Explore Minnesota Fishing Report Fish have become much more active now that the more seasonable air temperatures have caused a decline in water temperatures - these fish are hungry as they try to bulk up before winter. All anglers venturing out are encouraged to use extra caution, especially with the higher risk of hypothermia.
International Falls -Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Rainy Lake reports were hard to come by this week, but local experts speculate that the walleyes and northern pike have become much more active as the temperatures turn colder and the days get shorter. Some anglers fishing the Rainy River reported that they were getting quite a few keeper-sized walleyes around the mouth of the Littlefork River. To learn more, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Cooler, more fall-like temperatures will likely result in a feeding frenzy, with excellent fishing expected as long as anglers can get out. Both walleye and northern pike anglers report that it is essential to stay on the move, working the deeper waters - late day anglers should hit somewhat shallower waters. For the most fish, use minnows. To find out more about Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out
www.kabetogama.comEly
Basswood Lake is giving up good numbers of fish. Walleyes, weighing up to six-pounds, are being pulled from the reefs, and two-pound crappies are coming from the back bay areas. Walleyes remain active on local lakes, such as Shagawa and White Iron. Most anglers are using jig and minnow combinations when fishing the deep drops around the islands. Those slowly trolling or drifting the deep water drop-offs are having the most success when using lindy rigs tipped with crawlers or minnows - this is the best technique for the six-pound walleyes. Crappie anglers continue to do well on the Twin Lakes north of Burntside, and on Fall Lake near the dead heads on the north shore. For the most fish, use small minnows under a slip bobber or tipped on a small jig. 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
To find out what's biting, 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
The fall feeding frenzy caused by the Emerald Shiner run is starting to be seen. Water temperatures are roughly 46-degrees, and the shiners have started to trickle into the Rainy River, hanging right outside the Lighthouse Gap. The bite remains strong in this area, especially in 20-24 feet of water. Anglers are seeing great numbers of walleyes, sauger, and even a few perch. The morning and evening bite on the river has been best in depths of 10-12 feet, with any color 1/2-ounce jig turning limits of fish. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
To find out where the fish are biting, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out
www.visitbemidji.comWalker - Leech Lake
On Leech Lake, large walleyes continue to be taken on minnows worked on the deep humps in Walker Bay. A jig and minnow combination is producing walleyes on the wind-driven points in 4-10 feet of water. When the wind is blowing into these points, check out Pine, Stoney, First Duck, Second Duck, and the Hardwoods. At night, crankbaits remain productive in depths of 10-12 feet off Pine Point and the GrandVu area. The rocks seem to be holding a few more active muskies. Perch action has slowed. For more information, dial 1-800-833-1118, or visit
www.leech-lake.comCass Lake/ Deer River - Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes
More duck hunters are venturing out onto Blackduck Lake than anglers. Those anglers that do head out report a few perch taken from roughly 8 feet of water during the warmer afternoon hours. While walleyes can be found in the deeper waters, many anglers are now waiting to pursue them until hard water fishing begins, usually around Thanksgiving for the Cass Lake vicinity. To learn more, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit
www.casslake.comPark Rapids
For information on what's biting, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
Since last week's full moon phase, the area has been hit by a major cold front and water temperatures have dropped below 50-degrees. The weather outlook is good for this weekend, into next week, and there should be an increase in fall fishing action. Hit the deeper waters on most area lakes for all species of fish. Minnows in the 3-5 inch range are the best bet. For walleyes, check out Pelican, Cormorant, Big Detroit, Island, Pine and Otter Tail lakes. Crappies have been holding off the sharp breaks on the Pine lakes. Muskie action has been good on Big Detroit and Pelican lakes - for the most fish, slowly work your rigs, and slow down your jig stroke due to the drop in water temperature. To find out more, dial 1-800-542-3992, or go to
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
For information on which techniques are working best, dial 1-800-423-4571, or check out
www.ottertailcountry.comMiltona
To find out where and when to fish, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit
www.VisitLakeMiltona.comPine River area lakes
