Explore Minnesota Fishing Report August 17, 2012
This weekend's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and 70-degree temperatures for most of Minnesota, a perfect time to hit the water. This is also a great time to catch a variety of species, as well as some trophy-sized fish!
This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Rainy Lake walleye continue to congregate on the submerged reefs. Anglers using jigs with crawlers or leeches are finding fish in roughly 25 feet of water. No need to travel through the Brule Narrows as the fishing has been great on the reefs between the Brule and the Island View community. Smallmouth bass continue to hit along the rocky shorelines. On the Rainy River, walleye are hitting in the waters below the Ranier Rapids and below the dam at International Falls. To catch fish, just float with the current and drag a minnow or leech on a spinner rig, trying to stay in the deeper portion of the river. 800-325-5766
Kabetogama
On Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, fishing remains spotty and sporadic overall. The walleye, which should be hammering nightcrawlers are favoring minnows, especially fatheads. For the most fish, use minnows and jig heads or slip sinker rigs at 25-35 feet of water. For bass, perch, and possibly a walleye or two, try a nightcrawler behind a slip sinker rig in the shallows down to 24 feet. Use a plain hook, spinner, and snell, varying your presentation often until you find what works best. Artificial lures are a great choice during the dog days of summer--work 12-18 foot depths along the shorelines, or add bottom bouncers and hit depths down to 35 feet. Change speeds as well as depths to find the common denominator. Lake Namakan has been kicking out lots of fry pan walleye, especially for anglers using jig and minnow combinations at the 25-38 foot reefs. Kabetogama is giving up fish throughout the lake, including at the weed edges, reef edges and sunken island structure. The best shot for active walleye is to check the deeper structure from mid-Kabetogama towards Namakan. 800-524-9085
Crane Lake
800-362-7405
Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
800-648-5897
Ely
Many anglers are connecting with fish despite of the lack of leeches in area bait shops. Most have been using crawler harnesses or minnows to fill their stringers. Walleye continue to cruise the weed edges and shorelines in search of prey such as minnows and crayfish; crankbaits worked in 7-15 feet of water or worked around the weed edges and reef tops can be very effective this time of year. Crappies can still found in relatively shallow waters when using minnows, although some of the new soft baits worked around the structure have produced some nice slabs. Northern pike are in their usual haunts near island points and weed beds. Large crankbaits, spoons and spinner baits are best when ripped through these areas. For more relaxed fishing, suspend a live or dead sucker or shiner under a bobber. Smallmouth bass are attacking surface lures early and late in the day; during the day, try crankbaits and spinners. Also try soft swim baits or crayfish imitations near the bottom. 800-777-7281
Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Fishing on Lake Superior is gaining momentum, with large salmon and lake trout are becoming very active closer to shore. Some can be found in roughly 120 feet of water and some are coming from the shallows. A 9-pound Chinook was recently taken just outside of Grand Marais near Five Mile Rock on a bright yellow northport nailer fishing lure worked in roughly 100 feet of water. The walleye bite has been best during early morning and evening hours. Fish are still hungry for nightcrawlers and leeches, and sometimes even minnows. Elbow Lake, just out of Grand Marais, is giving up fish in 10-15 feet of water, and Two Island Lake has also produced some fish in roughly 20 feet. Crankbaits and crawler harnesses have been best. Later in the day, check the reefs and islands. On Devilfish Lake, walleye are heading deeper and can be found suspended in roughly 22-30 feet of water. Northern pike are biting on Poplar and Loon lakes, located in the mid-Gunflint Trail vicinity. The smallmouth bass remain very active, hitting just about everything. A four-pound bass was recently pulled from Sawbill Lake, north of Tofte.
