EXPLORE MINNESOTA FISHING REPORT 8.26.11Temperatures have been more seasonable, and water temperatures are progressively dropping. Walleye and jumbo perch are becoming more active. For the most walleye, use leeches and crawlers, with more anglers also having success using minnows.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Walleye fishing has been excellent on Rainy Lake, with anglers pulling fish from the submerged reefs and rocky shorelines. The best fishing has been on the humps east of the Brule Narrows; when windy, check the shorelines as well. Jigging with a minnow on the reefs seems to be most effective. Crappies are starting to hit in Black Bay, with action expected to continually improve as fall approaches. Smallmouth bass anglers are pre-fishing for the upcoming International Falls Bass Championship, and most have been tight-lipped about their success. On the Rainy River, anglers report a good walleye bite from around Shorewood Drive to below the golf course. For the most fish, try slowly drifting a spinner rig and minnow. 1-800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan remain at 70-plus degrees. Leeches and crawlers remain the favored bait, however several anglers are beginning to use minnows instead. Jig and minnow combinations will soon work best in 30-plus feet of water. At present, slip sinker rigs with spinners are slightly more effective than plain hooks, with depths of 22-28 feet the best bet. For limits, remain mobile and if necessary, switch presentations and depths. This is a great time to check out the Martin Islands, Chase, Headlight and similar depth structure islands on into Namakan. Namakan Lake anglers are taking lots of walleye on minnows, with some having success using artificial lures, lead line or bottom bouncers to target depths of 26-33 feet. The perch and sauger bites have tapered off. Northern pike and smallmouth bass, however, remain very active in shallower waters. 1-800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comEly
Fishing has greatly improved. Good numbers of walleye are coming from several area lakes. Many of the fish have been pulled from surprisingly shallow waters, so it pays to try different tactics. Try shallow-running crankbaits near the weed edges and shallow reefs. Leeches, crawlers and minnows under a slip bobber will also work in these areas at dusk and a few hours after nightfall. A very impressive 27-inch rainbow trout weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces was recently caught on a nightcrawler. Please remember that designated trout lakes require a trout stamp. Large smallmouth bass are attacking topwater lures at daybreak. 1-800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
1-800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Smallmouth bass are extremely active in many area lakes. Mink, Kimball, and Trout lakes, located halfway up the Gunflint Trail, are giving up lots of rainbow trout to anglers working float rigs, beaver flicks, and crawlers. Just out of Grand Marais, Devil's Track Lake is producing walleye on leeches and crawlers under slip bobbers, especially during evening hours. Brook trout are active in the Temperance River near Tofte, and in the Cascade River just north of Grand Marais. On Lake Superior, salmon and lake trout action has been exceptional. Shore anglers are taking lots of fish using little Cleos, white or pink rooster tails, and castmasters. The salmon are hovering close to the surface over 40-70 feet of water. Water surface temperatures range from 53- to 60-degrees. Most trout are in the coldest depths, roughly 150 feet down, with anglers taking lots of 10- to 14-pound fish when trolling crankbaits, spoons, husky jerks and tail dancers along the shoreline.
