Explore Minnesota Fishing Report Thursday, June 26
Anglers are having the most success using leeches at the weedlines.
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Northeastern Minnesota
International Falls
On Rainy Lake, the main-lake reefs are now best for walleye action during the day, espeically in 30-35 feet of water. During low-light hours, slide up into shallower waters using minnows in Sand and Black bays. Large minnows are producing northern pike in the American Narrows, and smallmouth bass continue to hit on the Canadian side.
Grand Rapids
Walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers during the day in 18-24 feet of water. During evening hours, use minnows and jigs in depths of 10-12 feet. Some of the better locations this week include Sugar, Wabana, Deer, Pokegama and Trout lakes. Sunnies and crappies are coming from less than 6 feet of water on Bass, Wabana, North Star and Spider lakes. The weedlines on Shallow Lake are giving up good-sized northern pike. Muskie anglers are reporting follows on Deer and Moose lakes.
Kabetogama
On Lake Kabetogama, walleyes, sauger, northern pike and bass are coming form the shallows on slip bobbers and minnows during evening hours. Midday action has been best in 22-28 feet of water when using a jig and minnow, or a leech and lindy rig. Some of the better locations include the wind-driven sides of Harris, Ram and Sheep islands, as well as Center Reef. The best northern pike reports are coming from Mud, Daily and Nebraska bays.
Tower
On Lake Vermilion, five-foot lindy rigs and inflated crawlers are producing walleyes in 14-22 feet of water during low-light hours–concentrate on the sand, gravel, and mud areas early and late in the day. A few muskies are being taken by anglers using topwater or small hair baits along the shorelines.
Ely
Anglers are catching good numbers of eating-sized walleyes, as well as lots of large fish, when using leeches over 10-26 feet of water. Lakes such as Basswood, Burntside, Shagawa and White Iron have all produced fish. Northern pike action is strong at the emerging weedlines of most lakes. Crappie reports remain limited.
Grand Marais
Leeches and fatheads are turning walleyes on Lake Tom in 10-12 feet of water, and on Devils Fish Lake in depths of 12-15 feet. Crankbaits have worked best on Devil’s Track and Elbow lakes in 8-10 feet of water. On Seagull and Saganaga lakes, slip bobbers and leeches are taking walleyes from depths of 20 feet. Lake trout can be found suspended over 50 feet of water on Trout Lake, while Kimball and Mink lakes are producing rainbow trout on crawlers. Trolled spoons have provided excellent pike action on Northern Lights Lake.
Duluth
Bluegills are active in 2 feet of water on Rice and Fish lakes, with crappies being pulled from 8-10 feet of water. Leeches are triggering walleyes in depths of 8-10 feet on Fish Lake, and at the 6- to 10-foot channel edges on the St. Louis River. Muskie anglers are reporting some follows on Island Lake. Northern pike are hitting large chubs on Rice Lake. The north shore of Lake Superior is giving up lakers and cohos near the surface.
McGregor
Walleyes are hitting minnows worked in 14-20 feet of water at Bellhorn Bay on Big Sandy Lake. The weedlines of all area lakes are holding bass and northern pike, with both responding to artificial and live bait. The shorelines and shallow weeds of Big Sandy and Minnewawa lakes are producing sunfish.
Northcentral/West Minnesota
Baudette
On Lake of the Woods, most walleye anglers are taking quick limits of walleyes when using jigs, lindy rigs, spinners, minnows and leeches. Work the Lighthouse Gap and Pine Island areas in 14-32 feet of water for the most fish. At the Morris Point Gap, use spinners and leeches in depths of 12-14 feet. The Clementson Rapids area of the Rainy River is giving up lots of smallmouth bass and northern pike. At the Northwest Angle and Islands area, walleyes are being pulled from 8-17 feet of water around Oak and Flag islands.
Waskish
On Upper Red Lake, spinners and leeches are producing consistent walleye action in 5-8 feet of water, especially in “The Popples” area. The south shore humps and rocks are giving up crappies on small jigs and minnows. The Tamarack River area seems to give up a few large northern pike each week.
