September 9, 2010 Explore Minnesota Fishing ReportThis weekend's weather should be excellent for some great fall fishing. Walleye anglers are taking good numbers of fish from the deeper waters. Many anglers have already switched over to minnows as their bait of choice. Water temperatures have dropped, and fish are more actively feeding as they bulk up for the winter months. The walleye bite should continually improve as the season progresses.
For the most current list of lodging availability, check with the individual visitors' bureaus listed below.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
International Falls -Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Rainy Lake walleye continue to hit minnows jigged in roughly 30 feet of water on the reefs, and in waters a bit less deep on the windward sides of shorelines where bait fish are pushed inward. Crappies are also hitting minnows. The Rainy River is giving up good numbers of walleye as well, with minnows being the preferred bait. The best areas are near the dam in International Falls and downstream near the mouth of the Littlefork River. Fall has arrived, and some leaves are changing color. To learn more, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Kabetogama and Namakan anglers found the fish waiting for them Labor Day Weekend, with good numbers of walleye, northerns, perch and sauger being taken. Walleye action was best when using minnows in depths of 30 feet. The best approach was a jig and slip sinker rig with and without a spinner. Fish were found near or on the reefs near deep water. Light color jigs do well with a slow presentation this time of year. Northern pike were found roaming in the walleye waters, as well as at the weed edges. Perch and sauger were taken from the walleye depths as well. To find out more about Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out
www.kabetogama.comEly
Shagawa Lake is once again leading the pack. Nice walleye measuring 16- to 20-inches are common. Rapalas and lindys tipped with crawlers slowly trolled through 6-10 feet of water have been working well. Northern pike continue to hit spoons and spinners, as well as live suckers. Crappies have been active in 8-20 feet of water, with some suspended and some tight to the bottom. Live minnows and small jig-n-tubes have been best. Snowbank Lake is giving up some nice lake trout in 50-60 foot depths on spoons and crankbaits. For more information, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit
www.ely.orgCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
To learn where and when the fish are biting, dial 1-800-648-5897, or visit
www.lakevermilionresorts.comCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Smallmouth bass and walleye are feeding voraciously on Crescent and Sawbill lakes, with parties catching dozens of fish in just a couple of hours. Nightcrawlers have been the most productive, followed by leeches, minnows and crankbaits. Closer to Grand Marais, walleye are active in depths of 25-35 feet of water. In Saganaga and Seagull lakes, try a minnow on a lindy rig, slowly drifting over the flats. Once fish are located, switch to a jig and minnow. At Two Island, Twin and Elbow lakes, concentrate on slightly deeper waters, slowly drifting minnows and crawlers. At present, lake trout seem to be a better bet. On Saganaga and Greenwood lakes, fish can be found suspended at 40-50 feet in 60-80 feet of water. For the most fish, try slowly trolling spoons. Trout Lake fish are also suspended, but down 30-40 feet in depths of 50-60 feet. Spoons, and jig and minnow combinations are producing fish. On Lake Superior, September gales have begun, and the lake trout should start their annual fall move toward shore as they prepare for the spawning season. To find out more, check out
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
As of late last week, summer conditions were still in effect for all species of fish, with water temperatures hovering around 70-degrees. Walleye anglers were taking fish on live bait rigs tipped with nightcrawlers. A local guide was reporting success on Pokegama Lake when trolling at 2.2 MPH. Crappie fishing was very good at the outer edges of the weedlines. Fish were also found at the points and corners close to shore that have deep water drop-offs nearby. Crappies often prefer such underwater land structures, and can be found hiding near sunken trees or other debris. For more information, check out
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette -Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
On Lake of the Woods, water temperatures are beginning to drop, and were recently registered at 67-degrees. There are a few signs of shiner minnows making an appearance, which means fall fishing tactics are right around the corner. September is often the time of year to catch large trophy fish. Walleye are starting to show up in the Rainy River, and all along Pine Island as well. Launches are heading out to deeper waters, sometimes traveling 20-30 miles to areas where water clarity is best. Downrigging is the technique used here, and anglers are heading home with walleye and sauger limits. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, fishing is excellent in 30 feet of water just off the reefs, with a jig tipped with a chub minnow or frozen shiner working best. Good success is being reported around Garden Island as well. One resort reported anglers catching quite a few 25- to 29-inch walleye. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Walleye, crappies, perch and bass will begin to gather into larger schools as water temperatures drop, trying to bulk up for winter. Walleyes in the deeper lakes, such as Bemidji, Cass and Pike's Bay, have been moving into deeper water as the thermocline begins to breakdown as the water temperatures cool. Most of these fish have been found in 22-35 feet of water, depending on conditions. Use your electronics to locate fish, and then hover over them, fishing vertically. Walleye fishing has slowed in the shallower area lakes such as Winnibigoshish, however the perch bite remains very good. Anglers are finding perch in 6-10 feet of water where the minnows and crayfish are hiding. the best areas are near the chara-covered flats and those with gravel and broken rock. Perch are roaming the flats in huge schools, with smaller perch mixed in with the jumbos. The most successful anglers are using jig and minnow combinations. Crappies are gathering into larger schools and looking for green weeds with direct access to deep water or other deep structure. Both plastics and minnows work well for crappies in most situations. Muskies and northern pike are also active in the shallows during the fall. Tulibees and suckers are their favorite forage, but they will also feed on the large schools of perch. To find out more, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out
www.visitbemidji.comWalker - Leech Lake
As of late last week, Leech Lake walleye anglers were taking more fish. The best reports were in the main lake around Star and Pine points when the wind was blowing. Second Duck Point was also producing a few walleye and a lot of large perch. A multi-colored jig tipped with a minnow was the best approach. The Saucer in Walker Bay, the Walker Narrows, and the Oak Point area in the main lake were key locations. With anglers using jig and minnow combinations, the northern pike bite increased as well. Muskie reports were also strong, with fish being caught throughout Leech Lake. For further information, dial 1-800-833-1118, or visit
www.leech-lake.comCass Lake/ Deer River - Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes
To find out where the fish are biting, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit
www.casslake.comPark Rapids
For information on which techniques are working best, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
Walleye continue to bite on Big Detroit Lake, with good numbers coming in on jig and minnow combinations worked in 14-16 feet of water at the weed edges. The mid-lake hard bottom areas have also produced for anglers using live bait rigs with minnows or crawlers. The cold fronts have caused some of the smaller 12- to 13-inch fish to become more active so please make sure to handle them carefully and release them quickly; it's the 14-to 19-inch fish you want for eating. Walleye can also be found in the deeper water, with anglers pulling fish from depths of 19-26 feet on Pelican, Pine, Cotton and Cormorant lakes. Late night trolling has been successful for walleye anglers working 8-12 feet at the shoreline breaks on Rush Lake. Bass anglers are taking fish on jigs tipped with suckers worked at the weed edges on Sallie, Big and Little Detroit, Floyd, and Long lakes. Muskie action should improve as the weather stabilizes. To learn more, dial 1-800-542-3992, or go to
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Fall fishing is starting out well for anglers that know where to find them. The plug bite remains good on Otter Tail Lake during evening hours in depths of 8-10 feet of water. During the day, some fish are coming from 20-30 feet of water on crawlers and spinners, or jigs tipped with redtail minnows. Panfish anglers are enjoying a great bite on the smaller area lakes when using waxworms in 8-10 feet of water. For more information, dial 1-800-423-4571, or check out
www.ottertailcountry.comMiltona
The water temperatures have dropped into the 60's, and the smaller walleye have become more active. People are catching mostly 10- to 13-inch fish, which must be released. The majority of fish are coming from 16-20 foot depths on lindy rigs or jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers. Red and chartreuse have been best. Crappies and sunnies can be found using white or pink twister tails trolled through depths of 12-15 feet of water. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are spread out, with fish coming from both the deep and shallow waters. In the deeper waters, use a crankbait; in the shallows, try a jig-n-pig or a creature bait. While a few more muskies were recently seen, few are being netted. For the most action, use a cowgirl or red October tube. To find out more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit
www.VisitLakeMiltona.comPine River Area Lakes
As of late last week, the walleye were becoming more active each day. Anglers were still using nightcrawlers and leeches, however it won't be long until a jig and minnow combination is the top choice. Look for walleyes to be moving to sharp rock drop-offs and saddle areas. The best depths have been 15-25 feet, with walleye transitioning to waters as deep as 60 feet as the season progresses. Northern pike and bass were also very active, and anglers had lots of success on Pine Mountain, Woman, and other smaller area lakes. Muskie action should pick up soon. Panfish anglers are reporting great action in 10-12 foot depths, just outside the weedlines. To learn more, dial 1-800-728-6926, or check out