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
August is generally trophy time on Lake of the Woods, and this year is no exception. Along with trophy-sized fish, lots of 18-inch walleye and many slot fish between 22- and 27-inches are being taken. Check the northern areas of Big Traverse around Garden Island, Bridges and Hay Island in 30-32 feet of water for the most fish. Areas just outside of Morris Point and Graceton Beach are also giving up fish in shallower 25-28 foot waters. Downrigging is working well throughout the lake, and shiny, colorful crankbaits with crawlers are producing fish at the rocks and reefs. On the south side of the lake, hit the shallows at the Lighthouse Gap and Morris Point area. 1-800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Water temperatures are in the low 70s in Bemidji area lakes, and summer fishing patterns continue. Anglers are using faster presentations for walleye, including bottom bouncers and spinners tipped with leeches or night crawlers, and crankbaits and minnow baits trolled at the weed edges, shoreline points and large flats. The larger lakes continue to produce walleye, but the bite can be tough when conditions are poor such as on days after cold fronts and storms, and on hot days with little wind. These conditions can be tough for light sensitive species like walleye, muskies and crappies. Cooler temperatures are forecasted for the last week of August; once the water temperatures drop into the 60s, patterns will change. Expect perch to begin moving into the shallows in most of the larger lakes. This is the one of the best times of the year to catch jumbo perch. Look for nice-sized perch in Bemidji, Cass, Pike's Bay, Plantagenet and Winnibigoshish lakes using jig and minnow combinations drifted or trolled on the shallow flats. Perch travel in large schools in the fall, so once a school is located, hold on! Muskie fishing is picking up and should be good through the fall. The lakes are still pretty green from the summer algae blooms, but once the lakes begin to cool down the algae begins to die off and the water will gradually get clearer. 1-800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
Walleye are once again biting during the day on Cass, Pike Bay, and Kitchi lakes. Fish are staging in 12-20 feet of water, moving shallower on windy days. Perch are roaming the shallow sand and weed areas on the main lake. Large bass are hitting plastic frogs and Texas-rigged worms. Panfish action is good on Kitchi and Big lakes. Muskie anglers are taking fish on bull dogs. 1-800-356-8615;
www.casslake.comWalker - Leech Lake
1-800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comPark Rapids
Anglers have been catching a nice mixture of fish. While the walleye bite has slowed, anglers still report nice catches using several different techniques. Live bait continues to produce numbers of walleye, but deep-water trolling with crankbaits is also working well. Northern pike and muskies have become very active, with reports of large northern pike and lots of muskie follows and catches. Bucktails and swimbaits are working well for both species in depths of 10-25 feet. The crappie and sunfish action has been phenomenal! Lots of large bluegills and slab crappies are coming from a number of different lakes on 1/16th-ounce mimic minnows. Largemouth and smallmouth bass action remains good, especially during lowlight hours. Topwater lures and crankbaits have been the most productive. 1-800-247-0054;
www.parkrapids.comDetroit Lakes
The weather and the bite continue to cooperate in the Detroit Lakes area. Water temperatures remain in the mid-70s. Walleye are being pulled from 18-26 feet of water on rigs tipped with leeches and crawlers, and on spinners with crawlers. Early morning and late evening hours have been best. Detroit, Pelican, Island and Lida lakes are all producing good numbers of fish. Largemouth bass are active on Long, Floyd, Cotton and McDonald lakes. For the most fish, cast to the weed edges; expect a few northern pike as well. Panfish activity is excellent on most area lakes, with Tamarac, Rock and Toad giving up some very large fish. Anglers are having the most success using small jigs tipped with small leeches, pieces of nightcrawler and waxworms. The muskie bite has been challenging, with anglers reporting lots of follows but few catches. As fall approaches, this bite should really start to heat up again. 1-800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
1-800-423-4571;
www.ottertailcountry.comWhitefish Chain of Lakes Area
Anglers are catching walleye when using redtails on lindy rigs in 18-30 feet of water during low light hours. Trolling deep-diving rapalas after dark is also producing fish. For northern pike, use pike minnows on lindy rigs or jigs in depths of 20 feet at the outside weed edge; a rattlin' rapala pulled through these areas will also work well. Bass are hitting minnows and plastics around the docks and weed edges. Minnows on lindy rigs seem to be working best for the larger bass. Panfish are coming in on crappie minnows, fat heads, small leeches and waxworms worked in the weeds at roughly 10-15 feet of water.
