Explore Minnesota Fishing Report for July 19
The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of Ely, where area lakes are giving up excellent numbers of keeper-size walleyes, as well as lots of large fish. Leeches and minnows have been the bait of choice.
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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
Duluth
Walleyes continue to be pulled from the mid-lake structure and flats on Fish Lake. The best approach has been either a slip bobber and leech, or a slowly trolled lindy rig. On Island Lake, fish are coming in on minnows worked in depths of 17-22 feet. On Boulder Lake, hit 5-8 foot depths using spinners and crawlers over the humps, with lots of northern pike also being taken. Lots of large smallmouth bass are coming from the St. Louis River, with lots of fish measuring over 20-inches being taken. Walleyes are coming from the lower basin on rapalas, stickbaits and spoons. After last week's storms on Lake Superior, the water turned over, resulting in 42- to 45-degree surface water temperatures. Anglers are doing well fishing right outside the harbor and just out from the entry way. Cohos are being pulled from roughly 20 feet of water, and lake trout can be found about 60 feet down. Orange, chartreuse, purples and pinks are all working well.
Ely
Fishing seems to be improving on many area waters. Walleye anglers are doing very well when exerting a little extra effort, with some large walleyes being reported. Burntside Lake, typically known as a difficult lake to fish, is giving up lots of walleyes weighing over 8-pounds. Fall Lake is producing good numbers of walleyes, with some weighing nearly 9-pounds. Excellent numbers of keeper-size fish are coming from White Iron Lake, despite the slot limit. Leeches and minnows have been the bait of choice. Whether jigged or floated under a slip bobber, these combinations have been very successful.
Kabetogama
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, leeches and crawlers on a lindy-type rig or bottom bounced have been best for lots of nice-size walleyes. Some anglers also suggest a spinner. The key has been to locate a school of fish and use a slow presentation, especially during morning or evening hours. Lake Namakan walleyes and bass anglers are doing well using crankbaits at the well-defined breaklines. The 26 foot reef structure should now be best for walleyes. Some of the areas to check out include the center reef on West Kabetogama, Chase Island, Headlight Island on mid-Kabetogama, and the deep pockets near Green and Larkin Islands on East Kabetogama. On Namakan Lake, hit the navigational markers which are located on some nice reefs and bars offering good drop-offs. Northern pike are in and out of the weedy bays, and are often lurking in the adjacent deeper waters. For smallmouth bass, use an artificial crayfish lure or heddon torpedoe up near the weeds and in the shallows.
International Falls
On Rainy Lake, walleyes are being pulled from 30-40 feet of water around the numerous reefs and humps. The best approach has been to troll crankbaits or leeches on a spinner rig when the wind is calm--when the wind picks up, jig leeches or crawlers in depths of 25-30 feet of water. Low light hours have been best, especially at the reefs near the mouths of Cranberry and Lost bays, and at Community Reef in Sand Bay. Crappies and smallmouth bass are active in Black Bay. On the Rainy River, walleyes are coming out of the swifter waters and channels, and bass are active at the weedy edges. Large sturgeon are coming in on large sucker minnows worked in 15 feet of water, especially near the Long Sault rapids at Birchdale. Don't forget that the North American Sturgeon Fishing Championship will be held in Birchdale on Saturday, August 18th.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, recent high winds kept some anglers off the water. Winds have settled down and fishing patterns have become more predictable. Long Point, Stony Point, and the area around Crow Duck Island have been good for nice-size walleyes. Try anchoring and jigging, or drifting with spinners and crawlers in 26-33 feet of water, especially around Crow Duck Island. The sturgeon action on the Rainy River has been excellent--anglers are allowed one sturgeon per year, but must possess a special sturgeon tag. The walleye bite is improving, with anglers doing well in 12-14 feet of water in front of Clementson Rapids. The northern and sauger bite has also been good in deeper waters in the bay. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, there have been reports of several large muskies. The best approach has been to jig a minnow along the reefs. For walleyes, use a bottom bouncer over the island points.
