Explore Minnesota Fishing Report August 23, 2012
Recent cool nights have caused water temperatures to drop significantly. As water temperatures cool further, expect most species to become increasingly active. Signs of fall have already begun to appear around the edges of Minnesota lakes, with hints of yellow and gold developing in some trees. This transformation reminds us that the best fishing action of the year is right around the corner!
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Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Walleye anglers continue to have success on the submerged reefs in 30-35 feet of water--jigging with crawlers or leeches seems to be working best during mid-day hours. Most anglers continue to have success west of the Brule Narrows, however, fishing the east end of Rainy is also quite productive. There are scattered reports of crappie and smallmouth bass, but northern pike action seems to have slowed. The Rainy River has been best above the dam and in the area below the Ranier Rapids. Below the dam, you can find walleye and smallmouth bass in the swifter waters, with walleye coming from the mouth of the Little Fork and Big Fork rivers. Minnows on a spinner rig seem to be best. 800-325-5766
Kabetogama
Recent cold fronts and the subsequent drop in water temperatures have increased the bite on lakes Kabetogama and Namakan. While slip sinker rigs continue to work, more and more walleye anglers are having success using jigs tipped with minnows. The rock piles, reefs and deep shoreline structure are giving up the majority of walleye, especially to those who work with the direction of the winds. Artificial lures with lead line or bottom bouncers are also a good combination for walleye, especially during the slower mid-day periods. Northern pike and bass are turning more aggressive--shorter daylight hours generally cause fish to bite more aggressively. 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
Walleye continue to bite during early morning and late evening hours. Fish are now staying closer to rocky and weedy reefs, holding in 30-60 feet of water. On calm, hot days, some of the deep areas between the islands are producing some great catches. On Poplar Lake, midway up the Gunflint Trail, drifting or slowly trolling a crawler harnesses has produced fish. Devil's Track Lake, located just outside of Grand Marais, continues to produce some nice walleye in depths of 16-20 feet on spinners with crawlers or minnows. Bass and northern pike are active near the deep rock piles. On Duncan Lake, located within the BWCAW, northern pike are practically jumping into the canoes. For the most action, use spoons and minnows--pack a good anchor since you'll need help reeling in these monsters. White and gold 1/8th-ounce jigs tipped with a minnow are getting hit before they even reach the bottom! Smallmouth bass are hitting crawlers and spinners on Hungry Jack Lake, with fish found schooled in depths of 6-18 feet. Lake Superior remains the source of the hottest fishing stories. From Grand Portage to Tofte, anglers are taking lots of salmon and lake trout, even in front of the Grand Marais harbor! Most anglers are now working in the shallower 100 foot depths, however, some continue to head out a bit deeper in search of lakers.
Grand Rapids
Recent cool nights have caused water temperatures to drop significantly, roughly 10-degrees in the past week and a half. Late summer/early fall patterns are beginning to emerge. When the wind blows, the best presentation is a baitfish image spinner with a nightcrawler worked in roughly 8 feet of water--look for fish near or inside the mature vegetation. The most productive blade colors have switched from traditional hammered gold to anything bright such as sunrise and yellow perch. When the wind die down, look for fish to move out of the shallow weeds into 12-18 feet of water. Pulling crankbaits along the outside weed edge at roughly 2.4 mph has has also produced fish. Once fish are located, switch to a 1/16-ounce jig tipped with a nightcrawler, and work the area thoroughly. 800-355-9740
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Lake of the Woods anglers are catching lots of walleye on crankbaits, crawler harnesses and jigs. Areas to hit include Zippel Bay, Long Point, Knight, Bridges, Stony Point, and in front of Pine Island. With such a large population of fish, even "no man's land" in the open water mud basin is giving up fish. Most fish can be found in depths of 30-33 feet of water, with lots of saugers mixed in. The most productive colors this week are gold, pink, white, and firetiger. At the Northwest Angle & Islands area, water temperatures have dropped from the mid-70s to the mid-60s in a week's time. This change in temperature seems to have increased the bite, especially for the larger fish, with trophy walleye, northern pike and muskie all being reported! Walleye anglers are pulling fish from 30-40 feet of water at the larger island points with steep drops. The larger fish are coming in on crankbaits and harnesses. Jigging with minnows is still the most common approach, with 100 fish days being reported. Muskie anglers are seeing up to 20 fish per day. Crappie fishing is picking up near cover--fish can also be found suspended at roughly 20 feet. 800-382-FISH
Bemidji