Blackduck
Walleyes are hitting lindy rigs and leeches at the 10-foot weedlines, as well as at the 10- to 14-foot humps of Blackduck Lake. Also work the 10- to 15-foot humps and bars on Gull and Island lakes during evening hours for lots of walleyes. Gilstead and Rabideau lakes continue to produce panfish in the shallows.
Bemidji
During the day, walleyes are hitting lindy rigs and shiner minnows worked in 8-16 feet of water on Bemidji and Plantagenet lakes. Shad raps trolled in depths of 4-8 feet at night have also produced walleyes on both lakes. Muskies are chasing small-sized baits on Lake Bemidji, but few have been pulled from the water. For bass, throw spinnerbaits or topwater lures on any area lake. Grace Lake is kicking out panfish in the shallows.
Cass Lake
During the day, walleyes and perch can be found in 12-14 feet of water, as well as in depths of 30-35 feet on Cass Lake. Walleyes are hitting rapalas at night in 4-6 feet of water at O’Neal’s Point, Turtle River Bar, and North Cedar Bar. For northern pike, hit Tom’s Bar using a jig and minnow combination. Panfish have moved deeper, and can be found in depths of 12-18 feet on most area lakes.
Bena
On Lake Winnibigoshish, walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers on the main-lake bars, such as Bena, Big Muskie, Sugar and Snaghole. On windy days and during low-light hours, also check out Little Stoney Point using a jig and minnow in 7-9 feet of water. Northern pike remain active on top of the bars.
Walker
On Leech Lake, shiners and leeches are producing walleyes in 15-20 feet of water at most main-lake structure. Crankbaits have also triggered walleyes during evening hours off the points. Panfish can be found along the weedlines of most bays. Muskie action remains sporadic.
Hackensack
Walleyes and perch are coming from 12-17 feet of water on Woman Lake. Walleyes are hitting minnows worked in depths of 16-20 feet on Ten Mile Lake, and in 14 feet of water on Pine Mountain Lake. For panfish, check out Ox Yoke, Pleasant and Birch lakes. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are active on most area lakes.
Park Rapids
Some evening walleye action is being reported in 16-18 feet of water by anglers using leeches and crawlers on Potato, Belle Taine, Eagle and George lakes. The 10- to 12-foot weedlines of Big Mantrap Lake are holding crappies. Waxworms are producing bluegills throughout the Crow Wing Chain in depths of 6-8 feet. Big Mantrap and Belle Taine lakes are providing consistent largemouth and smallmouth bass action. Sucker minnows are turning northern pike in 10 feet of water on Fish Hook Lake.
Detroit Lakes
Walleyes are hitting minnows and leeches worked at the 11- to 16-foot weedlines on Big Detroit Lake. The 11- to 20-foot weed edges of lakes Sallie, Melissa, Big Cormorant and Middle Cormorant are also producing walleyes. Sunfish have moved to the weedlines on Big Detroit, Melissa, Buck and Little Cormorant lakes. Crappies can be found suspended over 18 feet of water on Big Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Big Detroit and Sallie lakes. Bass and northern pike remain active on most area lakes. Cow girl lures have been good for muskies on Big Detroit Lake.
Battle Lake
Sunfish action has been excellent in 10 feet of water or less on Star, Bass, Clitherall, Dead and South Turtle lakes. Walleyes are hitting minnows and leeches in 15-30 feet of water on Otter Tail, West Battle, Rush, Stalker and Clitherall lakes. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows trolled at the weedlines of West Battle, Otter Tail, South Turtle and Clitherall lakes. West Battle Lake has been best for muskie activity this week.
Alexandria
Look for crappies at the weedlines of Le Homme Dieu, Darling and Ida lakes. Sunfish have been an easy catch on most area lakes in less than 8 feet of water. Bass have moved to the weedlines of lakes Carlos and Le Homme Dieu. Walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers in depths of 12-18 feet on Ida and Miltona lakes.
