Explore Minnesota Fishing Report May 31, 2012
The end of May through early June offers some of the best fishing of the season. Recent heavy winds and rainfall kept many anglers off the water last weekend, but those that did venture out were usually rewarded with a good bite. Weather forecasts indicate a mostly warm and sunny weekend, making it a great time to hit the water--check out our most recent Explore Minnesota Deals Newsletter to find some amazing specials!
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2012/2013 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 12; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 26; muskie, June 2. 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.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
Please help prevent the transport of harmful invasive species; do your part to protect Minnesota?s waters by following the state Aquatic Invasive Species laws.
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Rainy Lake walleye remain at the rocky, windswept shorelines, with anglers taking the most fish on jig and minnow combinations and minnows trolled on spinner rigs. Smallmouth bass can also be found at the windswept shorelines, but they have not been as active since they are preparing to spawn. Northern pike are still very aggressive in 10-15 feet of water near the mouths of the bays. The best reports have been coming from areas near the boat launches, possibly due to all of the rainy weather--try above or below the Ranier Rapids, on the west side of Sand Bay, Jackfish Bay, Dryweed Island, and Black Bay for some good action. On the Rainy River, walleye are most active in depths of 10-12 feet near the weedy edges, especially where there is current. The most productive areas are in the stretch downstream from International Falls past the golf course, and a few miles upstream of Pelland west to the Little Fork River. 800-325-5766
Kabetogama
Recent heavy winds and rain kept many anglers off the water, but those that did venture out were generally rewarded with a good bite. Lots of saugers and northern pike, some jumbo perch, and a few walleye were being reported. Most fish were pulled from less than 12 feet of water, or from depths of 26-30 feet. Various techniques worked for anglers fishing the shallows: tossing and retrieving a light 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jig tipped with minnow or leech, slowly drifting or trolling a slip sinker rig, or fishing a husky jerk. Jig and minnow anglers did well in the deeper waters when working the windward shorelines and reef edges. Shiners have been best in the shallows; rainbows and fathead minnows in the deeper waters. The west end of Lake Kabetogama remains the most active area, especially the soft bottom and weed edges from Tom Cod east to Sugarbush. Northern pike are hitting almost anything thrown their way. Crappies can be found using minnows in 8 feet of water or less. Anglers fishing Lake Namakan should check out Tar Point, Cemetery Island and Junction Bay on the Kabetogama end of the lake. 800-524-9085
Crane Lake
Water levels are up on the chain of lakes, and the fish are active now that the unstable weather fronts have moved on. The smallmouth bass have been especially active, with fish found in the transition areas between the sand flats and rocks. For the most fish, throw crankbaits into the shallow, rocky areas. Skies should remain sunny much of the weekend, and anglers are looking forward to an increase in action. 800-362-7405
Ely
While minnows were the primary arsenal over the Memorial Day weekend, the tides have turned and most anglers are switching to leeches. Many anglers are taking limits of walleye. The best approach is to first use a crawler harness to locate fish, then switch to a leech or crawler on a jig or slip bobber to turn fish into biters. Northern pike measuring up to forty-eight inches have been suckers for suckers, and many of these fish have been returned to to the water for anglers to fight another day. For some amazing action, use a large plug or spoon along the emergent weeds and rocky points. Crappies measuring up to 15 1/2-inches are coming in on minnows. Small soft baits such as gulp fry tails and gitzit micros are working extremely well at the beds. A few lake trout have been reported by anglers slowly trolling suckers or spoons--put a dodger in front of your spoons to draw fish from a distance. And dipsy divers will get your bait into the right depths when you don't have a downrigger. All in all, it's shaping up to be a great season on the water! 800-777-7281
Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
As of late last week, the walleye bite remained very good, especially at the deep mud flats. Anglers using leeches and crawlers on live bait rigs reported lots of success. Many of the traditional summer hot spots are starting to produce fish, and many have barely been touched by anglers this season. Crappies are starting to bite, and smallmouth bass and pike have been very cooperative for those out chasing them.800-648-5897
Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Rainbow and lake trout anglers are taking excellent numbers of fish on nightcrawlers and minnows. Trout Lake, located just northwest of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, and Loon and Poplar lakes, located midway up the Gunflint Trail, have been best. Most of the trout are coming from depths of 15-25 feet on Swedish pimples. For splake and brook trout, hit Shoe Lake by canoe, and hold on! Walleye have been very active on Two Island and Caribou lakes near Lutsen. Leeches are now the bait of choice, however, bring along some minnows just in case the fish are finicky. Most walleye have been biting in 5-15 feet of water. A 29-inch walleye was recently pulled from the Saganaga corridor, located at the end of the Gunflint Trail. And for northern pike, try trolling spoons and rapalas through 10-15 foot depths, with some good-sized pike recently reported on Homer Lake.