Blackduck
On Blackduck Lake, some anglers are taking limits of walleyes on lindy rigs tipped with a minnow, especially on top of the bars. Some nice crappies are being pulled from Gilstad Lake. For sunnies, hit Pimusche Lake. A four-fish limit is now allowed on Upper Red Lake, and more walleye anglers are hitting the waters. The fish are somewhat scattered due to last week's storms, but expect walleyes to soon settle into depths of 10-12 feet.
Bemidji
Muskies are becoming more active on Lake Bemidji, with a few also being pulled from Lake Plantagenet. Some good perch action is being reported on Lake Plantagenet. Walleye anglers are having success pulling crawlers. After dark, switch to crankbaits. Bass action is at its peak. For northern pike, hit Lake Bemidji using a sucker under a bobber.
Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, windy days have kept some anglers off the water. When the wind subsides, anglers are doing well using leeches and crawlers. The walleyes seem to be gravitating to the edges of the bars and humps more than the tops--for the most consistent action, hit the 20-23 foot edges. There has been a large hatch of small baitfish this season, so avoid the areas that show clouds on your sonar. Also, if you mark fish but don't get a bite, head back a few hours later for another attempt. Big Cutfoot Sioux is starting to produce some nice walleyes on the deep rocks in 14-18 feet of water, mostly on crawlers and rigs. Some anglers are doing well using shad raps, especially on the weed flat off Tamarac Point. Shad raps in sizes 5 and 7 seem to be best when trolled at roughly 2-3 miles per hour. The rock humps are starting to give up some nice perch.
Walker
On Leech Lake, Ottertail Point has been best for some fast walleye action. For the most fish, hit 18-20 feet of water using crawlers. When playing the wind, hit Sand and Star points. Some anglers are doing well on the submerged bars, such as Fletchers, Gary's, Sub Island and Huddles. Northern pike are active behind Bear Island, and in Portage and Sucker bays. Panfish anglers are having lots of success, and anglers are enjoying all of the action. Muskie action remains slow.
Hackensack
Although walleyes are in their mid-summer slump, a few continue to be caught. The best approach has been to troll Ten Mile Lake, from 8pm until 11pm, using deep-running lures with 110 feet of line which will place you in the strike zone of these suspended fish. Pleasant Lake recently gave up a few afternoon walleyes on a leech and spinner rig worked in 22 feet of water--hammered gold spinners on a 36- to 48-inch snell seemed to work the best. Panfish are being pulled from depths of 20-22 feet of water on Pleasant and Ten Mile lakes on walleye rigs with nightcrawlers. These deep water panfish tend to be much larger than those found in the shallows.
Park Rapids
The walleye bite remains best at the deep weed edges of Long Lake. The Crow Wing Chain has been good for northern pike action on spoons and crankbaits worked through 14-16 feet of water. Most area lakes are producing bass, with lots of fish coming out of Fishhook and Big Mantrap lakes on jig worms and spinnerbaits. For panfish action, check depths of 14-16 feet on Long Lake. Area trout lakes are giving up good numbers of fish.
Pelican Rapids
A good walleye bite is being reported on Lake Lida, with lots of fish coming in on leeches. Good numbers of bluegills are being pulled from the deep cabbage weeds on small leeches and waxworms. Smallmouth bass are very active on Lizzie and Lida lakes. Northern pike action has been excellent throughout the area, especially at the tops of the weeds.
Battle Lake
Most of the walleye action is now at night. Battle and Ottertail lakes seem to be best, with fish hitting lindy rigs and leeches after dark. The mayfly hatch has added to the slowdown. Northern pike are biting on Clitheral and Ottertail lakes. For the most fish, try trolling through 15-20 feet of water using daredevils or sucker minnows along the weeds. Sunfish are hitting panfish leeches on Battle, Sucker and Clitheral lakes in 20-23 feet of water. Bass remain active on West Battle and Fiske lakes, with fish responding to floating frogs and sucker minnows in the weeds. The largest bass can be found in the deeper waters. Muskie action has heated up on Battle Lake.
