Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update -May 22, 2014 The walleye bite is expected to improve as surface water temperatures warm. Continue to use small tackle and a slow presentation in the shallows for the most fish. This Memorial Day Weekend should be ideal for fishing!
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2014/2015 Fishing Season for most inland waters are as follows: walleyes, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 10; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 24; muskie, June 7. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. Please note that seasons and regulations vary for certain boundary waters and some individual lakes and rivers--consult the Minnesota DNR Fishing Basics web page for the most current information.
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Northeast Minnesota
Kabetogama
Dock and shoreline anglers fishing lakes Kabetogama and Namakan could not go wrong last weekend! Walleyes and northern pike were very active and responding well to live bait, especially under a bobber. Anglers were reporting fair to good results in the deeper waters when using a jig and minnow, however most of the fish were on the small side. As temperatures warm, try leeches and slip sinker rigs. 800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
With the onset of warmer temperatures, fishing action is heating. Large walleyes are turning up in waters throughout the area. The walleye bite has been steadily building, with fish measuring up to 32 inches hitting jigs tipped with minnows. The walleyes have been staging in and around the river mouths, slowly dispersing to other areas in search of an easy meal and to recuperate from the stress of the spawn. Northern pike have also become more active, with many hitting sucker minnows offered along the emergent weed beds and rocky points. As water temperatures rise, so will activity levels of all fish species. Please remember to wear a life jacket, especially when waters are still very cold. 800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
As the Swedish cooks used to say, “Fish should swim 3 times: in water, in butter, and in wine.” Start your epicurean adventure early this year and pull some fresh fish out of the crystal clear waters of the Gunflint Trail lakes. The ice is gone, and left behind are plenty of hungry walleyes and northern pike. Now that daytime temperatures are in the 50’s and 60’s, both Gunflint and Seagull lakes, located at the end of the Gunflint Trail, are giving up lots of active walleyes. Anglers are pulling nice numbers of nice eating-size fish in the 4 pound range from depths of 6-10 feet on chubs and jigs. Just north of Grand Marais, anglers fishing Devil Track Lake have reported nice walleyes and northern pike catches when using minnows on spoons; hit depths of roughly 20 feet of water for the most action. Lake trout are also hungry, grabbing ciscos on jigs. Northern Light Lake, in the mid-Gunflint Trail area, is giving up lots of trout in the 3- to 4-pound range. Trollers are enjoying the sunrises and sunsets out on the water, as well as some wonderful fresh fish meals.
www.visitCookCounty.comDuluth/Grand Marais - Lake Superior
The Lower Shore rivers were holding stable flows last weekend. Morning water temperatures were in the mid 40s and afternoon water temperatures were in the low 50s. Angling pressure was moderate and anglers reported slow to fair fishing. Anglers interviewed caught 20 Kamloops, 16 steelhead, 1 coho salmon and 10 suckers. Along the Middle Shore, conditions were good as river levels continued to slowly fall, flowing at normal to slightly high levels. Water temperatures were 40-43 degrees in the mornings and 49-52 degrees in the afternoons. Fishing pressure was fairly light, and interviewed anglers also reported rather slow fishing, landing 10 steelhead and 1 sucker. Along the Upper Shore, water conditions continued to improve. The larger rivers were still running high, but the moderate to smaller rivers were in excellent condition for angling. Morning water temperatures were 40-43 degrees and rose to 46-49 degrees in the afternoons. Angling pressure was light, and interviewed anglers reported slow fishing, landing 5 steelhead and 5 brook trout. Trap totals through 5/19 are 224 steelhead and 15 Kamloops at the Knife River, and 195 Kamloops and 15 steelhead at the French River. Smelt activity has been good. For more on the smelt run, refer to the "Smelt on the North Shore" fact sheet.
