October 15, 2010 Explore Minnesota Fishing ReportAnglers are enjoying the incredible fall weather and amazing fall fishing. Walleye action has heated up as fish try to bulk up before winter. Fish are showing up in the deeper waters, following baitfish as they look for cover. This is the time to head out in search of a trophy fish.
International Falls -Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Rainy Lake walleyes are very active, and hitting jigs and minnows. Rainy River walleye fishing has also been very good, with a shiner minnow on a spinner rig working best. Large northern pike continue to feed aggressively around Lost and Cranberry bays. Crappies are being pulled from Black Bay. To learn more, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Lake water temperatures remain in the 50s, upsetting some of the typical fall fishing patterns. Walleyes that were schooled up in September are now scattered and roaming at various depths. Some shallow water walleyes are being taken on slip bobber rigs and minnows early in the day. Mid-day and evening anglers are also taking walleyes on jig and minnow combinations worked in depths of 30-35 feet. Northern pike are roaming in the channels and throughout the weedy bays where the weeds have fallen over. Sucker minnows on husky jerks and x-raps under bobbers are a good artificial bait choice. To find out more about Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out
www.kabetogama.comEly
Walleye fishing remains somewhat slow, however the crappie and northern pike bite has been steady. Try East Twin, South Farm, Low and Bass lakes for the most crappies, with a few pike mixed in. Shagawa, Fall and Basswood lakes continue to give up some heavy northern pike to anglers fishing large suckers in the shallows. For more information, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit
www.ely.orgCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
Walleye anglers had to work a bit harder on Lake Vermilion this week. Local guides are reporting some good action, but they are having to stay very mobile, covering lots of water. Giant clouds of baitfish are being seen, and this may be the reason for the slowdown. Try to brighten up your offering and hug the bottom in 28-40 feet of water. Things will improve once lake temperatures drop below the mid-50s. Muskie fishing has been very slow. To learn more, dial 1-800-648-5897, or visit
www.lakevermilionresorts.comCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Smallmouth bass and walleyes are hitting nightcrawlers, leeches, minnows and crankbaits in the deep water on Crescent and Sawbill lakes, and other BWCAW area lakes. On Gunflint Lake, anglers report good smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye action. On Lake Superior, mild and sunny conditions have allowed anglers to continue to venture out in search of salmon; guides will continue heading out as long as these conditions continue. Towards Grand Marais, walleyes are holding in very deep water. Saganaga and Seagull lakes are giving up fish in depths of 35-50 feet on jig and minnow combinations. Anglers are pulling walleyes from 25-30 feet of water on Poplar and Cascade lakes. Stream trout fishing in area lakes ends October 31. Please note that the lake trout season closed September 30. To find out more, check out
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
For information on where to fish, check out
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette -Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Anglers are enjoying the incredible fall weather, and continue to venture out onto Lake of the Woods in large numbers. Reports indicate that the most consistent action has been 4- to 9-miles off shore in 29-32 feet of water. Saugers are extremely active, and hitting almost as fast as you can drop in a line. Anglers are anchoring and jigging using 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with a minnow. Gold, chartreuse, green and orange have all been successful colors. Large 21- to 28-inch fish, as well as limits of walleyes, sauger and jumbo perch are being reported. Anglers are also seeing fish move into the bays. Bostic Bay has been very productive, even off docks of the resorts, with one party catching a 28-inch walleye. Baudette Bay is giving up lots of walleyes and northern pike off the docks. Even though the sturgeon season has closed for the year, anglers continue to pull in these hard fighting fish. Forty- and 50-inch sturgeon were caught and released this past week on the Rainy River. The river remains high from recent rains and the water temperature is holding at 54-degrees. Anglers are excited for the large shiner run to occur, and more and more boats are hitting the Rainy River looking for evidence of the great numbers of walleyes that will follow the shiners up river. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