Osakis
On Lake Osakis, anglers are picking up a few walleyes in 12-14 feet of water on the bars. The sunnies are active throughout the lake in depths on 12-16 feet. And a few nice northern pike have been taken while trolling.
Crosslake
Walleye action has been good on the Whitefish Chain, as well as on Pelican and Cross lakes. Early morning and late evening hours have been best. For the most fish, work leeches or redtail minnows on lindy rigs through 18-26 feet of water. Northern pike and bass are also coming from the deeper waters. Northern pike action has been best for anglers using spinnerbaits and crankbaits along the weedlines. Bass are active in depths of 4-8 feet of water, and are hitting plastic worms and surface baits worked at the weeds. Also check out the docks and other shaded areas for a few fish. Crappies and panfish are hitting small jigs tipped with worms, waxworms or minnows worked along the weedlines. Upper Whitefish has been good for large panfish, with anglers taking the most fish on leeches fished in 22-24 foot depths.
Nisswa
Largemouth bass action has been excellent on Gull, Hubert and North Long lakes. Pitching jigs tipped with plastics or minnows has been best, especially at the weedlines where fish are concentrating. Northern pike are active on Gull and Edwards lakes. Lindy rigs and spinner rigs are producing lots of fish along the deep weedlines, with some fish found in waters as deep at 32 feet. Anglers are taking some fish on bobber rigs and large sucker minnows. Look for the largest pike to soon become very active. A few walleyes are coming in along with the other species. Most fish have been found hanging along the weedlines when using redtail chubs or leeches during evening hours. One angler recently took a large 27-inch walleye. Large sunfish are coming in on leeches and worms, especially at the weed edge in depths of 12-16 feet on North Long, Gull, Hubert and Cullen lakes. Crappies are starting to hit jigs worked in 12 feet of water late in the day.
Crosby
Bass action has been excellent, especially on Rabbit, Clearwater, Lower Mission, Edward, Horseshoe and Serpent lakes. Walleyes can be found during the day in 18-30 feet of water on Serpent Lake. A few walleyes are coming from Pelican Lake during evening hours. For the most fish, use a lindy rig tipped with a redtail or nightcrawler. Northern pike remain extremely active, with fish hitting spinnerbaits and crankbaits throughout the day along the weeds in depths of 10-20 feet. Trout are active early in the morning in 30-40 feet of water on the Pennington Chain and in the Huntington Pit. For lots of panfish, hit Mary, Blackhoof, Adney and Little Rabbit lakes during the day.
Isle
On Lake Mille Lacs, the night time walleye bite remains good, especially from roughly 9pm until around 1:30am. The best approach has been a slip bobber and leech worked on the shallow rocks which hold most of the slot fish. A few walleyes continue to be taken during the day, however most are not eating-size fish. Anglers are having fun pulling crankbaits through 28-34 feet of water at the deep gravel or mud areas. Muskies are becoming more active at the weedlines and shallow sand. For smallmouth bass, check out the shallow rocks, docks and boat lifts.
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TWIN CITIES VICINITY
Grey Eagle
Walleyes are hitting crankbaits and rattling rapalas on Mary's Lake, with a nice new dock now available at the public access. A few walleyes are being pulled from Big Swan Lake on crawlers. A few fish are coming out of Big and Little Birch lakes on leeches worked in 20-30 feet of water. Sunfish are very active on Moose Lake, with some crappies also being taken. Nice 1/2-pound sunnies are coming from the north end of Long Lake near Bertram’s Supper Club. Northern pike are active on Swan Lake. Bass action has been good on most area lakes, and especially on Mound Lake. Muskie action has slowed on Buckhorn Lake.