Duluth - Lake Superior
800-438-5884
Grand Rapids
Walleye action has been very good on Sand Lake, located just 35 miles north of Grand Rapids. The fish are scattered on the bars and humps. The weed growth is lagging, but when it does develop the walleye will be more concentrated in these sections of all lakes. The best walleye activity seems to be on the rocks in 9-14 feet, with some coming from depths of 18-22 feet. The recommended approach is a northland fireball jig in sunrise and parrot colors tipped with a shiner, leech or night crawler. Roach rigs and bottom bouncers have also worked well. Bring extra jigs, rigs and spinners for some great northern pike action as well. Another lake that has seen decent walleye action is Bowstring, which is located just south of Sand Lake. There are many year classes of walleye in Bowstring, with most fish measuring 11- to 20-inches. The outer shoreline breaks and humps are producing quite few fish. Midge flies are starting to hatch, and this corresponds with a good nightcrawler, leech and minnow bite. Depths of 15- to 22-feet have been best. The technique that seems to produce the most fish is a glow watermelon or parakeet color northland fireball jig tipped with a shiner, however gum-drop floaters in similar colors have also worked well--try dragging the gum-drop floater slowly across the breaks. Do not feed the line too long (a slow 3 count works well); there is no need to gut hook smaller fish. Other species that had some decent action on Bowstring were a mix of perch and lots of northern pike. 800-355-9740
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Although fishing was unpredictable during last weekend's rainy spell, it has progressively improved this week, with some nice walleye and sauger being taken. The bite has moved deeper, and fish can be found in 24-30 feet of water. Some of the better locations include just outside of Pine Island, the Lighthouse Gap, and the Morris Point/Graceton Beach area. Anchoring and jigging with 3/8-ounce jigs or a walleye spinner rig and 1 1 ?-ounce sinker has been best. Chubs and shiners are working well, but it would be a good idea to also bring along a few leeches and crawlers. Recommended colors include hammered gold with a flash of red, and gold and orange. At the Northwest Angle & Islands area, jigging with gold, chartreuse or pink jigs in 9-28 feet of water has worked wonders with the walleye. For the shallower fish, hit the windswept shorelines; areas relating to shoreline structure, underwater points, and inside turns have been productive. 800-382-FISH
Bemidji
Surface water temperatures fell below 60-degrees this week for most Bemidji area lakes due to several days of unseasonably cold temperatures, heavy rains and strong winds. Falling water temperatures have pushed many of the crappies and sunnies back out of the shallows, and many of the largemouth bass have not yet spawned. Walleye anglers are still finding walleye along the shorelines connected with structure in most lakes. Many walleye have either been on the cabbage weed edge in 6-12 feet of water or on the edges of structure in 14-20 feet of water. Jig tipped with shiner minnows have been best for most anglers, but live bait rigs with larger minnows or leeches have also worked well. Spinner rigs are beginning to turn fish, with the bite improving as water temperatures increase once again. The muskie season opens this Saturday, June 2. Some anglers like to fish bucktail spinners early in the season because they are easy to fish over the tops of the developing weed beds. The best approach is to make long casts and retrieve the bucktails fast, but not fast enough for the lures to break the surface of the water. 800-458-2223
Cass Lake
800-356-8615
Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish
The walleye bite has been a bit spotty the last few days on Lake Winnibigoshish. When the wind is blowing, the fish are biting. If it is calm, action slows down. Reports indicate that fish are into their early summer patterns now, with fish working the shorelines in search of shiner minnows; the blowing wind gives them cover. Some fish are also coming from the bars, especially at Bena, from Big Musky south a ways. Sugar and Snag have also produced some fish. Bring a variety of bait so you are prepared for changing preferences; jigs with shiners, and plain hook snells with leeches or crawlers will work at various times. The perch are biting, and can still being found in depths of 10-20 feet in the gravel off the Birches Landing and the Mississippi Inlet. Raven and Stoney points are also giving up perch. For the most fish, use fathead minnows on jigs. Northern pike action has been good, however most have been on the smaller side. Check the bars and humps north of Sugar in 20-28 foot depths. Crappies and sunnies are active, with good numbers of sunfish taken during the day, and lots of crappies caught during early evening hours. Remember, that fishing launches on large lakes such as Winnibigoshish is a great way to familiarize yourself with the fishing hot spots and you'll have a lot of fun, too! 218/665-2268
Walker - Leech Lake