The October weather has been nearly perfect for anglers, and fishing has been very good for most species. Walleye anglers have been catching fish in 18-35 feet of water when using jig and minnow combinations or live bait rigs tipped with large minnows or nightcrawlers. Key areas have hard bottoms and direct access to deep water. Muskie fishing is generally very good in the fall, with large northern pike found in many of the same areas as the muskies. Anglers often like to cast wood jerkbaits or large plastic swimbaits since they can be fished more slowly. Trolling larger crankbaits along the edges of structure can also be effective. Crappie anglers are finding fish schooled in deep water off the sides of structure, and these are often the same areas crappies will be using early in the winter. Perch have been active in the larger lakes like Cass and Winnibigoshish. For the most fish, hit the edges of the large flats or the tops of the structure in 8-12 feet of water using stand-up jigs and minnows. Bass and bluegill anglers are finding fish schooling on the deep edges of the last remaining green cabbage and coontail weed beds. Anglers may struggle to get bites for long stretches and then catch several fish on consecutive casts when they locate a school of fish. To find out more, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out
www.visitbemidji.comWalker - Leech Lake
For information on what's biting and where, dial 1-800-833-1118, or visit
www.leech-lake.comPark Rapids
While the calendar says it's October, the air and water temperatures seem more like late summer. With recent daytime temperatures running well into the 70's, water temperatures have remained fairly stable, holding in the low to mid-60s. Walleye action has been very good on many area lakes. Although the depth varies from lake to lake, minnows remain the common denominator. It seems that the walleyes cannot resist a large redtail, creek chub, or shiner fished on a roach rig or fireball jig. Northern pike have also been very active, with a 40-inch pike recently pulled from Long Lake. Northern pike are easily fooled by a large minnow, but don't overlook large crankbaits this time of year. This is the time to catch some very nice pike, with fish moving into shallow to mid-depth waters, versus their mid-summer, deep-water haunts. Crappie action has been outstanding, however, the fish may be in unexpected areas. Simply head out, and search depths of 2-14 feet using a 1/16-ounce mimic minnow, letting it fall to the bottom. Once your line twitches, set the hook! Bass have been equally active. Target largemouth bass in the afternoon, when water temperatures have warmed slightly and fish are most active. Crankbaits, such as #6 salmo hornets or swift moving reed runner spinnerbaits are sure to put a bend in your rod. If you're looking for smallmouth, use the same techniques and locations you would for walleyes. Please remember that smallmouth bass are catch and release only until the Minnesota Bass Opener in 2011. Muskie action has been hot, with anglers reporting multiple catches per trip. Spinners, such as northland's boobie trap, has produced some huge muskies in the shallow to medial depths. Trolling enthusiasts are seeing action on curvy salmo warriors and flat-sided skinners. Speeds of 2 1/2 - 4 mph are perfect for suspended fall muskies. And don't be afraid to troll after dark since these large muskies love to hit once the sun disappears. For more information, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
The weather remains beautiful in the Detroit Lakes area, and the forecast calls for similar conditions. Overall, the bite has been good. Walleye anglers are finding most fish in 16-17 feet of water on most area lakes, with minnows working best for all species. Smallmouth bass are being pulled from Island, Cormorant, and White Earth lakes. Largemouth bass are active on Big Detroit, Cotton, Floyd and Big Toad lakes. There are reports of crappies coming from The Pines, Little Detroit, Rock, and Buffalo lakes. Water temperatures remain in the mid-50s, and the lake turn-over is at least a couple weeks away. To learn more, dial 1-800-542-3992, or go to
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
The lake water temperatures are in the 66-69 degree range, which is rare for October! Fall fishing this year remains exciting, comfortable and breath-taking with all of the action and beautiful surroundings. Walleye presentations vary as fish are in transition. A lindy rig with a 4-inch snell and minnow is recommended this time of year. Hit depth s of 15-30 feet of water along the sharp breaks off the sunken islands and shoreline breaks on Otter Tail Lake for some amazing action. Jigs worked in the shallows are also a great presentation. Minnows, such as redtails, rainbows, suckers and fatheads, are all working well. Panfish will start moving deeper as weed growth dies off and anglers will need to follow them out to deeper water. A 1/32-ounce jig tipped with a wax worm under a slip bobber is typically best. Most species of fish will move into the deeper waters as water temperatures cool further. Please remember that fish pulled from deep water, such as 50-plus feet, will not survive when thrown back - please expect to keep what you catch when fishing the deeper waters. For more information, dial 1-800-423-4571, or check out
www.ottertailcountry.comMiltona
Recent warm temperatures have resulted in a slowdown in action. Walleye anglers also report taking more of the smaller fish. The best bite has been on jigs and lindy rigs tipped with a minnow. The best depth has been in 18-23 feet of water. The crappies have moved to their fall haunts, and can be found in the 25-30 foot holes - watch your depth finder, since fish are suspended anywhere from the bottom on up to roughly 15 feet below the surface. Twister tails and crappie minnows have been best. Muskie action has been fair, with spinnerbaits and bull dawgs producing fish. A few have even come in on sucker rigs! The bass have moved into the shallow pencil reeds. Expect the action to really heat up with current cooler and more seasonable temperatures. To find out more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit
