June 14, 2012 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report
Warming water temperatures are pushing most species out of the shallows--try fishing a bit deeper this weekend, and be sure to bring along leeches and crawlers. Anglers wanting to introduce children to fishing will want to check out the Fish Fair at the Anoka County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 16. Fishing For Life will host this fishing carnival for kids and their families. Participants of all ages can race minnows, make lures, practice casting, and learn about all aspects of fishing in our great state. Also enjoy a fish fry, Sportsman?s Garage Sale, silent auction, IPad drawing, pony rides, vendor fair, minnow races, and more during the fair!.
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.
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Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Anglers are pulling good numbers of walleye from the shallow waters. Jigging with a minnow has been the most effective approach. Smallmouth bass are guarding their beds, and can be found in the shallow bays with sandy bottoms. Northern pike have been aggressive near the weedy edges. There have been few reports of crappies; for the most fish, hit the north sides of the islands from Sand Bay to Brule Narrows, especially during morning hours. The Rainy River continues to produce quite a few walleye from the dam at International Falls downstream a couple of miles. 800-325-5766
Kabetogama
Anglers are enjoying the warm, calm and stable conditions. There has been a decent perch, sauger and bass bite in the shallows, however these species are moving to deeper waters due to warmer temperatures. Leeches and crawlers are becoming the bait of choice for walleye anglers, and slip sinker rig presentations are a great technique to consider. When using slip sinker presentations, hit depths of 24-30 feet in areas with a soft bottom. Mayflies are emerging from soft bottom areas where they provide a nice food source for walleye. A short snell on your rig will keep your bait near the bottom where these fish are feeding. Northern pike are cruising the lake; during the day, hit the weed edges of the windblown bays. Jumbo perch and sauger are moving deeper, and should now be at mid-range depths. Smallmouth bass are around the gravel shores and rock pile edges where crayfish congregate; toss a lure into the shallows for some fast action. Remember to fish a bit deeper this weekend, and be sure to try some leeches and crawlers. 800-524-9085
Crane Lake
800-362-7405
Ely
A lot of nice walleye (some weighing up to nine pounds!) have been reported this week. Lake names are not important this week as any lake that holds a decent population of walleye is sure to give up fish! Crawlers and leeches lead the way, but trolled and casted crankbaits are also working well. Most fish are still holding in 8-12 feet of water, roaming the shallows as the sun sets. Northern pike are slamming spinners and spoons in 3-10 feet of water. Smallmouth bass are on their beds, attacking topwater baits that invade their territory. Soft baits, such as tubes or crawfish, are working well when pitched near the beds. Please release most of these fish so they can complete their spawn. Crappies and sunnies are also in the midst of their spawn, and can be found in depths as shallow as 1 foot; small jig and tube combos will allow you to cover more water and save you from having to re-bait constantly. Still, minnows and worms under a bobber will keep it exciting. This is a great way to introduce children to fishing, and it is almost always a very memorable experience! 800-777-7281
Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
800-648-5897
Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Walleye anglers will want to grab some leeches and try trolling or slowly drifting area lakes for good numbers of fish! Anglers are having the most success during evening hours. Two Island Lake, located just outside of Grand Marais, is giving quite a few walleye and northern pike in 6-15 feet of water. Slowly drifting and jigging has been the most productive techniques. On Gunflint Lake, the walleye are schooling in deeper waters, with fish pulled from 25 foot depths on leeches. Trout are also biting in Gunflint, but anglers will need to sink their hook much deeper. For the most fish, drop a jig or spoon tipped with a minnow into depths of 50-60 feet. On nearby Saganaga Lake, lake trout are being taken by anglers trolling spoons through 60-80 feet of water. The smallmouth bass have been practically jumping into boats; for some exciting action, hit Deeryard Lake near Lutsen using spinners with minnows or crawlers along the shore in depths of 5-15 feet. Nearby Devils Track Lake is giving up lots of smallmouth bass and northern pike. For northerns, drop a sucker under a bobber, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Duluth - Lake Superior
800-438-5884
Grand Rapids