Starbuck
Walleyes continue to hit live bait in 8-14 feet of water on Lake Minnewaska. During evening hours, walleyes are coming from depths of 14 feet on Lake Reno, and from 12-14 feet of water on Lake Mary. Spinnerbaits are producing numbers of bass throughout Lake Minnewaska. Panfish action remains excellent on the Glenwood end in depths of 12-15 feet.
Osakis
On Lake Osakis, some evening walleye action is being reported by anglers using leeches and crawlers in 7 feet of water at the Two Mile Bar, Four Mile Bar, and in Miller’s Bay. Sunfish have moved to the reeds and sandy shorelines. Bass and northern pike remain active in the weeds. Crappie reports have been limited.
Sauk Centre
Sunfish are being pulled from the shorelines of Villard, Sauk, Little Birch and Fairy lakes. Look for crappies in the shallow reeds of Sauk and Big Birch lakes. Shiners and leeches are producing walleyes in the weeds of McCormick Lake, and in depths of 28 feet on Little Birch Lake. Also look in 12-16 feet of water on Maple Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows worked in 8-15 feet of water on Big Birch Lake, with fish also being pulled from the 10- to 12- foot weedlines of Sauk Lake.
Brainerd/Nisswa
Walleyes are hitting leeches, shiners and nightcrawlers worked in 18-22 feet of water on Gull, Round and Pelican lakes. Bass are coming from most area lakes on spinnerbaits and plastics. Northern pike are taking sucker minnows at the weed edges of most lakes during the day.
Crosby
Trout action remains very good from the shorelines out to 300 feet of water where fish have been suspended. Try Huntington, Manuel and Pennington Chain pits for the most fish. Largemouth bass are hitting artificial baits in 6-12 feet of water on Serpent, Rabbit, Horseshoe and Clearwater lakes. Look for smallmouth bass on the rocks on Serpent and Clearwater lakes, as well as on the Mississippi and Pine rivers. For panfish, hit depths of 8-14 feet on Black, Ross, Bass, Little Rabbit, Greer, Adney, Bay and Cedar lakes. Slip bobbers and leeches are turning walleyes in 12-14 feet of water on Serpent and Rabbit lakes during evening hours.
Cross Lake
Lindy rigs with leeches or crawlers are producing walleyes on the Whitefish Chain in 24-35 feet of water. Bass fishing has been excellent using spinnerbaits and plastics at the docks and weedlines. Look for northern pike on the weedlines and flats using sucker minnows under bobbers. Crappies can now be found suspended next to the established weedlines, with sunnies remaining along the shorelines of most lakes.
Isle/Onamia
On Lake Mille Lacs, the east end is producing walleyes during evening hours on slip bobbers and leeches worked on the 20-foot gravel just past Hennepin Island. During the day, hit the mud using crankbaits, or lindy rigs with leeches in 24-30 feet of water, with Nine Mile and Sliver giving up the most fish. Smallmouth bass are hitting tubes and crankbaits on the rocks. On the west end of the lake, walleyes are coming from 24-28 feet of water at the mud flats during evening hours, and from depths of 26-32 feet after dark when using slip bobbers and leeches. During the day, lindy rigs and leeches are producing fish at Five Mile, Seven Mile, and Curley’s Flat. Anglers report some night action using shad raps at the weedlines of St. Alban’s Bay.
St. Cloud/Eden Valley
Walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers at the shallow weed edges of Rice and Koronis lakes. For northern pike, hit 10-12 feet of water on Horseshoe Lake. Bass and sunfish remain very active in the shallows of most lakes. The Sauk River Chain is giving up lots of channel cats.
Elk River/Zimmerman
Largemouth bass are hitting spinnerbaits at the weed edges of Green and Blue lakes, with northern pike hitting sucker minnows worked in 10-12 feet of water. Sunfish are active along the shorelines of Green Lake.
Twin Cities vicinity
Annandale
Anglers report an evening walleye bite on Clearwater Lake when using leeches, crawlers and spinners in 16-26 feet of water. Similar presentations are producing walleyes on Cedar, French and Sugar lakes in depths of 18-25 feet. Sunfish continue to be pulled from the shorelines of Clearwater, Cedar and Sylvia lakes. Bass are active at the emerging weedlines of most lakes. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on John and Pleasant lakes in 10-14 feet of water.