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Fishing remains hot. Anglers are catching lots of slot and trophy walleyes, with eaters and saugers mixed in. Good numbers of fish are coming from in front of Pine Island, Morris Point Gap, the Lighthouse Gap, Four Mile Bay and Zippel Bay. Long Point and Twin Rocks near Rocky Point should heat up shortly now that the ice is out. Plenty of fish are coming from the Rainy River. Anglers are having the most success when anchoring and jigging in 4-17 feet of water. Many anglers are also doing well when anchoring and jigging just off ends of docks and near shore. Try 6-12 feet of water in the river using gold, pink, pink/white and white glow tackle tipped with a minnow or frozen shiner. Up at the Northwest Angle, ice is out and fishing has been excellent. Fish are in the shallows. Anglers are doing well targeting the shoreline structure and fishing off the docks. Lots of walleye limits are being reported, with good numbers of northern pike mixed in. For the most action, use a jig and minnow combination. 800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Lakes in the Bemidji area continue to warm slowly. Most lakes remained in the upper 40s earlier this week, which was slowing down the post-spawn recovery of the walleyes. Jigs and shiners have been the most productive bait for walleyes, but anglers are also doing well using fatheads, chubs and small suckers when shiners are unavailable. The smaller minnows work well with jigs, while anglers using larger minnows may be better off fishing them on live bait rigs. The walleye bite should continue to improve as surface water temperatures exceed 50 degrees. Anglers have been catching more male walleyes than female walleyes early in the season, but the female walleyes will bite if anglers can locate them and place the right presentation in front of them. The long winter killed off most of the weeds in the lakes, so areas of new weed growth are particularly attractive to both baitfish and game fish. Walleyes in some lakes have also been holding in areas with rocks. Most anglers have been finding walleyes in 5-8 feet of water, but depending on wind conditions and water clarity, anglers may find fish shallower on windy days and in stained water lakes; fish may be deeper on calm days and in lakes with very clear water. Upper Red Lake has been one of the hottest lakes early in the season, but other productive walleyes lakes include Bemidji, Cass and Winnibigoshish. 877-250-5959;
www.visitbemidji.comBena -Lake Winnibigoshish
On Lake Winnibigoshish, the walleye bite has been decent, with some good numbers and some keepers being reported. Unfortunately, shiners have been tough to find, making angling more difficult. Another factor has been the cold water temperatures, causing minnows to stick to deeper waters. Most of the walleye action has been in 12-18 feet of water. Jigs and rigs with a minnow have been best. Areas on the west side to check out include Mallard down through Ravens Point. Along the north shore, check Big Stoney over to the Pigeon River. The Gap has also been good, but fewer keepers are being reported. High Banks on the east side is producing good numbers, as are Snag Hole and The Stumps on the south. The main shore drops are generally the key to success. Perch are finishing their spawn, with plenty of fish being pulled from the same areas as the walleyes, but in shallower depths of 6-12 feet. This is the time of the year where 50- to 75-walleye days are not uncommon!