Professional fishing guides report that the strong walleye bite continues on Bowstring Lake, located just 30 miles north of Grand Rapids. Most walleye are being pulled from 17-21 feet of water. Techniques that seem to work best are a bottom bouncer and rainbow spinner with a night crawler, and a roach rig with a nightcrawler or leech. On windy days, try a shiner on a 1/4-ounce fireball or slurp jig; productive colors have been sunrise and parakeet. Fishing guides are also seeing lots of jumbo perch on the humps scattered throughout the basin and shoreline areas connected to the bars and points. Another lake that continues to produce nice numbers of fish is Sand Lake, located 35 miles north of Grand Rapids. For the most fish, try a bottom bouncer, rainbow spinner, nickel or fire-tiger blade, and a nightcrawler or leech. Depending on wind speed, try traveling at .9 mph in 11-17 feet of water. Another bait system that is working well is a parakeet- or bubblegum-colored fireball jig head tipped with a shiner minnow. Walleye action is picking up on Lake Winnibigoshish, located 29 miles west of Grand Rapids. Good numbers of active fish can be found on the mid-lake humps. Fishing professionals advise pulling nightcrawlers on spinners through 16-22 feet of water. Another productive presentation is a jig or other live bait rig tipped with a minnow. The Grand Rapids, Minnesota area is known to have the largest concentration of lakes in the entire state of Minnesota; start planning your next fishing trip with a Professional Grand Rapids Area Fishing Guide. 800-355-9740
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Lake of the Woods walleye and sauger action remains strong despite recent fluctuations in weather conditions. Anchoring and jigging in front of Long Point near the Twin Islands in roughly 31 feet of water, and near the Graceton Beach area in 29-32 feet of water has produced some nice trophies! When the wind is blowing, check the shallows using plugs or spinners. Some anglers are also catching fish when pulling crankbaits with downriggers and leadcore. At the Northwest Angle & Islands Area, anglers are doing well on the rocks on the big lake. The may flies are hatching so anglers are doing well as the mud flats. 800-382-FISH
Bemidji
Area lakes are nearing the 70-degree mark, and summer fishing patterns will begin shortly. Anglers are still able to catch walleye with most presentations. Fish can be found in both the shallow and deep waters as long as enough food is available. Anglers are pulling fish from waters as shallow as 5 feet and as deep as 40-plus feet, so be sure to check a wide range of depths. Shallow walleye tend to be more active and easier to release, while the deep walleye tend to be less active and much harder to release without a significant amount of delayed mortality. The early ice-out this spring combined with the lack of snow last winter has accentuated the weed growth. The cabbage weed beds in most lakes are thicker and healthier than usual which is good news for the fish. Cabbage weeds may be the "best" weeds since they provide good cover for both predators and prey species, and also produce oxygen. Anglers have been catching lots of walleye in the weeds when using jigs and shiners, jigs and plastics, slip bobber rigs and live bait rigs tipped with an inflated night crawler and light sinker. 800-458-2223
Cass Lake
Walleye are coming in on jig and minnow combinations worked in 15-25 feet of water. The key is to stay on the move until you locate a school of fish. Lots of nice-sized perch are also being taken. Many largemouth bass, measuring 17- to 20-inches, were reported earlier in the week; most fish were returned to the water since they were pre-spawn and full of eggs. A few nice walleye and crappies were taken along with the bass. Remember that the walleye are in the midst of their transition, and can be found deep on the mid-lake structure, as well as roaming the shallows. It won't be long, however, until most walleye have moved to the deeper waters and fishing becomes more consistent. 800-356-8615
Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish
218/665-2268
Walker - Leech Lake
Summer arrived in the Leech Lake area this past week, bringing with it some very warm temperatures. Anglers took nice numbers when rigged up with bottom bouncers, gold spinners, crawler and leech rigs, and lindy rigs. These were effective in the deeper waters along the weedlines, points and rock bars. When the wind blew, anglers did well fishing the windswept shorelines. Some anglers had success throwing jigs tipped with a minnow or leech. The West Goose Flats, Star Point, Stony Point Trench and Second Duck Point offered good walleye action. Sand Point in Walker Bay was productive during evening hours. Anglers had success trolling lindy/leech rigs, and anchoring and bobber fishing with a leech set-up. Anglers pulling shad raps after dark were also finding walleye. Bass and panfish anglers will want to check out the many bays. The muskie bite has been best at sunrise and sunset, and should really heat up as water temperatures rise further. Leech Lake does not have a zebra mussel infestation, and anglers are asked to help keep this a healthy fishery by double-checking their boat trailers, pulling boat plugs and draining live wells before leaving any lake. 800-833-1118
Park Rapids
The bite has improved considerably. Walleye anglers are pulling fish from 16-22 feet of water on redtail minnows and nightcrawlers on a roach rig. Northern pike are attacking flashy spinnerbaits or jig and shiner combinations at the cabbage weeds. Weeds found in depths of 6-14 feet have been best on most bodies of water. Crappies are moving toward the weeds in slightly deeper waters. For the most fish, hit depths of 6-10 feet. Leave the minnows behind and try a 1/16th ounce mimic minnow, letting the bait fall periodically as you retrieve it very slowly. Smallmouth bass have just finished their spawn; look for post-spawn fish at the drop-offs to deeper waters at the gravel and rock flats. Crayfish-imitation baits are also working well since these areas hold crustaceans. Largemouth bass can be found in 1-10 feet of water when using slow-moving plastic worms and jungle jigs. 800-247-0054