www.whitefish.orgBrainerd Lakes Area
1-800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comAitkin
A mixed bag of bass, northern pike and a few walleye are being taken on jigs and minnows worked in 16-20 feet of water on Cedar and Bay lakes. Crappie action remains strong during evening hours in 10-12 feet of water on Cedar and Farm Island lakes. On the north end of Lake Mille Lacs, fishing has slowed. Those that are having some luck have been fishing the north end breaks and mud flats. Pulling lead core and crankbaits has produced some fish, as has slip bobbers and leeches. Anglers should also check out the shallow rocks. The smallmouth bass have been active in 8-14 feet of water at the shallow rocks along shore. Fall action is just around the corner, with a full moon on September 12. 1-800-526-8342;
www.aitkin.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
The Lake Mille Lacs walleye bite has been spotty. Anglers are having the most success using a slip bobber and leech during evening hours. Some anglers continue to have success running spinners and crawlers during the day. The Four-Mile Gravel, Highway Bar and the Boot are giving up the most fish. Muskie action is concentrated on the deep edges of the weed beds in 11-14 feet of water. Double bucktails and topwater lures are turning the majority of fish, especially during low light hours. Northern pike are active in Wahkon and Roland bays, with large suckers under bobbers working best. Surface water temperatures remain in the low 70s. 1-888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar
Fishing is improving as air and water temperatures begin to drop. Diamond Lake is giving up some nice crappies, sunnies, and walleye to anglers using crankbaits in 10-15 foot depths. Green Lake has also been producing some nice walleye, sunfish and crappies in depths of 30-40 feet during the day, and in the shallows during morning and evening hours. Florida and Nest lakes continue to produce lots of panfish and walleye. And northern pike and bass anglers are having great success in waters throughout the county. 1-800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Bass are biting on in the shallow and deep waters of all area lakes, especially during morning and evening hours. During the day, check depths of 10-18 feet using deep-diving crankbaits. Northern pike are active outside the weedlines, hitting sucker minnows under bobbers. For the most action, hit Chisago, Sunrise and North Center lakes. Panfishing remains very good. Crappies can be found suspended just outside the weedlines in 12-20 feet of water on South Lindstrom, South Center and Chisago lakes. Limits of sunfish can be taken from nearly any dock. For the largest sunfish, hit depths of 8-12 feet. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWhite Bear Area Lakes
Crappies are hitting jig heads with crappie minnows worked in the deeper waters of White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes. Sunfish continue to bite in the weeds in roughly 6-7 feet of water; for the most fish, use small leeches and waxworms. Walleye are being pulled from 15-18 feet of water on Bald Eagle Lake, and from 32-35 feet of water on White Bear Lake. Fathead minnows and medium to large leeches are producing the most fish. Northern pike and muskies are coming in on topwater and blade-style baits. 651/653-5122;
www.ExploreWhiteBear.orgWaconia
952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
1-877-525-3248;
www.lakecitymn.orgLanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams
As of Tuesday, August 23, numerous small caddis could be seen occasionally. Yellow drakes were hatching in Lanesboro. Hoppers were thick in some areas, including Rush Creek. Duschee Creek, Crooked Creek, Trout Run and Winnebago Creek were considered clear with a normal flow. Conditions were considered clear and low for Forestville Creek, Bee Creek, the South Fork Root River at the Million Dollar Bridge, the South Branch Root River at Lanesboro, and the South Branch Root River at Forestville State Park. The Whitewater River system watersheds were normal, and most streams had normal flows and clear conditions. 1-800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comFaribault Area Lakes
1-800-658-2354;
www.visitfaribault.comAlbert Lea
1-800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
1-800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville - Big Stone Lake
Perch fishing remains excellent on Big Stone Lake. Anglers are doing well when fishing the traditional perch locations and techniques. It seems the "school" has moved a little further north, with many of the boats working Kasuske Landing, Cramer's Resort, and Hartford Beach up to SoDak Supper Club. The best bait seems to be spikes, however, some anglers are still doing well using pieces of nightcrawler and minnows. There have been lots of reports of limits being taken. Dock anglers are also reporting some success during early morning, late afternoon and evening hours. An occasional walleye, largemouth bass and northern pike are being netted, however, anglers continue to focus on all of the great perch action. 1-800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