Walleye and jumbo perch anglers are enjoying lots of action on Leech Lake. The wind has been an important factor, and anglers should check the local forecast before heading out. Try to fish where the winds are blowing into shore. The best presentation for walleye and perch has been a jig tipped with a shiner or rainbow minnow. A 1/8-ounce jig is still recommended, but it is important that anglers make sure it reaches the bottom. If not, switch to a 1/4-ounce jig. The color of the jig should be either multi-colored or a metallic dark green. There have been reports of some anglers having success using leeches under bobbers when anchored, as well as when drifting or trolling a nightcrawler rig. The best walleye and perch location this week has been Mounds Point in Steamboat Bay since the wind is not as much of a factor. It is especially good during evening hours. For the main lake, the windy shorelines have been best. On the west end of the lake, reports have been good at Star Point, Little Hardwood, Pine Point, First Duck, and Little Stoney in Traders Bay. On the east side, check out Five Mile Point, Sugar Point, Portage Bay near the entrance to the Leech River, and the reefs around Pelican Island. Remember, the fish will relocate to the shallows when conditions are windy. 800-833-1118
Park Rapids
800-247-0054
Detroit Lakes
Water temperatures in the Detroit Lakes area are hovering around 60-degrees due to last week's major cold front. Shiners remain good for walleye, but keep in mind that shiners will become harder to find now that the trapping has ended. Most fish can still be found at the shoreline breaks in 8-18 feet of water, depending on the amount of sun and wind. When the wind is blowing and on cloudy days, hit the shallows; on days with sun and/or flat water conditions, move deeper. Bass remain in the shallows, and crappies have not yet spawned. Northern pike are active everywhere at the shallow water flats close to cabbage weeds. Anglers wanting to avoid the crowds should keep in mind that there is a large walleye tournament on Pelican Lake this weekend. The forecast calls for warmer temperatures and more stable weather conditions so the leech and nightcrawler bite will continue to improve for walleye. The most productive color this week for all species of fish seems to be any shade of green. 800-542-3992
Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Fishing remains great in the Otter Tail Lake area. Walleye continue to be pulled from 10-25 feet of water on crawlers and leeches. The night bite has also been good, with crankbaits turning fish in 5-8 feet of water. Sunnies and crappies are active on the smaller area lakes in depths as shallow as 3-8 feet. Last weekend's bass opener was excellent, with sally jigs producing lots of fish. 800-423-4571
Whitefish
The walleye bite is improving now that the rain has stopped. Anglers are taking the most fish on lindy rigs tipped with leeches or minnows. When the wind is blowing, use bottom bouncers and spinners. Small- to medium-sized northern pike seem to be hitting just about anything. The larger northerns are coming from deeper water on rapalas and rattle traps worked at the outside edge of the emerging weedbeds. For bass, throw spinnerbaits around the docks. And for crappies and sunnies, use slip bobber rigs at the weedbeds in roughly 10 feet of water.
Pine River
Panfish action has been amazing throughout the Pine River area. Both sunnies and crappies have moved onto their spawning grounds, and anglers are reporting outstanding success in 2-6 feet of water in the shallow bays and at the shoreline structure. Walleye activity continues to improve, with good numbers coming from most of the larger area lakes. A jig and minnow combination remains the best bet, however, a number of anglers are also taking walleye on leech and nightcrawler rigs; bring along some of each in case the fish are finicky. Northern pike are very active at the weedlines. Anglers are finding lots of bass in the shallow bays near their spawning grounds. The next few weeks generally offer some of the best fishing of the season. To keep our waters healthy, please remember to remove your drain plug when leaving the lake and replacing it before launching. Also remove all weeds from your trailers and boats to help contain the spread of invasive species in our lakes. 800-728-6926
Brainerd Lakes Area
800-450-2838
Aitkin Area Lakes/Northern Lake Mille Lacs
800-526-8342
Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
Anglers report another solid week on Lake Mille Lacs. The bite has been good since the opener and it doesn't show any signs of letting up! The fish are spread out in depths of 5-34 feet, with most relating to the structure. During the day, use live bait rigs or spinners; during evening hours, switch to slip bobbers, angle jigs and leeches. Top colors include chartreuse, green and black. Just some of the hot spots this week include Buster's Flat, 2-Mile, and the Graveyard. Surface water temperatures are hovering around 60 degrees. Please note that the night fishing ban remains in effect until 12:01 a.m. on June 11th. 888-350-2692
Willmar
