While anglers continue to report steady walleye action, the open water angling season is coming to a close as ice forms overnight on some Minnesota waters. Since conditions can change rapidly this will be the final fishing report until there is an adequate amount of ice for anglers to venture out by foot.
Information in this report has been provided courtesy of community organizations throughout Minnesota. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls
While few anglers are venturing out, those that do report lots of aggressive walleyes, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Recommended for all three species is to either jig or slowly troll a spinner with a minnow. Ffairly mild weather is in the forecast which will extend even further the incredible late fall fishing season. Please note that ice has been forming, so access to some locations may be limited. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Last weekend's mild temperatures brought out a larger number of mid-day anglers than is typical this time of year. Anglers having the most success are using a jig and minnow presentation on the reef edges and sand bars at depths of 30-38 feet. For both walleyes and northern pike, try trolling the shorelines in depths of 18-22 feet, with live bait and artificials working well. Some of the better locations include Kabetogama, Ash River, Blind Ash, Lost Bay and The Martin Islands. When using a lure, use a slow presentation and keep it close to the bottom. Anglers trolling lures should check out Pine Island, Chase Island and the Lost Bay shorelines. The forecast looks good for the remainder of the week, and favorable for late season anglers! For information on lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out
www.kabetogama.comCook & Tower/Lake Vermilion
Walleye anglers have had an excellent time this past week catching some very nice fish with little effort. Lake temperatures remain in the lower 40's, resulting in conditions that keep the walleyes deep and hungry. Musky hunters are still waiting for the troll bite to kick in. To find out more, check out
www.lakevermilionresorts.comEly
Few anglers continue to hit the water, but those that do have had most area lakes all to themselves. Anglers report that not only are the walleyes still there, they are very hungry - this is the time of year that most walleyes are bulking up for the upcoming winter months. Anglers having the most success are using minnows on a jig or lindy-style rig, especially at the deeper drops and bases of the sunken islands. There has been little improvement in the crappie bite during the past few weeks, but some fish are being taken on tiny jigs tipped with smaller minnows. To learn more, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit
www.ely.orgNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Beautiful fall weather has brought out the anglers, with many reporting limits of walleye. Most of the action on Lake of the Woods is taking place near Pine Island, Morris Point and the Lighthouse Gap, with 29- and 31-inch walleyes, and a 34-inch northern pike recently taken. For the most fish, use silver and gold jigs in 15 feet of water during morning and evening hours. On the Rainy River, temperatures are hovering at roughly 40-degrees, and the shiners are running. While 22-inch walleyes seem to be the norm, large walleye should begin to show up in the near future following a heightened shiner run. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comNo other reports are currently available for this region of the state.
Central Minnesota
Willmar Lakes Area
The weather has been beautiful and the fish are biting. Green Lake is producing fish in varying depths, from 20-70 feet. Some great off-shore fishing has been reported on Willmar, Foot, Ringo, Norway, Big Kandiyohi and Eagle lakes. For some large walleyes, hit Willmar Lake, and and Foot Lake near the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds during evening hours. Come out and enjoy the wonderful fall weather! To learn more, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit
www.seeyouinwillmar.comIsle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs
Just a few walleye anglers continue to venture out onto Lake Mille Lacs. With some warmer daytime temperatures the perch fishing should heat up. Now is also the time to try your hand at some fall reef walleye fishing. The reef markers have been removed so use caution when traveling through the shallows. For more information, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out
www.millelacs.comNo other reports are currently available for this region of the state.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
At present, some of the best walleye fishing has been at the channel between Big and Little Green lakes. For the most fish, jig a shiner minnow or cast a crankbait. To find out more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit
www.chisagolakeschamber.comNo other reports are currently available for this region of the state.
Southern Minnesota
No reports are currently available for this region of the state.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism.
