Explore Minnesota Fishing Report August 30, 2012
Meteorologists are forecasting a phenomenal Labor Day weekend for anglers throughout the state, and this Friday's full moon should brighten the nighttime skies for a few days providing a great opportunity for some late night walleye action. Water temperatures are holding in the low 70s on most lakes, and anglers should continue to use a summer fishing approach in most areas. Happy Labor Day!
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Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Walleye are being pulled from the submerged reefs in Rainy Lake. Hot spots include the reefs north of Cranberry Island, and west of the Brule Narrows. Trolling a minnow with a spinner rig is working well, as is jigging with a minnow, crawler or leech. Depths of 2-35 feet seem to be best. Walleye are also coming from Sand Bay, particularly areas close to Ranier Rapids. Northern pike are active in Black, Cranberry and Lost bays. Crappies are coming from Black Bay. Anglers are taking smallmouth bass from the rocky shorelines from Bohman Landing east to the Island View area and beyond. 800-325-5766
Kabetogama
It feels like July and the water temperatures represent July, yet it's almost September! And fish are acting as if it's still July--expect fish to remain scattered, with no rhyme or reason for the mixed action. Early morning hours remain the prime time to find walleye. Look for structure such as reef edges and shoreline drop-offs, concentrating on rock or gravel bottoms. Depths of 12-30 are giving up the most fish. Baitfish and crayfish are the typical food supply in these conditions, and such prey relate to the above mentioned structure. Artificial lures with lead line, bottom bouncers, or just deep-running lures should produce numbers of fish of all species! Northern pike are being pulled from the deep weed edges and bay entrances. Smallmouth bass can be found everywhere, with sizeable fish coming in on lures tossed on the reef edges and shorelines. Spinnerbaits such as mepps, x-raps and crayfish baits are producing lots of fish. 800-524-9085
Crane Lake
800-362-7405
Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
800-648-5897
Ely
While fishing has slowed a bit, anglers that put in the time continue to take limits. One method that is producing fish is slowly trolling crankbaits on the outside weed edges or over the reef tops and points in 5-15 feet of water. Spinner-rigging crawlers has also worked well. At dusk and well into the night, walleye will be moving into water as shallow as 2 feet to prey on minnows and crayfish that are seeking refuge near the shoreline--a lively minnow under a lighted bobber works wonders and can be used from a boat, dock, and shore. This method should work well for the next several weeks. Smallmouth bass and northern pike are attacking surface baits both early and late in the day. During the mid-day period, try crankbaits in crayfish colors for the smallmouth, and perch colors for the pike. Lake trout are hitting trolled spoons 50-60 foot depths. 800-777-7281
Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Lake Superior is offering for some amazing big lake fishing. Between Grand Marais and Five Mile Rock, aptly named because it is 5 miles east of Grand Marais, the charter fishing boats are reeling in large lake trout and chinook salmon close to the shore. One beautiful 12-pound, 33-1/3 inch trout was pulled from roughly 100 feet of water. Also, the waters around Isle Royale are excellent for large trout and salmon, as well as huge northern pike. Last weekend, a 44-inch pike was netted, along with a 36-inch "smaller" northern just an home later! Walleye action has been spectacular in area inland lakes, with walleye coming from 15-25 foot depths with rocky bottoms and boulder ridges. If river flow remains strong through the fall season, the walleye will congregate below the flowing current--grab the last of the season's leeches or try the old tried and true nightcrawlers for some great action. On Cascade Lake, both walleye and northern pike are hitting rapalas and minnows in roughly 15 feet of water. On Leo Lake, the rainbow trout are suspended in 25 feet of water, hitting minnows and nightcrawlers. Jigs and spoons are also turning fish. After Labor Day, the fish will start their annual descents to deeper water, so come enjoy some fabulous "shallow-water" fishing now!
