EXPLORE MINNESOTA FISHING REPORT JUNE 30, 2011

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EXPLORE MINNESOTA FISHING REPORT    JUNE 30, 2011
   

 The Minnesota DNR anticipates that sales of all fishing, hunting and trapping licenses, including online and telephone sales, will be suspended in the event of a government shutdown. Likewise, no boat, ATV or other licenses will be sold. Customers in need of licenses are advised to purchase them before July 1 as a contingency measure. All natural resource and license laws will remain in effect during a shutdown and will be enforced. Anglers may obtain fishing licenses by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.

International Falls -Rainy Lake & the Rainy River

Walleye are hitting jigs and spinners tipped with minnows or leeches. Most walleye have not yet moved from the shorelines and bays to the deeper mid-lake summer locations. The transition has started, however, and soon fish will be found on the submerged reefs. Crappies are active in Black Bay. Smallmouth bass are becoming more aggressive - look for them along the shorelines from the Brule Narrows west to Black Bay. Rainy River fishing has been good below the dam at International Falls and near the mouth of the Little Fork River. For the most walleye, slowly drift shiner minnows with the current. 1-800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

On Lakes Kabetogama & Namakan, fishing has improved dramatically now that water temperatures are in the 70s during the day. Anglers report that the nightcrawler bite has started up again. Walleye action has been best in depths of 20-26 feet, with slip sinker rigs working well when tipped with leeches or crawlers. On some days, a standard jig and minnow combination worked at 28-35 foot depths will also produce good numbers of fish. Northern pike enthusiasts should check out the bays with tributaries and along the shorelines using suckers under bobbers, crankbaits or jerkbaits. Smallmouth bass action is predictably good when using plastic artificial baits, crayfish baits, and mepps spinners tossed up on rocky shorelines or shallow reef edges. Walleye anglers will have to compete with the mayflies which are currently harassing everyone. Consider moving to the reefs, such as Center Reef, or to the east end lake areas, such as Headlight and Chase Islands. Colored hooks and small spinner blades on slip sinker rigs should be best. 1-800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely

Walleye continue to taken in good numbers from most area lakes. Successful anglers are using spinner rigs and rapala-style baits trolled through 9-15 feet of water. Some are doing well using minnows and leeches presented over sunken islands and reefs. Northern pike anglers also report good numbers of fish when casting and trolling large spinners and spoons - work the weed edges and points in depths of 5-15 feet for the most fish. Lake trout are hitting spoons and ciscoes in 50-60 feet of water on a few area trout lakes. Shoreline action is heating up for those targeting smallmouth bass. The best approach has been to cast a small plug or soft bait on a jig or weighted hook, however, an relaxing, easy and effective method has been to just toss out a leech or larger minnow under a float. 1-800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion

1-800-648-5897; www.lakevermilionresorts.com

Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage

Inland lakes along the Gunflint and Sawbill trails are giving up excellent numbers of fish. On Gunflint and East Bearskin lakes, lots of lunker walleye have been taken. Lake trout are active in the shallows. Bass will soon be settling in to spawn. Flour Lake, about halfway up the Gunflint Trail, is producing lots of smallmouth bass, walleye, and lake trout, with fish hitting on husky jerks and minnows. On Birch and Leo lakes, rainbow trout are attacking nightcrawlers! Poplar and Loon lake water temperatures are starting to warm, and the fish are moving into deeper waters. On Sawbill Lake, north of Tofte, jigging and drifting live bait rigs has been good for lots of smallmouth bass, panfish, and walleye - look for the fish in depths of 12-15 feet during the day. During late evening hours, hit the shallow rock areas using leeches under lighted slip bobbers. www.VisitCookCounty.com

Grand Rapids

As of late last week, the surface water temperatures were hovering around 63-degrees, extending the spring fishing patterns. Walleye anglers reported good action on lakes such as Lake Winnibigoshish (southeast side in 20-25 feet of water), and Bowstring Lake (as shallow as 8 feet). Action was also good on some of the smaller lakes, such as Spider, Deer, and Big Turtle - these lakes receive less fishing pressure and have fewer slot or size restrictions. The majority of walleye were being taken by anglers using a fairly aggressive jigging technique along with a jig and minnow combination or a lindy rig and leech. www.visitgrandrapids.com
Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Lake of the Woods anglers are taking good numbers of fish when anchoring and jigging with a pink, chartreuse, or gold jig tipped with a leech, worm or shiner minnow. Anchoring in 29-31 feet of water on the mud has been best for both eating-size and trophy fish. Some anglers are also having success at the reefs. The Northwest Angle and Islands area is also experiencing some great fishing, with the best action in depths of 12-15 feet. 1-800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

