Explore Minnesota Fishing Report July 26, 2012
Temperatures have returned to more "normal" levels throughout the state, offering a welcome relief from the recent record-high temperatures. With continued mild temperatures and only a slight chance of rain/thunderstorms this will be an ideal weekend to hit the water!
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
Rainy Lake walleye fishing has been very good. Walleye anglers are now taking more fish on leeches and crawlers than minnows. Depths of 20-25 feet of water on the submerged reefs have been best. Slowly trolling a spinner rig seems to be outpacing anchored and jigging. One productive area is just west of the Brule so anglers aren't having to travel far for great fishing action. Smallmouth bass action has slowed a bit, but fish can still be caught on the windward rocky shorelines. Large northern pike are being pulled from the weedy edges, and crappie are hitting near the mouth of the Rat Root River in Black Bay. There have been few reports from the Rainy River, however, those received indicate that walleye are coming from areas below the dam to roughly the golf course, as well as below the Ranier Rapids. 800-325-5766
Kabetogama
Lake Kabetogama offered exceptional fishing last week, with angling less predictable on Lake Namakan which has slightly cooler waters and many deep water structures. Kabetogama walleye anglers found fish during early morning and late afternoon hours at depths of 23-28 feet. The edges of the reefs and rock piles offered the most walleye, with smallmouth bass and northern pike also being taken. The recommended approach was a 4 foot snell and slip sinker rig, with or without a spinner, with a leech or crawler. During the middle of the day, head deeper using a jig and minnow combination or a slip bobber set-up. Large perch could be found in most locations throughout the day, offering exciting fishing when the walleye are sluggish. Sauger action has slowed, but some continue to bite occasionally. 800-524-9085
Crane Lake
Walleye are being pulled from 20-25 foot depths on Crane Lake, with many in the slot range of 15? to 17-inches. A few larger fish in the protected slot are being caught and released. Many anglers are trying their luck at Pat Smith Reef on Namakan Lake, and they have not been disappointed. Bass are beginning to school on the reefs, with anglers taking good numbers of lindy rigs tipped with a floating leech. Morning and evening hours have been best for catching fish, and morning anglers should expect enough fish for a great shore lunch! 800-362-7405
Cook/Tower - Lake Vermilion
800-648-5897
Ely
Walleye are being pulled from roughly 5-12 feet of water at the reefs, with fish moving into the shallows on some area lakes. Most fish are coming in on leeches, but some anglers are having success using night crawlers. Fishing tends to be slow during the day, heating up during evening hours. The recent hatch has left lots of minnows for the walleye, however fish continue to bite. And while in Ely, check out the very popular Blueberry Art Festival held July 27-29, with 300 exhibitors, ethnic foods, a variety of musical performances, and more! 00-777-7281
Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Despite hot temperatures, fish continue to bite, with the trout providing the most action in the cool, deep waters. On Lake Saganaga, at the end of the Gunflint Trail, lake trout fishing has been great for anglers using leeches, flicks, raps and spinners in 50-70 feet of water. On Clearwater Lake, at the middle of the Gunflint Trail, one lucky angler landed at 38-pound trout measuring 18.3-inches. Rainbow trout action has been good on Mink, Kimball and Trout lakes. The smallmouth bass have been very active in most area lakes, with leeches and spinners turning the most fish. Anglers pursuing walleye and northern pike are having the most success when bobber fishing, even in still waters. The Devil Track rock piles in roughly 20 feet of water are giving up walleye on minnows and leeches; some of the more shallow areas of Elbow Lake are also producing fish. Both are located north of Grand Marais. Lake Superior salmon are coming from waters less than 100 feet deep. In fact, those casting off shore have landed a few good-sized salmon and lake trout. For the largest lake trout, hit depths of 100-200 feet, located not far off shore--Lake Superior slopes quickly into very deep water! And be sure to take a dip in Lake Superior--with water temperatures in the 70s it is actually very comfortable!