Water temperatures in the Bemidji area are hovering around the 70-degree mark, so anglers are still able to use summer tactics for walleye and other species of fish. Anglers are having success using spinner rigs for walleye, with bottom bouncers working best in deeper waters and bullet sinkers and spinners working best in shallower waters. In the deeper lakes such as Bemidji, Cass and Plantagenet the best walleye bite has been has been on the sides of structure in 12-18 feet of water. Walleye are now moving back into the shallows in the more shallow lakes such Upper Red and Winnibigoshish, with many eating-size walleye being pulled from depths of 6-12 feet. Please note that the water levels in Upper Red Lake are very low, and some anglers are having trouble accessing the lake with larger boats. Anglers are also finding perch in similar depths as the walleye, and at times in slightly shallower waters. Bass, crappies and sunnies have been active in many area lakes. Bass can be found in the heavy cover, with more bass now moving to the outside weed edges to gather in schools. Sunnies have been using the edges of the heavy cabbage, coontail and northern milfoil weeds--the greenest, healthiest patches of weeds are usually the most attractive to sunfish. Crappies can also be found on the edges of the weed beds, as well as on the deep rocks. Most crappies are coming in during low light hours, however, they soon become active throughout the day as water temperatures cool further. Muskie and northern pike action is heating up--tulibees are generally the key forage and these fish are one of the few species that spawn in the fall, with many of the larger gamefish following them into the shallows. 800-458-2223
Cass Lake
Water temperatures have dropped into the low 70s, still a little warm for a good jig and minnow walleye bite. Walleye have, however, been hitting minnows with a spinner. Lake Winnibigoshish continues to offer a great walleye bite in 8-10 feet of water. Anglers are having the most success rigging a crawler or using spinners tipped with half a crawler or minnow. The east side of the lake has been spectacular, especially once you locate a school of fish that hasn't had a lot of pressure from other anglers. Crappie action is heating up in Cut Foot Sioux, but size has been fair. Crappies are being pulled from depths of 7-8 feet at the rocks on Bowstring Lake. Northern pike anglers are having a blast casting and trolling the cabbage beds--quite a few of these fish are measuring over 30-inches. 800-356-8615
Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish
218/665-2268
Walker - Leech Lake
Leech Lake water temperatures are dropping. Walleye anglers continue to use leeches and crawlers, however, more are turning to a jig and minnow approach. In the big lake, a spinner rig or a jig tipped with a crawler has been very effective at Sucker Bay, the Submarine Island area, and at the Hardwoods. Walker Bay remains the hot spot, especially from Cedar Point to the Sand Point flats in 7-12 feet of water. Lindy rigs and jigs tipped with a leech, crawler or minnow are producing some nice walleye numbers in Walker Bay. The jumbo perch remain somewhat sluggish, however, some nice-sized jumbos have been mixed in with the walleye. The muskie bite has been strong and should remain that way with the cooler water temperatures. Areas to check include Portage Bay and around the shallow rocks near Pipe Island. The largemouth bass bite is good in the harbors at the rice beds. Panfish are attacking the new northland impulse plastic leeches in most of the bays and harbors. 800-833-1118
Hackensack
Cooler night temperatures have caused fish to move into slightly shallower waters. Crappies, walleye and muskie continue to be taken. For the most walleye, use jigs tipped with minnows. 800 -279-6932
Park Rapids
Cool nights have caused surface water temperatures to drop 12-degrees in the past two weeks. High winds have reduced the clarity in some of the lakes, and floating weeds have become more noticeable. While this is not due to lake "turn-over," it is an indicator that the process, which takes several weeks, is in motion. The bluegill and crappie bite has been great in 6-12 feet of water, with small jigs tipped with plastic bodies working very well--no need for live bait! Northern pike activity has fallen slightly, although some nice fish continue to be caught. As water temperatures cool further, expect the pike to become increasingly active. For now, a medium-sized sucker minnow attached to a 1/2-ounce brightly colored hair or feather jig worked in 10-16 feet of water has been tough to beat. Muskie have been active, with some trophy-sized fish being reported by anglers using traditional topwater baits. The key is to head out early and stay late. Walleye action has been stable. Most successful anglers are using crawlers on either a spinner or "slow-death" rig--walleye would general prefer minnows but the availability of river minnows has greatly declined. Leeches will work too, but again, finding decent-sized leeches has been difficult. During low light hours, troll crankbaits through the mid-depth waters. 800-247-0054
Detroit Lakes
Water temperatures have dropped dramatically. Walleye anglers are 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 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
As of late last week, walleye were being taken by anglers using shallow crankbaits in 6-8 feet of water on Lake Minnewaska. The best time was either early morning or evening hours. Bass and northern pike were active throughout the day. Sunfish action was great once you located them. Most of the walleye action was on Lake Minnewaska. 320/634-3636
Whitefish
Action continues to improve for walleye anglers fishing in the Whitefish Chain of Lakes area. For the most fish, use crawlers, leeches or minnows on lindy rigs in roughly 18 feet of water, then work your way out deeper. Some walleye are being taken from the weeds in 11-16 feet of water during midday hours. Northerns are hitting larger minnows on lindy rigs or jigs just outside the weedlines. The largest northerns remain deep, but are starting to move into more shallow waters. For the largest fish, jig a large minnow in the deeper water. The larger sunfish are within the weedy, midlake humps in 14-22 feet of water. Anglers report lots of bass action when using live bait, especially minnows, with plastics and spinners also producing some fish along the weedlines and around the docks. Smallmouth bass are hitting live bait in the same areas as the walleye.