Pine River area lakes are giving up walleyes in 25-50 feet of water during the day, depending on the wind speed and cloud cover. At night, walleyes are being taken from the shallows by anglers casting from shore - typical of fall fishing. Most are using a simple minnow and slip sinker rig, however a jig and minnow combination is also working well. A slow presentation seems to be key this time of year. Northern pike and bass are hitting jig and minnow combinations at the deep edges of weedlines, with fish also being pulled from depths of 12-15 feet. Panfish anglers are reporting good action, especially on calmer days with air temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Expect fishing to remain good until anglers are forced to put their boats away. And, please be sure to wear your life jacket, especially this time of year when cool water temperatures make safety a necessity. For more, dial 1-800-728-6926, or check out
www.pinerivermn.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes area
On the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, walleyes were coming from 18-28 feet of water on redtails and rainbow minnows either jigged or lindy-rigged just late last week,. Northern pike and bass were hitting spinners and jigs worked along the outside weedlines. Smallmouth bass have become increasing active on many area rivers. Crappies can be found suspended in depths of 14-18 feet of water, hitting minnows and worms. To learn more, 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, the early evening walleye bite has improved for anglers using leeches under bobbers. During late evening and nighttime hours, troll Lakeside Reef, Big Point, the Tundra, Mazominee Point, Indian Point and Rocky Reef. Don't be afraid to increase the size of your bait a bit, using a #11 or #13 floating rapala, or a #12 or #14 husky jerk or super rogue. Anglers preferring shad-body baits should consider #5 or #7 shad raps or wally divers. Blue, black, and fire tiger have been the most productive colors, especially in depths of 5-12 feet. And for perch, check out depths of 6-9 feet in the bays. To learn more, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out
www.millelacs.comWillmar
As of late last week, fishing was great on nearly every lake in the county. Panfish anglers were doing exceptionally well on Lakes Solomon and Andrew. Good numbers of walleyes and perch were being pulled from Eagle and Big Kandiyohi lakes. Anglers were also having success with the large northern pike and walleyes on 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
Walleyes are being taken by anglers throwing rapalas in the channel between Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes. Anglers report great northern pike fishing on Sunrise Lake during afternoon and evening hours. Sucker minnows have been best. To find out more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Lake Area Lakes
To learn where the fish are biting, dial 651/653-5122, or check out
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
For information on where and when to fish, 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
Some nice-sized walleyes are being pulled from Mazaska and General Shields lakes by anglers trolling rapalas through 8 -15 feet of water. The largemouth bass are feeding more aggressively, especially on Cedar, Hunts, and General Shields lakes. For the most fish, try casting crankbaits and mepps spinners towards shore. Sunfish are active on Hunts Lake, with waxworms and silver wigglers worked in depths of 12-15 feet working best. Perch are hitting crappie minnows and waxworms worked over the rock humps on Circle Lake. To learn more, dial 1-800-658-2354, or visit
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
Fountain Lake was giving up good numbers of perch, sunfish and crappies late last week. Crappie anglers reported some good fishing in the shallows at the channel by the Catholic cemetery and Hatch Bridge when fishing a mere 1-2 feet down. Walleyes have been biting in the channel below the dam at dusk. For more information, dial 1-800-345-8414, or check out
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
Fox Lake continues to produce some very nice crappies and perch, with minnows working best. Hall, Budd, and Sisseton lakes are giving up lots of bluegills on crawlers and waxworms. The perch and crappies are responding best to minnows. A few good-size walleyes have also been taken. Perch and walleye anglers are doing very well using minnows or jigs tipped with twister tails. Perch anglers are reporting success on Iowa Lake. To find out more, dial 1-800-657-3280, or visit
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
As of late last week, fewer anglers were venturing out onto Big Stone Lake, but the fish were still very active. Those that did head out reported good numbers of perch coming from depths of 9-10 feet at the Bay View, and at the end of the Grape Vine Reef. Some anglers were taking lots of fish from the docks as well. 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."