Detroit Lakes
While rising water temperatures and lots of sunshine caused the mayflies to begin to hatch, the recent cold front put an end to this, at least for a while. Water temperatures have actually dropped 5- or 6-degrees over the last three days, and many walleye can still be found in 11-18 feet of water. The best approach has been a leech or crawler. Bass have become very active at the deeper weed edges, especially during the cold spell. Lots of bass are being taken by walleye anglers rigging for fish at the weed edges. Look for these fish to move back into more shallow waters as temperatures increase the end of this week. Northern pike have been active anywhere there are weeds. Some nice crappies can be found in depths of 9-13 feet on the edges of flats when aggressively jigging plastic baits. These fish are now moving out of the shallows to their summer locations. Sunfish remain active on the inside and outside weed edges, however finding the larger fish can be a challenge; try leeches and crawler pieces on small jigs or hooks under bobbers for the most fish. 800-542-3992
Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
Walleye are coming from 10-20 feet of water on spinners with crawlers or leeches on Otter Tail Lake. Crankbaits are productive in 8-10 feet of water once the sun starts to set. Panfish action has slowed a bit now that they have completed their spawn. Water temperatures average roughly 70-degrees. 800-423-4571
Glenwood
Fishing has been exceptional since the beginning of June! Walleye are being pulled from Lakes Minnewaska, Reno and Mary on live bait. Emily Lake walleye action has slowed somewhat. Bass action has been tremendous on Minnewaska, with most methods producing limits. Northern pike are hitting crankbaits worked in 4-6 feet of water on Minnewaska. Sunnies have moved into the bullrushes found in depths of 8-10 feet. These fish are an easy catch when using live bait. 320/634-3636
Whitefish
Anglers are taking the most walleye 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
Summer fishing patterns have begun, and anglers are switching tactics. Walleye have settled into their summer depths of 15-25 feet of water, moving shallower during evening and early morning hours. Walleye are now responding best to nightcrawlers and leeches, however some will still hit jig and minnow combinations and minnows on a slip-sinker rig. Anglers trolling "wobble" plugs through 5-12 feet of water after dark are reporting good success on lakes such as Whitefish, Pine Mountain, Woman and Leech. The mayfly hatch has been scattered, with some lakes experiencing a large hatch while others have had none. The hatch usually signals slower walleye action, but this is not always the case! Northern pike and bass are very active at the lower edge of the weedlines. The panfish bite remains "hot," with good numbers of fish being pulled from nearly all area 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
The bite on Lake Mille Lacs continues to impress anglers. Many fish are coming from the deeper waters, with the mud flats and deep gravel areas kicking out good numbers of fish. Leeches on long snells with a colored hook, or a hook/pink or red bead, have been just as effective as the crawler/spinner approach. Gold and silver are the top colors for the spinners. Evening fishing on the rocks also remains very good; just anchor up and toss out a bobber. The Night Ban is now off so don't forget your navigation lights which are required from sunset to sunrise. 888-350-2692
Willmar
Diamond, Green and Eagle lakes are producing nice-sized walleye during morning and evening hours in 10-40 feet of water. Anglers are having the most success using bobbers or trolled shad raps in the shallower waters, and leeches in the deeper waters. The shallower lakes such as Big Kandiyohi, Elizabeth, North Long, Florida, Andrew, Willmar and Foot continue to give up lots of sunnies and crappies. 800-845-8747
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls
Recently, a local St. Croix River angler reported good multi-species action when using a sucker on a slip sinker rig cast from shore. The result was quite a few walleye of varying sizes, as well as a few smallmouth and largemouth bass. While the first strike was sometimes missed on the fall, these fish would generally come back and keep hitting until they were hooked. 715/483-3580
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Fishing is good throughout the Chisago Lakes area. Walleye are coming from the deeper waters on leeches and fatheads. Some of the best lakes have been South Center and Green, especially during early morning and evening hours. Large northern pike and bass are being pulled out of Sunrise Lake. Panfish are hitting all day long on area lakes. 651/257-1177
White Bear Area Lakes
