lakes to check out include Big Kandiyohi, Diamond, Long, and Ringo. To learn more, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit www.seeyouinwillmar.com

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area

Walleyes are being pulled from the channel between Big and Little Green lakes. Anglers are catching walleyes and crappies on North Center Lake around Nelson Island. On Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes, walleyes are being caught from 4:00 p.m. past dark on shad raps. Walleye anglers are having success using fatheads and redtails between Rose Hill and the swimming beach on South Lindstrom Lake. For crappies, hit Kroon Lake. To find out more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit www.chisagolakeschamber.com

White Bear Lake

To learn which species are biting and where they can be located, dial 651/653-5122, or visit www.ExploreWhiteBear.org

Waconia

For information on where to locate fish on Lake Waconia, dial 952/442-5812, or check out www.destinationwaconia.org

Southern Minnesota

Cannon Falls

For information on where and how to locate fish, dial 507/263-2289, or visit www.cannonfalls.org

Lake City

To find out which species are biting and where they can be located in Lake Pepin, on the Mississippi River, dial 1-877-525-3248, or check out www.lakecitymn.org

Albert Lea

Anglers that venture out are taking panfish at Hatch Bridge and Blackmer Bridge on Fountain Lake, with jig and minnow combinations working best. An occasional walleye is being taken as well. And perch action has been excellent at the channel on Albert Lea Lake. To learn more, visit www.albertleatourism.org, or dial 507/373-2316

Ortonville

Big Stone Lake has cleared and looks crystal clear! Most anglers are choosing to fish from shore at night. The favorite spot has been the bridge and concrete pier at Ortonville. For some nice walleyes, pitch a jig or cast a shad rap just after dark and into the night. Local anglers with cabins report taking a few walleyes from their docks during evening hours, which is very typical for Big Stone Lake this time of year. Be sure to wear your best long johns! For more information, check out www.bigstonelake.com, or dial 1-800-568-5722
 

 ?The information in this report is provided courtesy of community organizations throughout Minnesota. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.?