Pine River
The fall transformation is beginning to appear in trees lining the edges of Pine River area lakes, with hints of yellow and gold beginning to develop in some trees. This is always a sign that the best fishing action of the year is fast approaching! Walleye fishing is picking up on most area lakes in 15-30 feet of water. Nightcrawlers, leeches and minnows on rigs worked along the base of the weedbeds and off the deep edge drops have been best. Northern pike and bass are very active in and around the weedbeds, with crankbaits, spinnerbaits and tube baits working extremely well. Panfish are holding in depths of 12-15 feet. Crappies are especially active at dawn and at dusk. Bluegills can be found throughout the day in 10-12 feet of water when using small jig/worm rig set ups, with or without a slip-bobber or straight line. 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. Walleye are being pulled from shallower waters during morning and evening hours on Nest, Andrew, Diamond, Eagle and Florida lakes. Sunfish, crappies, bass and northern pike are also coming from these lakes. 800-845-8747
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls
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. 651/257-1177
White Bear Area Lakes
Sunfish are biting on White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes, with anglers pulling fish from 8-12 feet of water on leeches and worms. Walleye are being pulled from depths of 12-18 feet on leeches and fathead minnows. The Bass have been active on the weedlines of both lakes, with artificial lures such as plastic worms and jigs working well when fished slowly. Northern pike and muskie have been very active, hitting trolled spinners such as cowgirls and other blade baits over the weed tops. 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 23, conditions were clear and low for all area streams and rivers. Trico spinner falls were being reported on the South Branch Root River upstream through downstream of Forestville State Park. No reports had been made on the White Fly (Ephoron sp.) hatch in the coolwater/warmwater streams. 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
As of late last week, the Zumbro and Root rivers were slowly rising. Expect fall fishing on area streams and rivers to be excellent once water levels return to normal. 800-634-8277
Winona
800-657-4972
Faribault Area Lakes
800-658-2354
Albert Lea
Fountain Lake is giving up lots of crappies, sunnies and catfish to anglers using jigs, bobbers and minnows. Walleye anglers are taking a few fish. Current hot spots include the shoreline and fishing pier of Edgewater Bay Shore and the Cemetery shoreline. 800-345-8414
Fairmont Area Lakes
800-657-3280
Ortonville -Big Stone Lake
Anglers reported lots of success on Big Stone Lake last weekend--one boat reported a catch of seven different species of fish! Perch anglers did well when anchored and jigging in the Windmill Reef, Bayview, Grapevine and Manhattan Reef/Lagoona Beach areas. Limits of 15 perch of ranging from 5- to 11-inches were common. Nightcrawlers, spikes and minnows are working well, but the key is to find a the school of hungry fish. Walleye anglers are finding some fish when pulling crankbaits or bottom bouncers and spinners--the bottom bouncer/spinner/crawler approach seems to be more productive now that the water temperatures have dropped. For the most fish, hit depths of 13-14 feet in the middle of the day, sliding back to 9-10 foot depths during early morning and evening hours. Dock anglers continue to report good catches, especially during early morning, late afternoon and evening hours--the clear water makes it difficult for a good daytime bite. 800-568-5722