Grand Rapids
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 dies 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 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 continues to produce large numbers of walleye, with trophy-sized fish being reported. Most fish are coming off of the mud flats in 30-33 feet of water, although reefs throughout the lake are also holding. The Lighthouse Gap, Graceton Beach, Long Point, Rocky Point, Knight and Bridges areas are all holding fish. Walleye and sauger are showing up throughout the lake, with the majority of fish being taken by anglers trolling crankbaits or drifting spinners and crawlers. Gold, chrome and brighter colors such as firetiger are working well. Some anglers are also catching fish in front of the gaps in 22-24 feet of water on jigs. At the Northwest Angled & Islands area, good numbers of larger walleye and hundreds of fish measuring 14- to 18-inches are being caught while jigging in the northern areas around the main lake humps and points. A minnow on a brightly-colored jig worked over 25-40 feet of water has been best. Most of the larger walleye are being taken by anglers trolling spinners across the mud flats, as well as by muskie anglers working the southern portion of the Northwest Angle! Muskie fishing has been excellent most of the summer. Overall, muskie are in the low 40-inch range, with several mid to upper 40-inch reported this week. A large variety of baits have been producing fish, however, it's been hard to beat classic lures such as mepps, marabou, suick, and topraider. 800-382-FISH
Bemidji
The August full moon arrives tomorrow this week, which gives anglers the option of heading out after dark to fish for species that prefer feeding at night. Most anglers pursue walleye, but muskies and other species are also known to feed at night. The full moon provides enough backlight for fish to be able to look towards the surface of the lakes and see their prey silhouetted by the light of the moon. Most anglers use surface baits or shallow-diving lures for night fishing so they can keep their presentation in the right zone for fish feeding towards the surface. Larger lakes are usually the best lakes at night since there are longer stretches of good trolling water for anglers to fish. The day bite for walleye has been pretty good on most of the larger lakes. Surface water temperatures are holding in the low 70s, so most fish are still in their summer fishing patterns. Anglers are having success using several methods, including stationary spinners and live bait, jigs tipped with minnows, and live bait rigs with night crawlers, leeches or larger minnows. 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
Continued summer-like weather in the Leech Lake area has resulted in some unpredictable days of fishing. Walleye anglers are having mixed results using crawler rigs and lindy rigs with a leech. Perch have been hitting jig and minnow combinations, with few jumbo perch being reported. Walker Bay's walleye action has been slow during the day, however the evening bite around Sand Point has been good for anglers working live bait rigs or pulling crankbaits. In the main lake, the deeper water at Goose Island Flats, the Meadows and Sucker Bay have been productive. Last weekend's 45th Annual Frank Schneider Muskie Tournament on Leech Lake was a great success with anglers enjoying an increase in muskie action. 800-833-1118
Hackensack
Summer has "returned," and fishing has been just as inconsistent as the temperatures. Panfish and muskie action, however, remains very good. The walleye have been hard to find. The perch bite has improved. Successful walleye anglers are mostly using crawler rigs, but the minnow bite has been picking up. Redtails and creek chubs are the way to go to entice the walleye into biting. Trolling crankbaits continues to be one of the more consistent methods for picking up a few fish a night. Muskie action has been hot on Leech Lake. For the most fish, hit the transitions from the rock to weeds, and the cabbage areas for great topwater action during evening hours. Overall, put the time in and you'll catch some nice fish. Sunfish and crappies are starting to move into more shallow waters. Waxworms have been working really well for the sunfish, and crappie minnows are turning some very large crappies--small twisters and tubes have also been working well. 800 -279-6932
Park Rapids
Bluegill and crappie action 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
This Friday's full moon should brighten the nighttime skies for a few days, providing a great opportunity for some late night walleye action. Crankbaits worked in 6-12 feet of water should work especially well under the full moon. Some anglers may have success using a lighted bobber on the rock piles and cabbage weed patches. The daytime bite is starting to transition to a minnow bite as fish turn hungry for young perch and sunfish that hatched earlier this year. Fish are generally found at the sharper breaks with deep-water access. Daytime walleye are coming from 16-26 foot depths off the points and mid-lake structure. Muskie anglers are having success throwing baits over the shallow flats and edges that have sharp breaks to deep water. Panfish are active in the weeds. Bass anglers are enjoying an active bite, and the smallmouth bass bite is picking up on Cormorant, Island, Lida, and McDonald lakes. 800-542-3992
Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Fishing remains good in the Otter Tail Lake area. Walleye are hitting rigs tipped with crawlers and redtails worked in 20-30 feet of water. The mid-lake structure is generally the best place to find active fish. Muskie action is heating up on West Battle Lake in 10-20 feet of water. Anglers continue to report a great bite! 800-423-4571
Glenwood
Walleye remain active in 6-8 feet of water on Lake Minnewaska. For the most fish, use shallow-running crankbaits during early morning and evening hours. Bass and northern pike have been very active during the day. Sunnies will bite once you locate them. Walleye have slowed somewhat up on Reno and Miltona lakes. 320/634-3636
Whitefish
Fishing is improving for walleye anglers, especially on Cross Lake. The best approach has been a lindy rig tipped with live bait, preferably minnows. Begin in 20 feet of water, and work your way out from there. Northern pike are hitting on minnows on jigs and lindy rigs just outside the weedlines and around the weedy mid-lake humps. The larger fish remain deeper, but seem to be moving shallower. Sunfish are still at the weedy, midlake humps, with good numbers coming in on worms, leeches and minnows--some have been pulled from waters as deep as 24 feet. Lots of bass action for anglers using live bait at the weedlines--when fishing from the docks, use plastics or spinnerbaits. Small bass are also hitting live bait, with most of these fish caught by walleye anglers.
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
800-450-2838
Aitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
800-526-8342
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
The bite picked up a bit on Lake Mille Lacs. Action is best during evening hours when using leeches under slip bobbers in either 12-16 feet of water or depths of 30-plus feet. The shallower option generally produces a few more keeper-sized fish. During the day, you should pick up a fish or two when running the flats or the deep gravel with crawlers and green, blue or copper spinners--when traveling at a faster speed, try hornets or shad raps. Be sure to check your lines periodically since it's not uncommon to find a small fish at the end of your line. Muskie remain at the weeds, hitting bucktails, as well as some topwaters and swimbaits.
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 30, conditions were clear and low for all area streams and rivers. On Monday, August 27, lots of hoppers were noted on all streams checked. Pine Creek habitat improvements left waters downstream cloudy. The West Beaver habitat improvement project had been completed, offering a much easier slope to the water. There were more reports of large browns being caught on August 30, with some more than 23-inches! 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 temperatures are more representative of July than August in southeast Minnesota. Water temperatures remain high so the fall bite hasn't had a chance to take off. Fish are still in their summer haunts. On Tuesday of this week, one guide had an excellent outing on the Zumbro River where the water levels remained low and crystal clear. While the water clarity made fishing more difficult, it was at least very predictable, with plastics on worm hooks turning lots of fish. Some fish were taken on topwater poppers on both flyrods and also spinning rods. Rivers with a good flow are giving up far greater numbers of fish than stagnant waters without inlets and/or outlets where fish remain very sluggish. 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
This has been another very active week on Big Stone Lake, with perch, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, white bass, and bullhead action remaining high. The walleye have rebounded, hitting crankbaits and shad raps pulled through 10-12 foot depths at a speed of 2.8- to 3-mph, with limits being reported. The perch action has been amazing throughout the lake. Some anglers are using a walleye approach in order to weed out the large numbers of smaller fish and concentrate on the larger, 9- to 11-inch perch. Others are adamant about fishing the traditional, jig over the side of the boat method in their favorite spot, with a variety of sizes being taken. Anglers using a trolling approach are also picking up some northern pike. One angler took a 31-inch pike this week, along with some white bass. Those that anchor are bringing in quite a few bluegill, bullhead, and white bass with their perch. One angler casting shad raps from his dock took walleye measuring 18- and 21-inches! 800-568-5722