www.lakewinnie.netWalker - Leech Lake
It was a great week and weekend on Leech Lake, with the weather and the fish cooperating. The best fishing has been in 8-12 feet of water; on days with a strong wind, fish could be found in depths of 4-6 feet. A jig and shiner or a jig with a rainbow was the key to putting fish in the boat. The best colors have varied, but gold and green tend to always shine in Leech Lake. Consider lindy rigging with a crawler or leech since sometimes this slower and more methodical presentation gets the weary walleyes to bite! Getting away from the crowd is also a good idea. Some of the most productive areas have been Traders Bay, Pine Point, Stony Point, Ottertail, and Grandview Flats. Some of the largest fish, however, have been pulled from Bear Island, and in and around Trappers Landing and Miller Bay on the south end of lake. 800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comDetroit Lakes
As of midweek, water temperatures continued to hover around 50 degrees on most area lakes. Some male walleyes pulled from the shallows were still milking. Anglers have found two patterns to work best for the walleyes depending on the lake: jigs or rigs with minnows in 4-11 foot depths, and jigs or rigs with minnows, leeches or crawlers in 22-30 feet of water. Panfish remain in the shallows, just beginning their spawn. Look for the warmest shallow water weed pockets in 3-8 feet of water using tube jigs and bait under bobbers for the most panfish. Tamarac, Height of Land, Toad and Melissa lakes are producing nice panfish catches. The bite will continue to improve as water temperatures warm. Northern pike are active on most area lakes, slamming sucker minnows. The bass opener should be very successful as most bass are still on shallow spawning beds. 800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Country
Memorial Day is nearly here, and warmer temperatures have finally arrived. Walleyes are gearing up to feed on shiners, and this week’s warm weather will move the shiners to spawn; expect the walleyes to linger near shore and in the shallows. Look for dense weeds near deep water, and if you discover fish, begin fishing similar areas on all lakes. Be aware that the shallow water walleye bite can change quickly depending on wind and weather; shallow fish can be shifty. As walleye action heats up, use smaller 1/8- and 3/16-ounce jigs tipped with a shiner, leech, sucker minnow, fathead or crawler. Try several different colors to determine the best color. Also try lindy rig tipped with a crawler, minnow or leech as many different baits are beginning to work. Water temperatures on lakes throughout Otter Tail Lakes Country range from 50-53 degrees and climbing. The warming temperatures and higher overnight air temperatures will keep the panfish moving towards shore and into the bays. 800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
On Lake Mille Lacs, the water temperatures are finally moving in the right direction, with most areas at 46–52 degrees, and slightly higher in some bays. While the weather looks great through the Memorial Day weekend, the fish are roughly 2 to 3 weeks behind their normal schedule. Walleye fishing will continually improve for anglers using traditional presentations such as a rig with a leech or minnow. The sand bite has been best in 14-18 foot depths, and fish may move a bit deeper as the week progresses. Also check out the deeper rock/sand transitions which normally produce in early spring. Trolling the shorelines and rocks with shad raps and rapalas has been productive, as has bobber fishing. 888 -350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar Lakes Area
Walleye fishing was tough over the weekend, however, some fish were reported to be coming from Green, Norway, Willmar, Foot and Solomon lakes. Panfish and crappies were active on Elizabeth, Florida, Andrew and Games lakes. Minnows, crawlers and leeches are considered the best baits at this time. The average lake temperature is in the mid-50s so stick with the shallow parts of the lakes until waters warm further. Bass are in the shallows cruising the shorelines, preparing to spawn. On Green Lake, check depths of 20-30 feet during the day, and stick to the shallows during early morning and evening hours. 800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Excelsior - Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka fishing is off to a good start. Water temperatures range from the upper 40s to the low 50s. Northern pike are being pulled from the flats with weeds. The water in most bays is very clear so it’s easy to cruise around with a trolling motor until you locate the best weeds. Once you spot them, slow down and start fishing. Use sunfish color crankbaits for the most fish. Crappies are mostly in the shallows near dock posts, wood and other debris. For the best results, use a weighted jig, preferably in green, tipped with a crappie minnow. Set the bobber on the rig so the jig disappears from site when it settles down. Move around the shallows quickly until you find a school of fish, and once you do, slow down and start catching! 952-474-6461;
www.excelsior-lakeminnetonkachamber.comSouthern Minnesota
Lanesboro -Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of May 22, conditions were clear and normal for most area rivers and streams. More and more caddis are being reported. Depending on the humidity and clouds, caddis have been seen coming off at all times of the day. There have also been some crane flies flying about...these are a pale yellow. Shake the limbs of streamside brush and you will see plenty of caddis adults! As updates on stream conditions become available, they are posted on the Southeast Minnesota Stream Conditions web page. You are also welcome to call the office for updates at 507-467-2442. Before traveling, please check out the new detailed fishing easement maps. 800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
Fishing on Big Stone Lake has definitely improved, with nice numbers of walleyes, and a few crappies, perch, northern pike and white bass being reported. Most anglers had success when trolling crankbaits or spinners, although slip bobber and jigging techniques have also been mentioned. 800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