Willmar area lakes are giving up good numbers of fish. The shallow prairie lakes, including Big Kandiyohi, Long, Ringo, Foot and Willmar lakes continue to produce lots of sunnies and crappies. Bass, northern pike and walleye have been very active in the deeper lakes, including Diamond, Eagle, Nest, Florida, Andrew and Green. 800-845-8747
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls
Despite heavy rain, the walleye continue to bite. Most of these fish are coming in on crawlers worked in 10-20 feet of water. Please note that water levels remain high, and will continue to rise through this weekend. Currently, St. Croix River water temperatures average 67-degrees. 715/483-3580
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
651/257-1177
White Bear Area Lakes
The walleye are biting on Bald Eagle Lake, with fish coming from 12 feet of water on fathead minnows and leeches. Northern pike are very active on both White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes. For the most fish, use sucker minnows and spinnerbaits. Sunnies and crappies have been biting in depths of 6-10 feet on both lakes; for the most fish, use leeches and crappie minnows. Bass action has been great on both bodies of water. The majority of fish are coming from the shallows on bass lures, nightcrawlers and leeches. 651/653-5122
Waconia
Lake Waconia continues to produce good numbers of fish despite recent unsettled weather conditions. The best reports are coming from panfish anglers working the shallows holding emergent vegetation on the northwest end of the lake. Wax worms and angle worms on a small jig under a bobber have been the most productive. This last weekend's bass opener was spectacular, with bass coming from the shallows where fresh rainwater flowed into the lake. The bait of choice was either a jig tipped with a leech or a 7-inch power worm. Walleye anglers are doing well during lowlight hours and after dark. The most successful tactic is a jig tipped with a fathead or leech worked in 12-14 feet of water either off a weedline or over a rock pile. Anglers trolling crankbaits will occasionally find a northern pike at the end of their lines. This weekend's muskie opener is expected to be very good, with anglers seeing many large fish chasing panfish in the shallows. 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, May 31, March Browns were seen on the South Branch Root River from Forestville State Park upstream. Caddis and Glossossoma are still coming off in the headwaters of some streams. On Wednesday, May 30, it was noted that anglers should be prepared for some huge March Brown hatches. A large Baetis spinner fall was observed on the South Branch Root River Sunday evening. Light Hendricksons are still coming. 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
Smallmouth bass have been on their spawning beds for the last 10 days or so, and are just now starting to relocate to their favorite summer haunts. While these fish are hungry and extremely active on both the Zumbro and Root rivers, anglers are asked to consider the health of the smallmouth bass populations, and return all females that appear to have not yet spawned. 800-634-8277
Winona
The bass season opened with a bang last weekend for most inland waters. Please note that on Lake Winona, six is the limit. The limit for walleye is also six, with only 1 fish over 20-inches allowed on Lake Winona; on the Mississippi River, six is the limit and fish must be at least 15-inches. Sunfish have been active, and are leaving their spawning beds. These fish are biting in the back waters of the river. Crappies are active around the structure off the deep pools. Catfish have been biting now that temperatures have warmed. Most area trout streams are clear, with an average flow. There have been some good caddis and terrestrial fly hatches recently. Fly anglers are having lots of success using spinners and live bait. 800-657-4972
Faribault Area Lakes
800-658-2354
Albert Lea
Fountain Lake has been excellent for northern pike action. Anglers are also taking suckers, walleye, crappies, and sunnies. For walleye and pike, use leeches, fatheads and minnows. On Albert Lea Lake, walleye action has been strong at dusk in The Channel. 800-345-8414
Fairmont Area Lakes
Hall, Budd, Sisseton, and George lakes are producing crappies in the shallows. Anglers having the most success are using flu flus and minnows in depths of 4-8 feet. These lakes have also been excellent for bluegill numbers; for the most fish, use wax worms or nightcrawlers. Tuttle and Hall lakes are giving up quite a few walleye. Anglers report the best numbers coming in on leeches and minnows, and on trolling shad raps. 800-657-3280
Ortonville -Big Stone Lake
The walleye bite remains excellent this week on Big Stone Lake. Anglers are also taking quite a few northern pike, white bass, largemouth bass, and an occasional perch. Walleye are responding best to spinners with crawlers, especially when worked around the islands and from the Shady Beach Supper Club on north to the Hartford Beach area. Some anglers are having success with a variety of fish when pulling crankbaits. Most walleye are coming from 7-9 foot depths, with a few found in 10-11 feet of water. Dock anglers using crappie rigs and slip bobbers with minnows report some smaller walleye, an abundance of white bass, and an occasional bullhead. 800-568-5722