Prior Lake/West Metro vicinity
Flathead catfish are hitting large sucker minnows in the Carver area of the Minnesota River. Sunfish are biting in 2-5 feet of water on Hydes and Minnewashta lakes. Northern pike and bass action has been strong at the weedlines of Steiger and Auburn lakes.
Waconia
On Lake Waconia, sunfish are active along the shorelines. The weedlines in Waconia Bay are holding good-sized bass. Northern pike are hitting minnows in the swimming beach area. An evening walleye bite is being reported on the east side of Kegg’s Reef by anglers using leeches in 18-20 feet of water.
Wayzata
On Lake Minnetonka, walleyes are coming from the 18- to 24-foot weedlines. Look for northern pike on top of the weed flats in 15 feet of water. Crappies are active at the 12- to 15-foot weedlines. Sunnies remain active in the shallows, and bass are hitting almost any presentation in less than 6 feet of water.
Chisago City
Lots of sunfish continue to be pulled from Chisago, South Lindstrom and South Center lakes. Walleyes are hitting leeches at the 14- to 17-foot sunken islands of Chisago Lake. Slip bobbers and leeches have produced a few walleyes on the weed edges of South Center Lake. The weedlines on the north end of North Center Lake are holding crappies. Sunrise Lake continues to give up northern pike, bass and panfish.
White Bear Lake/Northeast Metro vicinity
Depths of 20-30 feet on the St. Croix River remain the area’s best best for walleye action. Look for panfish and bass in the shallow weeds of lakes Peltier, Centerville, Jane, White Bear and Big Carnelian. Muskie anglers are seeing some fish, but there have been few hits. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows at the 10- to 12-foot weedlines of Big Marine Lake.
Southern Minnesota
Red Wing
Walleyes and sauger are hitting long-lined crankbaits in 10-18 feet of water at the Maiden Rock Flats and Warrentown area just outside of Lake Pepin. The rock piles on Lake Pepin are giving up lots of smallmouth bass and an occasional walleye. For bluegills and crappies, work the docks at Baypoint Park.
Waterville
The shallow weed edges of Lake Francis are holding crappies. DNR Bay on Lake Tetonka, and the shallow weedlines on Big Jefferson Lake have been good for sunfish. Lake Tetonka is giving up a few walleyes in depths of 15-17 feet. For northern pike, hit Sakatah Lake.
Mankato
Bass action remains strong on most area lakes, and especially on German, Madison and Washington lakes. Walleyes are hitting lindy rigs and leeches in 14 feet of water on Washington Lake, with a few fish also taking rattle traps at the weedlines of Madison Lake. The bays of lakes Washington and Madison remain the best bet for panfish during midday hours.
Fairmont
The docks of Amber, Hall, Budd, Sissiton and George lakes continue to hold crappies. Hall Lake is giving up walleyes on leeches worked in 12 feet of water. George Lake is the area’s best bet for bass. Tuttle Lake and East Chain Lake are producing northern pike and a few walleyes. On Fox Lake, anglers are catching bluegills, crappies and catfish during evening hours.
Ortonville
Walleyes are hitting crankbaits trolled through 12-14 feet of water near Hartford Beach and Mallard Point on Big Stone Lake. White bass are biting throughout Big Stone Lake. Crankbaits are producing walleyes on Traverse and Artichoke lakes during evening hours in depths of 8-10 feet. The south end of Artichoke Lake is giving up crappies. On Oliver Lake, try trolling spinners and crawlers through 10-12 feet of water for a few walleyes.
Willmar
Diamond Lake is giving up walleyes in 10 feet of water on leeches. Leeches have also worked well in depths of 30-40 feet on Green Lake, and in 15-30 feet of water on Eagle Lake. On Willmar and Foot lakes, northern pike, panfish and walleyes are scattered in depths of 4-20 feet. Look to the deep weedlines of Florida Lake for a few walleyes during evening hours. Sunfish and bass remain shallow on most area lakes.
“The information in this report is provided courtesy of Outdoor News, and Explore Minnesota Tourism.”