Grand Rapids
Late summer fishing can offer some of the best action for a variety of species, and for some large fish. The warm water and cooler air temperatures have a tendency to attract bite action. Action has been best on partly cloudy days with a slight wind. On clear days, hit to the weedlines. Walleye action remains good on several area lakes, with some nice numbers coming from Pokegama and Sugar lakes late in the day. Bass Lake offers strong panfish action, with great panfish action also being reported on some of the smaller lakes north of Grand Rapids. 800-355-9740
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Lake of the Woods continues to give up great walleye catches. Successful anglers are pulling crankbaits, using crawler harnesses, and jigging on the main basin. Depths of 29-32 feet of water seems to be best. Schools of walleye can be found from at The Lighthouse and Morris Point gaps on west to Rocky Point and north to Garden Island. Anglers are also catching fish on the reefs of Archie's, Starren Shoal, Knight, Bridges and Stony Point. Expect limits of walleye, with trophy fish being common. The best colors for jigs and spinners this week are gold and pink. At the Northwest Angle, walleye action was excellent at the smaller, main lake reefs that topped off around 30 feet, adjacent to water as deep as 60 feet. The deepest areas in between small islands have also been good on calm days, while the same islands closer to the shorelines have produced best on the windy days. White and gold 1/8-ounce jigs tipped with a dead minnow or Berkley gulp minnow are being hit before they even made it to the bottom. A fishing trip produced more than 100 walleye for multiple boats recently. Muskie anglers are taking fish from the main lake rocks and broken rock shorelines close to deeper water. Bucktails, jerkbaits and blade-style topwaters are producing the majority of fish during low light hours. If you aren't fishing up until sunset, you may be missing some amazing action--be on your best spot during this prime period and fish it several times. Bass and northern pike are hitting at the deep rock piles. 800-382-FISH
Bemidji
Lakes in the Bemidji area still have surface water temperatures in the low 70s, so anglers continue to use summer fishing patterns for most species. Many walleye anglers are having success using faster presentations including bottom bouncers and spinners, safety pin spinners, and bullet sinkers with spinners and live bait. Other walleye anglers are using trolling presentations, with various types of minnow stick baits or other crankbaits. Depending on the depth, anglers can use lead core line or just a thin diameter braid like northland's bionic braid to place the lures at the right depth. Some walleye anglers, however, have made the switch back to jigs and minnows or live bait rigs with leeches, nightcrawlers or larger minnows. Anglers using spinner rigs are adding speed and flash to their presentation when covering lots of water. Once anglers locate an active school of walleye, it is often more efficient to use jigs and minnows or live bait rigs so anglers can slow down their presentations and concentrate on catching active fish in a specific location. Anglers have been catching walleyes in most of the larger lakes, with fishing improving in most areas of these lakes as the water temperatures begin to cool. Summer fishing patterns should hold in the lakes as long as surface water temperatures stay above 70 degrees, with fall patterns beginning to develop once surface temperatures drop into the 60s and below. 800-458-2223
Cass Lake
Walleye fishing continues to be good for anglers using rapalas during low light periods on Cass and Pike Bay lakes. The North Cedar and Deadman's Bar areas are giving up lots of fish in 6-8 feet of water. Perch are scattered along the weedlines on all major bars on Cass Lake. Nice crappies and largemouth bass are coming from under the lily pads in Allen's and Kitchi. Bluegills and larger pike can be found in 15-20 feet of water. 800-356-8615
Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish
The walleye bite on Lake Winnibigoshish has improved. Successful anglers have been trolling spinners with crawlers or leeches at the tops of the main lake bars. Pulled crankbaits have also worked well. Set rigs to run up to 4 feet off the bottom for the most fish. Hit the deepest weed beds you can find, setting rigs to run through the tops of the weeds. The perch bite remains great, and they are so much fun to catch. Fish over ten-inches long have been common. Northern pike have been aggressive. The best approach is to pitch a larger lure into the weed edges or troll the outside of the weeds using large crankbaits. 218/665-2268
Walker - Leech Lake
The surface water temperature on Leech Lake is starting to drop and that could be a plus for all anglers. With the recent fall-like temperatures, it will also enhance the jumbo perch bite. The walleye bite remains steady in the Walker Bay and Templar Point areas during morning and evening hours. The best presentations are lindy rigs and jigs tipped with a leech or crawler during lowlight hours. Crankbaits at dusk are still are effective throughout Leech Lake. In the main lake, spinner rigs with crawlers, or a jig with a crawler or minnow have been working well at the humps. For muskie action, throw bucktails and buzz baits in Portage Bay, and at Pelican and Pipe islands. For largemouth bass action, throw plastic baits at the edges of the weeds. Expect overall fishing to improve greatly with the recent cool weather pattern. 800-833-1118
Hackensack
Muskie fishing has started to heat up with the cooler temperatures, with anglers doing well burning bucktails or buzzbaits. Jigs and leeches seem to be the best bet for walleye since these fish are hiding in the weeds. Perch action is also heating up, and panfish action remains good. 800 -279-6932
Park Rapids
800-247-0054
Detroit Lakes
This last week brought two cold fronts and strong winds, and the water temperatures have dropped dramatically. Walleye continue to bite, however, the bite has been inconsistent due to the weather. This weekend's more stable weather patterns should lead to a more predictable bite. Anglers are currently having the most success pulling spinners along the deep weed edges, and pulling crankbaits over the weed flats and on the deep edges and basin transitions--rigging leeches, crawlers and minnows in 16-32 feet of water off the main lake humps and long extending points has also been effective. For walleye, hit Cormorant, Big Detroit, Pelican, Lida, Big Pine and Island lakes. Panfish have been active on the weeds of large flats on Tamarac, Toad, Shell, Rock, and Big Detroit lakes. Small leeches, crawler pieces and plastics on a small jig under a bobber provide consistent catches. Bass action has been good on Long, Floyd, McDonald, and Big Detroit lakes, especially in 13 feet of water or less. Some dock action is also being reported. Smallmouth bass action will start to heat up in the next couple of weeks on Island, Cormorant, Lida, and White Earth lakes. Muskie anglers shouldn't have any release problems from this weekend on through the end of the season. 800-542-3992
Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Fish continue to bite throughout the Otter Tail Lake area. Walleye are coming from 20-30 feet of water on Otter Tail and other area lakes. Harnesses with nightcrawlers and spinners, or redtails on jigs or Lindy rigs will put fish in the boat. During evening hours, use crankbaits in 6-10 feet of water. Panfish and bass action has been excellent on most lakes. Muskie fishing is starting to pick up as the water temperatures cool. 800-423-4571
Glenwood
Walleye are being taken by anglers using shallow crankbaits in 6-8 feet of water on Lake Minnewaska. The best time remains early morning and evening hours. Bass and northern pike are active throughout the day. Sunfish action has been great once you locate them. Walleye action has slowed on Reno and Miltona lakes, with the most fish coming from Minnewaska. 320/634-3636
Whitefish
Action has improved and considered good for walleye in the Whitefish Chain of Lakes region. For the most fish, use lindy rigs with crawlers or leeches, or jig fatheads or other minnows starting in roughly 18 feet of water and working your way out. Northern pike are hitting jig and minnow combinations, as well as trolled rapalas in 17-25 feet of water. Larger northerns remain quite deep. For the larger sunfish, hit the midlake humps in depths of 18-22 feet of water using small #8 hooks with a split shot and small leech. For bass, throw plastics or spinners along the weedlines. Smallmouth bass are hitting live bait in the same depths as the walleye.