Walleye are hitting fathead minnows and leeches worked in 20-30 feet of water on White Bear Lake. Bald Eagle Lake is producing walleye in depths of 12-15 feet, with minnows and leeches working best. Panfish are active on both lakes, with sunfish coming from the shallows, and crappies taken from the weedlines. Bass are hitting spinnerbaits and live bait on White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes. Northern pike and muskie action is heating up, with fish hitting spoon baits and sucker minnows. 651/653-5122
Waconia
The bite on Lake Waconia remains strong for panfish. The sunfish are completing their spawn, and anglers continue to have success fishing the pencil reeds in Reinke's Bay and all along the northwest shoreline. Other anglers are having success working 8-10 foot depths with ground cover weeds. The most productive methods have been a beetle spin tipped with a waxworm, and bobber fishing with waxworms, crawlers or panfish leeches. Crappie anglers should do well fishing the outside weedlines in 10-12 feet. Bass action remains consistent, with reports of nice-sized fish weighing 1 1/2- to 3-pounds. Some anglers are having success in the shallows when using crawlers, leeches, or Texas-rigged worms, especially at the Carp Trap and pencil reeds. Other anglers are doing well when throwing spinnerbaits along the weedlines, with some nice northern pike also being taken. Try this approach at the weeds out from the north shoreline, or off the reefs such as Cemetery Reef, Pillsbury Reef and North Reef. Those pursuing the elusive walleye will want to check out the breaks off Keg's Reef, North Reef, and Anderson's Reef. While slip-bobber fishing is always a good approach, some anglers have also done well jigging a leech or fathead. Muskie action should heat up shortly, however, last weekend's Metro Muskie Tournament did produce a 44-inch muskie! Please note that this is "construction season," and Highway 5 is only open to local traffic heading eastbound from Victoria to Waconia. Please see the Waconia Maps/Directions page for the easiest way to maneuver the construction. Be aware that the Hwy 284/Hwy 5 intersection in Waconia will soon be undergoing construction as well. 952/442-5812
Southern Minnesota
Lake City - Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River
877-525-3248
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of Tuesday, June 12, there were still some March Browns and Light Cahills being observed. Multiple species of caddis were found last week and early this week. Conditions are clear and low for Canfield Creek, Forestville Creek, Duschee Creek, Gribben Creek, Rush Creek, Pine Creek, and the South Branch Root River at Forestville State Park. Wisel Creek and the South Branch Root River at Lanesboro are considered off in color and low. And Trout Run and the entire Whitewater River system are reported to be clear, with a normal flow. 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
Fish in southeastern Minnesota rivers are starting to take on a summer pattern. Despite very little rainfall since the first of June, the water clarity has not improved on either the Root or Zumbro rivers. Speculation is that the levels of silt on both rivers continue to grow exponentially, and currents will pick it up and transport it downstream when the currents increase. As a result, fishing has slowed somewhat, and it is not as good as it normally is this time of year. The bite seems to be dependent on the time of day, with fish turning active at various times. Smallmouth bass have been the most likely to hit, with an occasional muskie, northern pike and walleye mixed in. Fish are not yet responding to topwater baits, and the weeds are starting to get in the way of dropping baits; hopefully the topwater action will begin shortly! Water temperatures are approaching the mid-70's; the smallmouth are now post-spawn and moving to their summer haunts. 800-634-8277
Winona
800-657-4972
Faribault Area Lakes
800-658-2354
Albert Lea
Fountain Lake is giving up lots of northern pike on artificial jigs worked on the east side of the lake at Fountain Street. Bass are hitting rapalas in Edgewater Bay. For sunnies and bluegills, use a leech in 4 feet of water on Fountain Lake near Park Avenue. Walleye are coming from the Channel Bridge on Fountain Lake during lowlight hours, with rapalas again working best. Albert Lea Lake is giving up some walleye near the channel. For the most fish, use rapalas. 800-345-8414
Fairmont Area Lakes
800-657-3280
Ortonville -Big Stone Lake
The walleye bite has been exceptional on Big Stone Lake over the last two weeks, and a variety of fish are being caught in most areas of the lake! The favorite walleye spots remain over the weed growth in 8-9 foot of water around the islands, south to Ortonville. Many, many limits have come from the southern five miles of the lake. The bite is also strong along Shady Beach, north to Hartford Beach and on a ways. Bottom bouncers, spinners and crawlers are the bait of choice, with some anglers also doing well when pulling or casting crankbaits. The key is to slow down when using a spinner (1- to 1.5-mph), and keep your presentation just above the weeds. A significant number of perch continue to be taken by walleye anglers. These fish are nice-sized, with 6 or 7 taken most outings. This is very unusual for June, and local anglers and guides are excited to see this happening so early! Anglers are also bringing in quite a few bluegill, northern pike, and very large white bass. Recently, one angler that had never fished Big Stone before caught and cleaned 61 white bass! 800-568-5722