Grand Rapids
Not only are the temperatures much more comfortable, the fishing has been amazing throughout the Grand Rapids area! Walleye and northern pike anglers report very active fish, especially in the weeds. For the most fish, use a spinner and nightcrawler at the weeds in depths of 9-11 feet. Crankbaits are also working well at similar depths. Consider a Professional Grand Rapids Area Fishing Guide for your next fishing trip. 800-355-9740
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Fishing remains strong on Lake of the Woods. Summer patterns are in full swing, with two techniques working best for the walleye: trolling crankbaits in deeper waters throughout the main lake basin, and pulling crawler harnesses with a nightcrawler around the reefs and structure. Trollers are using downriggers, leadcore, or a 3-way rig with their favorite crankbait. Anglers drifting or trolling spinners with crawlers are using a bottom bouncer or weight with hammered gold blades. Limits of walleye, along with trophy-sized fish are being reported, with a few saugers generally mixed in with the walleye. At the Northwest Angle, action has been best at Four Blocks and Little Oak islands, the reefs around McDonell Island, the flats west of Crowduck Island, and the structure at Hay Island. The Little Traverse area continues to also produce good numbers of nice-sized walleye, as well as a few trophy-sized fish. Productive presentations are jigging or trolling spinners with minnows or crawlers. Muskie anglers are seeing and landing quite a few fish. Catch rates have been best during evening hours on hot days, or during periods of cooler temperatures. Topwaters and the double cowgirl-type bucktails have worked well. Bass and northern pike anglers are doing well when casting to windswept shorelines and points with a current since these conditions will mix the warm surface layer with the cooler water below. 800-382-FISH
Bemidji
Late last week, surface water temperatures had risen into the high 70s and low 80s in most lakes. Oxygen levels below the thermocline in the deeper lakes were running low, especially in lakes with enough algae to tint the water green. Many fish were moving back into the weedy shallows for shade and higher oxygen levels, and some of the walleye, perch and northern pike were moving on top of the mid-lake structure. Large flats, bars or sunken islands covered with chara, a.k.a. sand grass, that give cover to crayfish, insects and minnows, made them attractive feeding areas for walleye and other predatory fish. Anglers have been catching walleye on the breaklines and above the thermocline in deeper waters on bottom bouncers and spinners tipped with leeches or crawlers. Speed and spinner color and size are important; consider a quick change spinner clevis so you can find the right color combination as quickly as possible. Anglers have also taken some fish when trolling crankbaits through the shallows and deeper waters; use leadcore to reach the right depth. Line counter reels are important to get the bait into the correct zone once the right amount of line is let out. Perch have been very active on the flats. Bass action has been great in most lakes in shallow, heavy cover. Northern pike and muskie have been active on the cabbage weeds edges. 800-458-2223
Cass Lake
Fishing reports have been great this week, with Cass Lake producing lots of jumbo perch and walleye. The best approach has been a rapala or crawler worked in 9-10 feet of water. And don't miss the annual Cass Lake Rib Fest held July 26-28, with some of the finest ribs from Famous Dave's and many other local vendors. In addition, enjoy the competitions, live music & a street dance, car & motorcycle show, Native American dancers, arts & crafts, Little Miss & Miss Cass Lake pageants, children's activities, karaoke contest, and a parade. 800-356-8615
Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish
The walleye bite continues to improve on Lake Winnibigoshish. Spinners with crawlers or minnows are working well. Walleye anglers are doing well when using bouncers in the deep waters, and when using long-lines in the shallows over the weed tops. Speeds of 1.0 to 1.8 are best. Areas to check out include the north humps, the main lake bars, and the weeds found in 6-10 foot depths. The perch bite remains strong, with fish coming from the deep side of the weeds, as well as off the main lake drops down to 30 feet. Northern pike are not as ferocious due to many dead rough fish as a result of recent high temperatures and depleted oxygen levels. Look to the deeper side of the weeds and the main lake bar tops for the most action. Sunfish are active on most of the smaller area lakes. Surface water temperatures are in the upper 70s to lower 80s. 218/665-2268
Walker - Leech Lake
Leech Lake's Walker Bay has been the hot spot, especially in 8-10 feet of water from North Cedar to the Sand Point Flats during the day. The best approach has been a lindy rig or jig with a leech. Anglers using crawlers have also done well, however these anglers have lost a lot of bait to the weeds and smaller perch. The evening bite has been good on Cedar Point and Sand Point. Many anglers are having success pulling crankbaits throughout the lake. Also try bottom bouncing with a crawler or leech rig, or try a jig and leech combination west of the Goose Island Flats, and at Big Rock Reef, Mokey Reef and Huddle's Reef. Warmer water temperatures have caused an increase in muskie action in Portage, Sucker, Kabekona and Agency bays. The largemouth bass bite has been good in many of the bays. The panfish bite has been best in Shingobee and Steamboat bays. 800-833-1118
Hackensack
Fishing remains good on most of the 127 lakes located within a 10-mile radius of Hackensack. Jigs and crankbaits have been best for the walleye, with most fish coming from deeper waters. 800-279-6932
Park Rapids
800-247-0054
Detroit Lakes
All fish species seem to be very weed related, with anglers taking bass, walleye, northern pike, sunfish, and even muskie from the inside and outside weed edges, as well as in the weeds and over the tops of weeds. A new hatch of perch have attracted many predator species so the minnow bite has really picked up. Leeches and crawlers also continue to work well. Surface water temperatures are in the high-70s to mid-80s on most lakes. Some of the dark, shallow lakes have even reached the 90 degree mark, with subsequent fish kills due high temperatures & low oxygen levels. Most affected seem to be the whitefish, tullibee, suckers, and some northern pike. Summer patterns are in full swing, so trolling spinners and crankbaits has been very effective for many anglers. Walleye anglers are taking fish from depths of 18-28 feet on main lake points and mid-lake structure. The sharp breaks off the edge of deeper weedlines have proved to be productive as well for eating-size walleye. For the most fish, jig a minnow, or rig a minnow, leech or crawler. And for the most muskie action, check out Big Detroit and Pelican lakes. 800-542-3992
Central Region
Otter Tail Lakes Area
800-423-4571
Glenwood
Walleye continue to bite in spite of hot temperatures. Minnewaska, Reno, and Miltona lakes have been the top producers. On Miltona, use jigs tipped with nightcrawlers in 12-20 feet of water. On Reno, use leeches and spinners in 12-15 feet of water. And on Minnewaska, try leeches or crawlers in depths of 10-14 feet. Bass, northern pike and sunfish are all biting on Minnewaska as well. And be sure to check out the Glenwood's Waterama celebration held July 24-29. Highlights will include parades including a lighted pontoon parade, water shows, pageants, dances, sporting events & races, Crazy Days sales, arts and craft show, car show, and fireworks display! 320/634-3636
Whitefish
Fishing remains good in the Whitefish Area. For walleye, use leeches or nightcrawlers on a lindy rig beginning at 18 feet and working deeper, especially on sunny days. At dusk and when fishing at night, pull crankbaits. Northern pike are also heading to deeper waters. For the most fish, use jigs or rigs tipped with minnow in 25-plus feet of water. Some anglers are having success using crankbaits trolled at the outside weedline. Panfish anglers are taking lots of fish when using small leeches on a small hook with a split shot in the weeds at roughly 12 feet--no bobber is necessary. For bass, throw spinnerbaits or plastics at the weedlines, with the larger bass hitting live bait on jigs or rigs worked in deeper waters.