Pine River
800-728-6926
Brainerd Lakes Area
Gull Lake has provided some great multi-species action over the last few weeks, although walleye action has been a bit inconsistent. Larger bass have come from 14-22 feet of water on spinnerbaits and jig worms. Northern pike can be found using lindy rigs and pike suckers in depths of 17-24 feet. As fall approaches, the walleye will begin to feed more heavily. On Lake Mille Lacs, walleye action has been good early in the morning, especially for anglers running spinner rigs with crawlers or minnows on the flats. By 10:00 a.m., the fishing slows down for the afternoon. Leadcore fishing is still producing some fish for those putting in the time. The perch are starting to move to the points, with anglers finding walleye mixed in. Look for fish in 25 feet of water during the day. Seguchie Point has been excellent for numbers of fish. Smallmouth bass anglers are doing well at Garrison Reef, Myr Mar, Brown's, and Seguchie points. Tube jigs and sinking minnows have been very effective. Some call it cheating, but leeches will work as well as anything. The northern pike bite has been fairly consistent, especially on the outside weedlines in Garrison Bay and by the Wealthwood Public Access which offers a nice weedline which runs for a mile in each direction of the access. 800-450-2838
Aitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
800-526-8342
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
888-350-2692
Willmar
The most consistent action in the Willmar Lakes Area is taking place on Green Lake. The walleye are biting in shallower waters during morning and evening hours. Sunfish, crappies, bass and northern pike are also being caught on Nest, Andrew, Diamond, Eagle and Florida lakes. This weekend's weather should be amazing--expect the fishing to be too! 800-845-8747
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls
One angler recently reported some exciting smallmouth bass action between the hours of 8:00 and 10:30 a.m., taking eight smallmouth ranging from 12- to 16-inches in length. These fish were pulled from 5-12 feet of water on tubes, jerk plastics and swim baits. As the sun rose higher and cleared the trees, the fish moved deeper and became more difficult to locate. 715/483-3580
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Bass and northern pike are hitting spinners and plastics on South Center and Chisago lakes. Panfish action has been very good on all area lakes. Walleye have been more difficult to locate, however anglers continue to take some fish during early morning and late evening hours, especially on Green Lake. Don't miss Frankie?s Fishing Tournament this weekend, August 17th & 18th, and be sure to stick around for the street dance at Frankie?s Saturday night! 651/257-1177
White Bear Area Lakes
The northern pike and muskie have turned very active, hitting hard baits during morning and nighttime hours on White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes. Spinnerbaits are working best during the day. The sunfish continue to hit leeches and worms in the 8-10 feet of water in the weeds. The crappies are holding in depths of 14-20 feet of water, hitting on crappie minnows or waxworms. Walleye are coming from 14-18 feet of water on Bald Eagle Lake, with leeches and fathead minnows on lindy rigs or slip bobbers producing the most fish. Bass are being pulled from the weedlines on jigs tipped with plastic worms, and on crankbaits worked along the edge of the weeds. 651/653-5122
Waconia
952/442-5812
Southern Minnesota
Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
877-525-3248
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of Thursday, August 16, conditions were clear and low for most area streams and rivers. Rain had recently fallen, but no changes in water conditions were observed. Some great streamer fishing for trout was being reported. And there were reports of success using beetle and cricket imitations. For detailed fishing maps showing defined property lines and easements, check out Trout Angling: Southern Minnesota. 800-944-2670
Rochester - Southeast Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
The Zumbro and Root rivers are slowly rising, but remain low. Expect fall fishing on area streams and rivers to be excellent once water reaches more normal levels. 800-634-8277
Winona
800-657-4972
Faribault Area Lakes
800-658-2354
Albert Lea
800-345-8414
Fairmont Area Lakes
800-657-3280
Ortonville -Big Stone Lake
The first full week of August on Big Stone Lake has been excellent for various species of fish. The perch remain the most active. The larger, 9-inch plus perch are being caught using walleye fishing techniques. These include casting crankbaits, and trolling crankbaits or spinners with crawlers. Anglers are taking an abundance of perch of various sizes just by anchoring at some of the traditional perch spots and jigging over the side--keep the presentation simple for the most success. If you can fish without a bobber, do so! The GrapeVine Reef has been very productive, as have the BayView, Windmill Reef and Whiskey House areas. The walleye typically go into hiding during the month of August, but numerous limits were reported just last week. Trolling crankbaits along the weedlines or at the tops of the reefs (Grapevine or Manhattan), has been best, especially during morning hours. Be sure to stay mobile. Mixed in with the perch and walleye have been quite a few white bass, largemouth bass, and an occasional northern pike. Several neighbors have reported excellent fishing right off their docks! 800-568-5722