The mayfly hatch was delayed this year by previous cold and rainy weather, but the sudden arrival of warmer weather has triggered the hatches on most of the larger lakes - expect them to continue for the next week or so. While anglers can still catch walleye, it will require a change in locations and tactics. Most walleye anglers have switched to live bait rigs tipped with leeches or nightcrawlers, which often resemble large insects. These are usually more appealing than minnows to walleye with full stomachs. Mayflies gather together in big clouds as they emerge from the mud. They will slowly rise to the surface at night to dry their wings and finish laying their eggs in the water. The clouds of mayflies are so dense coming off the bottom that they are visible on sonar! Walleye feeding on mayflies often suspend well off the bottom, and anglers will need to use longer snells to reach these fish. When targeting suspended walleye, use a 6-10 foot or longer snell, and inject a nightcrawler or leech with air to help them float further off the bottom. Most of the walleye have come from the edges of the mid-lake bars and humps in 18-26 feet of water. They can also be found on hard mud areas in much deeper water. And a few walleye anglers continue to find fish hanging at the shoreline breaks that have direct access to deep water with a mud bottom. When anglers using sonar see fish in a range of depths, they should try to catch the shallowest walleye first since these tend to be the most active. The water in the lakes is still very clear, so the best day bite has been when there is some wind or cloud-cover. The algae blooms are starting and the water temperatures are now approaching 70-degrees - expect summer fishing patterns to take hold very soon. 1-800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com

Cass Lake

Walleye have moved to deeper waters on Cass and Pike Bay lakes, where one angler recently took a 32-inch walleye. Perch are hitting spinnerbaits worked along the shorelines on Cass Lake. Muskie are chasing bucktails on Cass Lake. On lakes in the Deer River vicinity, water temperatures remain in the low 60s, and fish are now moving to deeper waters. Anglers report signs of the Mayfly hatch. 1-800-356-8615; www.casslake.com

Walker - Leech Lake

On Leech Lake, water temperatures are starting to increase. Lindy rigs tipped with crawlers or leeches have been the most productive. Spinners connected with a bottom bouncer and a crawler or leech have produced some nice fish on the main lake rocks. Many larger walleye are coming from the Goose Island area and Walker Bay humps. During evening hours, anglers are working Sand Point, with many doing well trolling crankbaits in Walker Bay and at the main lake points. On days with a good walleye chop, a jig and minnow combination is still a good choice. 1-800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Park Rapids

1-800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes

Crappies and sunnies remain active. Water temperatures in the Detroit Lakes area are in the low to mid-60s and some anglers continue to find panfish full of spawn. Walleye are still active in the shallows, hitting jigs and rigs tipped with minnows or leeches off the shoreline breaks that extend into main lake areas. Look to the outside weed edges in depths of 13-18 feet of water for these fish. Muskie anglers report more follows than bites recently, likely due to many days of wind driving from the east. Some bass are still on their beds in the shallows, with fish actively hitting jigs and spinnerbaits. Largemouth bass are active on Toad, Long, Floyd, Cotton and Melissa lakes. Smallmouth bass anglers are doing well on Island and Cormorant lakes. Walleye anglers are having the most success on Big Detroit, White Earth, The Pines, Otter Tail, Lida, Star, Pelican, and Sallie lakes. For muskie, check out Pelican, Sallie, Big and Little Detroit lakes. Panfish seem to be active on all area lakes. 1-800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Central Region

Otter Tail Lakes Area

Fishing has been good in Otter Tail County lakes. On Otter Tail Lake, fish are coming from the shallows during morning and evening hours. Walleye can be found in 18-24 feet of water during the day. For the most fish, use crawlers, leeches and redtails. Sunfish and bass remain very active in most area lakes. Crappies are completing their spawn and settling into 10-15 feet of water. Water temperatures varied from 65- to 68-degrees earlier this week, continuing to increase due to current above-average temperatures. 1-800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Whitefish Chain of Lakes Area

Walleye action remains good, with anglers finding fish at 20-plus feet of water during the day, and in shallower waters during evening hours. Water temperatures remain cool due to recent rains and unseasonably cool temperatures, but current sunny days have caused fish to turn more active. Bass can be found along the second weedline on Big Whitefish. Northern pike are also moving out to deeper waters, and hitting crankbaits worked in depths of 25-30 feet. www.whitefish.org

Brainerd Lakes Area

1-800-450-2838; www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Aitkin

Panfish are biting on Lake Wakenabo, with sunfish coming from 4-5 feet along the bulrush edge. Bass are also active on Wakenabo, hitting topwater baits and plastic worms. On Cedar Lake, some nice-size walleye are being pulled from depths of 15-17 feet on leeches. On Lake Mille Lacs, walleye are coming from the rocks at sunset and on windy days. The gravel at the southern one-third of the lake has been good for lots of fish over the protected slot size. Walleye are hitting long lindy rigs tipped with a leech on the gravel. These areas have been the transition spots in 26-32 feet of water. The edges of the flats have been the best areas to target. In most cases, the fish have been in small schools, and can be located fairly easy when using electronics. The water temperature is holding at roughly 63- to 64-degrees. 1-800-526-8342; www.aitkin.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

The bite on Lake Mille Lacs continues to be good. Fish can be found on the shallow rocks along the southeast side in 7-12 feet of water. Anglers are having the most success using a slip bobber and leech, or rigging with a leech. The mud flats, such as Matton, Myr-Mar, and Sherman's, are giving up some nice fish on the edges of the flats. Here, as well as at some of the deep gravel bars, spinners with crawlers or leeches are working well. This presentation is speed-dependent. Toward sundown, the slip bobber and leech bite remains best, with depths ranging from 6-34 feet all producing fish! Some scattered smallmouth bass action is being reported in waters as deep as 12 feet. The most consistent depth, however, is still less than 6 feet. Use small tubes and grubs for the majority of fish. 1-888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar

Fishing has been excellent on most area lakes. Walleye are active in the shallow lakes, such as Solomon, Long, Ringo, and Big Kandiyohi. The deeper lakes, including Florida, Eagle, Nest, Norway and Diamond lakes, will turn on soon with the current warm temperatures. Green Lake is already heating up and starting to produce some nice fish. Sunfish are beginning to spawn, and can be found in the shallows. Bass and northern pike are very active, chasing everything from leeches to crawlers. Panfish have been attacking waxworms. 1-800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area

Bass are active at the weedlines and shallower waters under docks on Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes. Please remember that these lakes are catch-and-release only for bass. Large numbers of sunfish are being pulled from nearly all docks on area lakes. For the largest sunfish, use small leeches and waxworms at roughly 6-10 feet of water around the weedlines. Walleye continue to hit jumbo leeches worked in 12-18 feet of water. Anglers report the most action on North Center and Chisago lakes during early morning and evening hours. Crappies can be found suspended at 8-10 feet in depths of 15-20 feet. Anglers are finding them all over when using a locater and crappie minnows. 651/257-1177; www.chisagolakeschamber.com

White Bear Lake Area Lakes

The sunfish and bass were biting in less than 6 feet of water on White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes late last week. The crappies had moved deeper on both lakes, and were hitting crappie minnows and jigs. The walleye bite was best in depths of 10-12 feet on Bald Eagle Lake, with leeches and fathead minnows working well. On White Bear Lake, a few fish were being reported by anglers using fatheads in depths of 20-25 feet. Northern pike were active on both lakes, with sucker minnows and trolled spinnerbaits producing fish. Anglers reported lots of muskie follows, but few bites. 651/653-5122; www.ExploreWhiteBear.org

Waconia

A variety of species are being pulled from Lake Waconia on a regular basis, with sunfish and bass being the most active recently. The sunfish are still trying to spawn in the shallows within the pencil reeds and bulrushes. Anglers report good numbers when using waxworms and angle worms on beetle spins. Jigs tipped with small crappie minnows have been good for larger sunfish and some crappies. Bass anglers report lots of fish coming from the shallows on plastic worms and topwater baits on calm days. For some lunkers, hit points off reefs in deeper waters, including Red's and Cemetery reefs. The best method is to use a jig, deep-diving crankbait, or a leech, fathead or small sucker minnow under a bobber. Walleye action has been best during low lights hours, with some smaller walleye coming off most reefs - current hot spots include Keg's, North, and Stone reefs. Keeper-size fish, measuring 16-inches and more, are also being taken. The preferred method has been a jumbo leech and jig worked at a weed edge in 12-14 feet of water. Muskie anglers report a few fish, but not the numbers typically seen this time of year. Some of the successful anglers have been using cowgirls and bulldogs off Center and Pillsbury reefs. Northern pike reports have been up from past years, with anglers finding fish at Red's and Cemetery reefs, as well as the break-line on the south shore. Both species of predators have also been spotted in the shallows preying on the smaller spawning fish. 952/442-5812; www.destinationwaconia.org
Southern Minnesota

Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River

1-877-525-3248; www.lakecitymn.org

Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams

As of Wednesday, June 29, most streams were clearing up nicely. Several Iron Blue Quill spinners (Paraleptophlebia sp.) were seen on the South Fork Root this morning. These were very small, roughly size #20. Several species of caddis continued to come off in Forestville State Park on a daily basis. On June 28, some excellent March brown hatches were reported on the South Branch Root River, upstream and downstream of Forestville State Park. Conditions were clear and normal on June 29 for Duschee Creek, Forestville Creek, Bee Creek, Winnebago Creek, and the South Branch Root River at Forestville State Park. Camp Creek and the South Fork Root River were considered off and normal. And conditions remained muddy and high for the South Branch Root River at Lanesboro. 1-800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Faribault Area Lakes

1-800-658-2354; www.visitfaribault.com

Albert Lea

1-800-345-8414; www.albertleatourism.org

Fairmont Area Lakes

1-800-657-3280; www.fairmontcvb.com

Ortonville - Big Stone Lake

More than 4 inches of water fell last week in the Big Stone Lake area. Despite soggy conditions, anglers did well between rain showers. One angler confined to dock-fishing reported a half dozen largemouth bass, a few walleye and white bass. Over the weekend, anglers enjoyed both nice weather conditions and good walleye catches. Most of the walleye came from the areas between Lou's Point and the grey barn to the north. Bottom bouncers and spinners were the most effective technique. Lots of large perch are also being reported. For lots of 11-12 inch fish, use spinners. Most of these fish can be found scattered in the deepest part of the lake (14 feet) so trolling has been best for quantity. Overall, while the weather has not been cooperative, the fish have! 1-800-568-5722; www.bigstonelake.com