Pine River
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 Lake Mille Lacs walleye bite has slowed a bit which is typical for this time of year. Pulling leadcore lines with crankbaits has been effective, however, during the day. At night, bobber fishing in 28 feet of water has been best. The smallmouth bass bite has been amazing, with tube jigs worked in 14 feet of water turning lots of fish. The high water temperatures should lead to an increase in muskie action in the very near future. 888-350-2692
Willmar
Good numbers of panfish, northern pike and bass are continually being pulled from Eagle, Florida, Willmar, Foot, Green and Diamond lakes. Walleye anglers are also doing well when working depths of 10-15 feet during morning and evening hours on Green, Diamond and Eagle lakes. Nearby New London will be the site of the annual New London Water Days, July 26-29, with parades, live entertainment, street dances, kids' fishing tournament, garden tours, Dad?s Belgian Waffle Feed, craft & food vendors, sidewalk sales, sports auction, and fireworks! 800-845-8747
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls
Despite hot temperatures, walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike continue to be pulled from the St. Croix River. A slight wind seems to help with the walleye, with fish responding to lindy rigs tipped with live bait--try locating a school of baitfish along shore when concentrating on walleye. For keeper-sized fish, troll rapalas. 715/483-3580
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
651/257-1177
White Bear Area Lakes
Muskie and northern pike are hitting suckers and fast-moving spinnerbaits. Walleye action has slowed during the recent hot weather, with fish taken mostly at night on leeches and fathead minnows worked in deep water. The sunnies are very action, hitting leeches and worms in 8-10 feet. The crappies have moved deeper, coming from 14-20 foot depths on small jigs and crappie minnows. 651/653-5122
Waconia
Fishing remains good despite recent high temperatures. Sunnies and crappies continue to bite, especially at the deep weed edges on the reefs such as Center, North and Anderson's. For the most fish, use wax worms in 10-15 feet of water, with crawlers and leeches also producing fish. Bass action also remains strong. Shallow water spots such as Camp Manakiki, Reinke's Bay, and in the slop of Waconia Bay have all given up some quality largemouth. The deeper water weed edges on North, Keg's and Cemetery reefs, along with the rock piles on Pillsbury have been great options as well! And huge sheepshead have been showing up, with a 30-pound fish recently taken! 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, July 26, conditions were mostly clear and low for all area streams and rivers, depite recent rainfall. Several different species of caddis are hatching almost every day. Area fisheries staff are reporting what they think are Micrasema species (#18-20) and Brachycentrus species (#16-18), with numerous Brachycentrus larvae pupating. Hoppers are appearing, along with very small #16 crickets in some areas. No flying ant swarms have been seen. 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
The area has had just enough rain to sustain fairly good water levels in the rivers. Unfortunately, the heat has taken a huge toll on fish in area lakes, with one small manmade lake losing over 140 northern pike last week. The lakes have also been affected by high amounts algae; please be careful when bringing dogs along since these conditions can be particularly dangerous for dogs that ingest this water. Rivers are by far the best option for southeastern Minnesota anglers at they have not experience such algae growth and elevated water temperatures. One area guide found crystal clear water conditions and excellent fishing when canoeing and fishing the Zumbro River from Zumbro Falls to Hammond earlier this week. One recommended approach was a popper on a fly-rod or spinning rod. Flukes on hooks without weight also worked very well; twitch the fluke then let it fall naturally. Smallmouth bass are especially susceptible to this approach, with one fish actually flying out of the water to grab the fluke as it cleared tall grass! Be sure to cast as close as possible to shore. Anglers are also enjoying the lack of bugs, with no mosquito breeding areas due to the lack of rain. Anglers can camp along the Zumbro River, leave the tent flap open and never get bit! Summer is definitely here, and the fishing is great. This is a great time for anglers to hit the water! 800-634-8277
Winona
800-657-4972
Faribault Area Lakes
800-658-2354
Albert Lea
800-345-8414
Fairmont Area Lakes
800-657-3280
Ortonville -Big Stone Lake
Anglers continue to take lots of nice fish from Big Stone Lake. While the walleye bite has slowed due to high surface water temperatures, the perch bite remains strong! Walleye anglers have had some success trolling bottom bouncer/spinner/crawler combinations, and other anglers are taking a few fish by pulling crankbaits through the deepest part of the lake. Those that are patient are being rewarded. The perch anglers, however, report excellent action. Casting, bobber fishing and trolling are all producing fish. Many anglers report an 8- to 10-inch average, with some setting the bar higher and keeping only those fish measuring over 10-inches. Several "hot spots" have been noted; too many to mention! Just head out, and plan on taking home some walleye, an abundance of perch, and even some white bass! 800-568-5722