www.VisitLakeMiltona.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
To learn where and when to fish, visit
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
For information on what's biting, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia -Lake Mille Lacs
On Lake Mille Lacs, walleye action has been sporadic. During the day, anglers are having some success drifting and trolling shiner minnows and rainbow minnows. Leeches under bobbers are also working well. The best bite has been in 14-20 feet of water either on or adjacent to the rock reefs. Lakeside Reef, Doe Island, Mile and One-Quarter, and Three Mile reefs have all produced fish this past week. Toward sunset and about an hour afterwards, use leeches under bobbers. Around 9:00 p.m., try trolling husky jerks, rattling rogues and minnow raps in 5-10 feet of water. Blue, clown and firetiger have been best. Perch action has been good in depths of 4-7 feet of water with a hard bottom in Wahkon and Isle bays - expect to do some sorting. Marker buoys have been pulled from the lake, so please travel with care. To learn more, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out
www.millelacs.comWillmar
Fishing has been great on nearly every lake in the county. Panfish anglers are doing exceptionally well on Lakes Solomon and Andrew. Numbers of walleyes and perch are being pulled from Eagle and Big Kandiyohi lakes. For large northern pike and walleyes, check out Ringo, Willmar, and Foot lakes. To find out more, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit
www.seeyouinwillmar.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Bass remain active on South Center, Green and Chisago lakes. Anglers are having the most success when trolling crankbaits and plastics through 6-10 feet of water. Northern pike are also being taken using this approach. Walleye are starting to bite, which is typical of the fall pattern on South Lindstrom, Chisago and Green lakes. A few fish are also coming out of South Center Lake. For the most fish, use small suckers and redtails. Sunnies and crappies are biting on South Lindstrom and North Center lakes, with anglers taking the majority of fish when using worms and crappie minnows. To find out more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Lake Area Lakes
On White Bear Lake, the bass are hitting almost anything thrown their way. The sunfish are also extremely active. For the most fish, use crawlers and waxworms. Bald Eagle Lake is producing sunnies and walleyes, with a few crappies also being taken. To learn more, dial 651/653-5122, or check out
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
Anglers have been busy pursuing the larger, more aggressive fish that are trying to bulk before winter. This is also a good time to make note of weedlines and drop-offs, and to save this information in GPS systems to easily locate these spots during the ice fishing season. 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.orgFaribault Area Lakes
Fishing has been hot on lakes surrounding Faribault and Waterville. On Lake Tetonka, anglers are taking large numbers of sunnies on waxworms. French Lake is producing lots of walleyes on fathead minnows. For perch and walleyes, hit the narrows of Cannon Lake in 4-8 feet of water. Mazaska Lake anglers are pulling walleyes from depths of 4-8 feet on suckers under bobbers. Roberds Lake is giving up lots of northern pike and striped bass on red and white daredevils. Crappie anglers are taking nice-sized crappies over the deep holes on Cedar Lake. And Shields Lake is producing northern pike for anglers using suckers and bobbers, with lots of crappies and walleyes coming in on shiners worked in 6-10 feet of water. To learn more, dial 1-800-658-2354, or visit
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
As of late last week, fishing was excellent on Fountain Lake! Crappies were hitting jigs and minnows along the shorelines and in The Channel. Sunfish have also been very active, especially near the Blackmer Bridge. Walleye anglers were taking good numbers of fish near The Channel! And, a 28 1/2- inch walleye was caught and released. For more information, dial 1-800-345-8414, or check out
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
To find out where and when the fish are biting, dial 1-800-657-3280, or visit
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
The last few days on Big Stone Lake have been beautiful, and the recent calm, balmy and warm conditions have kept the lake very busy. Anglers continue to head out in pursuit of perch, with many working the Grape Vine, Bay View, and Windmill Reef areas, as well as some areas just to the north of Hartford Beach in the bend of the lake. Shoreline anglers fishing at the pump house just to the north of Big Stone City have done well in the last few days. Some anglers are taking nice 10- to 12-inch perch when using a minnow head or piece of a nightcrawler to cover the tip of the hook. Anglers opting to use grub baits are catching many more fish, but not as consistently large. The key is to locate a school of fish, toss in the anchor, and start fishing! Since most anglers are concentrating on the perch, very little information is available on the fall walleye bite. Historically, casting into the wind blown points during evening hours has resulted in some very nice walleyes. And, a good largemouth bass bite is occurring around the islands, with one angler recently taking good numbers of fish, along with a large 6-pound bass. For more information, 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."