St. Cloud
Fish continue to bite on the Mississippi River. The low water levels are causing fish to move into the deeper holes. Once you locate such a hole, expect to find smallmouth bass, walleyes and catfish. Sunfish are biting on Sugar and Cedar lakes. Bass and northern pike are active on Pearl Lake.
Annandale
On Clearwater Lake, fishing has slowed somewhat now that fish are in their summer mode. Sunfish continue to bite in roughly 10 feet of water along the weedlines. A few walleyes are coming from depths of 15-25 feet of water on leeches and crawlers. Northern pike remain active in 10-15 feet of water along the weedlines, with fish hitting sucker minnows under a bobber. Bass action is good up in the weeds. Some anglers are taking crappies on jig and minnow combinations when tossed into a school of sunnies.
Anoka
Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing has been exceptional throughout the area. A topwater presentation has been best, especially during evening hours. Crappies are coming out of Green and Linwood lakes. For sunnies, hit Big and Buffalo lakes. Pelican Lake is giving up quite a few largemouth bass and northern pike, however anglers recommend watching out for the numerous deadheads.
Waconia
On Lake Waconia, northern pike action has slowed. Sunnies are active in 5-10 feet of water, with some also found out on the reefs. Bass are in the shallows around the docks, as well as in the deeper waters on the reefs. Few muskies are being reported. Walleye anglers are taking a few fish right at dusk and at night from 15-18 feet of water along the reef weedlines.
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, the water has become fairly warm. Anglers are having the most success using spinners with live bait in the weeds since fish are gravitating to the weed edges which hold more oxygen. Most species of fish, aside from northern pike and muskies, have been most active very early and very late in the day. Anglers willing to dodge lots of boats are doing well with the muskies during daytime hours.
Chisago City
Panfish are active at the 6-10 foot weed edges on Chisago and Green lakes. Crappie action has been best on Kroon Lake, with Sunrise Lake also giving up some good numbers. Bass are hitting most presentations on most area lakes. A few walleyes are being taken from 20 feet of water during evening hours.
Forest Lake
Fishing remains pretty good throughout the area. Sunnies are active in the shallows, and crappies are coming out of depths of 15-16 feet at the weed edges. Muskie action has been good. Northern pike are also active, especially on Sunrise and Forest lakes. Bass are biting on most area waters, with lots of action on Green and Forest lakes. For walleyes, check depths of 20-25 feet on North Center and Clear lakes.
Oakdale/East Metro area lakes
Bass and northern pike remain very active, especially on Big Carnelian and Big Marine lakes. The crappies are biting on Bald Eagle and Centerville lakes during evening hours. Sunnies are active throughout the area. Anglers continue to take muskies, with a few 40-inch fish recently reported.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Red Wing
On the Mississippi River, the northern pike at the Rush and Pine river mouths continue to bite. Fish can be found hanging out in the shallow cooler spring water at the confluence of these rivers with the Mississippi. Large red eyes and sucker minnows seem to be working best. Sauger and walleyes are biting in the deep 18-22 foot holes in Lake Pepin. Anglers are doing well pulling plugs through the holes, with some nice fish, weighing over 10-pounds, being taken. The crappie bite has been good in the backwaters. Smallmouth bass are on the rock piles in depths of 10-18 feet.
St. Peter
Catfish are active on the Minnesota River, and hitting cut bait and large suckers. Recent catches include 36- and 40-pound fish! The sunnies are biting on German Lake, with most running 1/3 of a pound. On East Jefferson Lake, northern pike are hitting spoons and plugs. A few walleyes are being pulled from the 2nd Point on Washington Lake, with stickbaits working best early in the morning and late at night.
Waterville
Lake Tetonka is producing a variety of fish. Crappies can be found near the beach. Northern pike are active in the bay near the DNR access. Walleyes are being taken near the rock pile close to the buoys. German and Jefferson lakes are giving up lots of sunnies, as well as a lot of bullheads. For crappies and sunnies, head to Clear Lake at Waseca.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy The Outdoors Weekly, and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