www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
Walleye are hitting large minnows worked in 22-28 feet of water. Long lindy rigs continue to produce the most fish. Anglers are also picking up some fish when trolling crankbaits during evening and early morning hours. Northern pike are hitting spinnerbaits and pike minnows worked along the weedline. Bass are also active along the weedlines, with plastic worms or frogs providing plenty of action. Large bluegills are active in depths of 16-20 feet. Crappies can be found in 16-18 feet of water when using jigs tipped with minnows. To learn more, visit
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
For information on where and when to fish, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia -Lake Mille Lacs
On Lake Mille Lacs, walleye anglers are taking fish on leeches and slip bobbers, with a few also coming in during evening hours on crankbaits. Work the south end rocks in depths of 8-10 feet. During mid-day hours, concentrate on the deeper waters around the gravel bars, trolling small crankbaits in 27-32 feet of water. For muskie, hit the north end of the lake. To learn more, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out
www.millelacs.comWillmar
The fall bite has begun, and anglers are excited for the excellent September and October fishing action. As water temperatures cool, fish will turn even more aggressive as they try to fatten up before winter arrives. The best producer this week is Solomon Lake, where bass, walleye, sunfish, crappies, panfish and perch are all being caught. Green and Eagle lakes are also giving up some good numbers of various species. On Green Lake, work the deeper water using nightcrawlers and minnows in 20-35 feet of water. This weekend's weather should offer excellent conditions for some great fall fishing! To find out more, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit
www.seeyouinwillmar.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Bass fishing remains great on South Lindstrom and Chisago lakes. For the most fish, hit the deeper water along the weedlines. Please remember that all bass measuring 12-inches or more must be returned to the water immediately on these lakes. Sunnies and crappies are being caught on all area lakes. For the most sunfish, use panfish leeches and crawlers. Northern pike are active on South Center and Green lakes. Walleye anglers continue to take a few fish. To find out more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Lake Area Lakes
To learn when and where to fish, dial 651/653-5122, or check out
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
As of late last week, the bass fishing was the most consistent. Anglers were catching them in the shallow reeds, along the Waconia Bay weedlines in 10-14 feet of water, and on the reefs, such as North, Cemetery, and Pillsbury reefs. Large sunfish were coming from the outside weed edges of the same reefs. The muskie bite had begun to pick up, with good catch-and-release action reported on the south side of the lake between the marinas, and along the weeds that stretch toward the beach. Some anglers did well using black bucktails at North and Kegs reefs. The walleye bite will continually improve as the season progresses; spend some time jigging fatheads at the drops in 14-20 feet of water on Kegs, Anderson's and Red's reefs during evening hours. And don't miss Nickle Dickle Day held throughout the city of Waconia on Saturday, September 18, with lots of fun and exciting events taking place! For more information, dial 952/442-5812, or check out
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lake City -Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
To find out what's biting and where, dial 1-877-525-3248, or check out
www.lakecitymn.orgLanesboro
As of Tuesday, September 7, conditions were clear and normal on most area rivers and streams, including Duschee Creek, East Beaver Creek at Beaver Creek State Park, Gribben Creek, the South Branch Root River at Forestville State Park, Trout Run, and all sections of the Whitewater Stream. High winds appeared to be affecting hatching insects. To learn more, dial 1-800-944-2670, or visit
www.lanesboro.comAlbert Lea
For information on where to fish, dial 1-800-345-8414, or check out
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
To learn where and when to fish, dial 1-800-657-3280, or visit
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
On Big Stone Lake, the perch bite has been exceptional! Anglers are easily taking their limits of very nice fish. The best methods have varied, depending on the weather, wind, and the angler. Bottom bouncer/spinner/crawler presentations remain the most popular approach. A great number of boats are anchoring up on the points and rock piles, and taking fish by lightly jigging over the side of the boat. Crawlers and minnows have been best in these locations. For the most fish, locate a school, anchor and drop your line. The recent hot spot has been Schmidt's Landing north to Shady Beach on the South Dakota and Minnesota sides of the lake. The key is to stay mobile until you locate fish. To find out more, dial 1-800-568-5722, or check out
www.bigstonelake.com"The information in this report is provided courtesy of community organizations throughout Minnesota. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism."
