Explore Minnesota Fishing Report June 20, 2013 Walleye fishing remains very good in lakes throughout the state. Mayflies are beginning to emerge from the mud in the deep waters so many of the walleyes and large perch are following, moving deeper along the sides of the mid-lake structure. Some walleyes, however, continue to linger in their shallow spring locations.
Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2013/2014 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, May 11; largemouth and smallmouth bass, May 25; muskie, June 1. 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--consult the Minnesota DNR Fishing Seasons and Minnesota DNR Fishing Regulations websites for the most current information.
This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism, with information provided by statewide tourism organizations and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Northeast Minnesota
International Falls - Rainy Lake & the Rainy River
Walleye fishing on Rainy Lake has been very good. Anglers are finding walleye in some of the bays and around some of the submerged structure when working jigs and spinner rigs tipped with minnows. Popular areas have been between Cranberry Bay and the Brule Narrows, and the structure from Grindstone Island to Cranberry Bay. Black Bay is giving up quite a few fish as well. Crappies are active in Black Bay, as are some larger northern pike. Crappies are most likely found in the west end of the bay, while northern pike are more likely to be found near the mouth of the bay at Rainy Lake City. Smallmouth bass have been fairly active along much of the rocky southern shoreline from Island View to Lost Bay. Rainy River walleye fishing has been best below the Ranier Rapids and above the dam at International Falls, and again from just above Kuttes Landing to the Littlefork River. 800-325-5766;
www.rainylake.orgKabetogama
Walleye anglers were less than thrilled with last week's mild and sunny days which put a damper on the fast action of previous weeks. Anglers struggled to find the best bait presentation to lure the walleye away from the mayfly larvae which began to hatch as the lake bottom warmed. The key is to get a good bait presentation right in front of the fish. Shiners are still out performing fatheads and rainbows on slow moving slip sinker rigs in the shallow waters; slip bobbers are also working well. A few anglers report a decent walleye bit in 26-35 foot depths when using jig and minnow. Trolling crankbaits through 15-18 feet will also produce some fish. Sauger and perch continue to be taken off of shorelines and docks. Northern pike are abundant, hitting almost anything thrown their way. Smallmouth bass action is great along shorelines. There have been few reports of crappie activity now that they have completed their spawn. It's been such a strange year weather-wise that fish are just as confused as humans. On a positive note, constant sunny days and 70-plus degree temperatures will secure the summer patterns and fishing should become more predictable. 800-524-9085;
www.kabetogama.comTower/Soudan -Lake Vermilion
Fishing has been good on Lake Vermilion. Earlier this week, walleyes were still in the shallows, even during the day. Anglers took the majority of fish from 8-16 foot depths on lindy rigs with long snells and colored hooks. Locals expect the rock humps to also turn hot this week, with slip bobbers and leeches working best in these areas. The bass action should really heat up this week as fish continue to move up the bank onto their beds. Look for bolder rocks that transition to gravel/sand for these hungry bass. Soft plastics such as chompers, senkos and swim baits should work well. Muskie activity remains strong, with a few fish over 50-inches being taken; afternoons into evening hours have been best. A few fish have hit blades, but most of the action has been 6-9 inch crankbaits, glide baits, and soft plastics. Northern pike have switched gears, and are now responding best to 4-6 inch crankbaits and small in-line spinners worked in the weeds. Soft plastics are usually a good choice as well. Crappies continue to come from the shallows, especially in the trees, as well as tight to the shoreline. If you are having trouble getting the crappies to commit, longline troll small crankbaits in the shallows. 800-648-5897;
www.lakevermilionresorts.comEly
As of late last week, walleye action remained good, especially at the flats of local lakes. The bite had switched from minnows to leeches and crawlers as the fish began to scatter in depths of 3-12 feet. Some larger fish were also being taken from depths down to 20 feet. Large northern pike were roaming these same waters. Pike anglers were encouraged to cast or troll using large crankbaits, spinners or spoons, as well as bobber fishing with large sucker minnows. The crappies and smallmouth bass were in the midst of their spawn. Crappies were searching the shallows for suitable spawning grounds, while the bass were starting to fan beds and guard their nesting sites. 800-777-7281;
www.ely.orgCook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage
Anglers report that the fish are still in fairly shallow waters due to the late spring. Walleyes continue to return to the shallows in the evenings, holding in roughly 5-12 feet of water near shore. Both minnows and leeches are turning fish. Just outside of Grand Marais, check out at Devil Track Lake, as well as Elbow Lake located a bit further up the Gunflint Trail. The northern pike have been hungry, with fish pooling in waters just a bit deeper. On Caribou Lake, outside of Lutsen, pike are being pulled from 18 feet of water by anglers casting red and white spoons; minnows should also land one of these mighty fighters. Speaking of fighters, the smallmouth bass are also very active. Anglers using nightcrawlers and crankbaits on Hungry Jack and Northern Lights lakes off the Gunflint Trail are reporting fast action. North of Tofte, on Sawbill Lake, cast a rapala for even lots of bass and walleye action! The lake trout are hitting trolled spoons on Greenwood and Seagull lakes. These fish are also late to move to deeper waters, and can be found schooling in roughly 40 feet of water.
www.VisitCookCounty.comGrand Rapids
Fishing continues to be excellent in the Grand Rapids Area. In fact, its getting better! For the moment bug hatches have slowed, the wind has picked up and fish are HUNGRY!
Fish are starting to show up on deeper structures, but still targeting shallower shoreline transition areas. Snapping and dragging a stand up fireball tipped with a minnow where rock jets out onto sand in 8'-10' of water has put plenty of fish in the boat. It shouldn't be to long and we will be rigging with Crawlers and Leeches on deeper main lake humps, bars and flats.
www.visitgrandrapids.comNorthwest Minnesota
Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
Fishing has been excellent all over Lake of the Woods. Key spots this past week were both gaps, Pine Island, Knight and Bridges, Archie's Reef, Arnesen's Reef and Garden Island. Walleyes are being pulled from 5 feet of water at the windswept shorelines, down to 30 feet of water on the main lake basins. Good numbers of large fish have been common. Jigging, casting spinners and pulling crankbaits have all been effective. The best colors are gold, glow and orange. Pike anglers report fishing has been exceptional in Bostic Creek and Morris Point in the Four Mile Bay area. Northerns have weighed from 15- to 25-pounds. One group of anglers netted more than 150 fish this past week! Smallmouth bass are active in the shallows. Good numbers are also coming from the Rainy River. Tapering shorelines with boulders or incoming rivers have been the best areas to key in on. At the Northwest Angle, excellent fishing continues. As on south shore, limits of walleyes are the norm. Anglers are having the most success when jigging, casting spinners and crankbaits in 15-25 feet of water. Walleyes are starting to move to the reefs. Smallmouth bass are active in the shallows, with shallow-diving crankbaits working best. Large northern pike are being taken by walleye and bass anglers. 800-382-FISH;
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.comBemidji
Surface water temperatures are nearing the 70-degree mark in most lakes in the Bemidji area. Most large and smallmouth bass have finished spawning, along with most of the crappies and sunfish. The weed beds are still behind for this point in the season, with most of the reed beds and bull rushes just starting to poke their heads above water. The cabbage and coontail weed beds are also way behind in development. Walleye fishing has been very good in most area lakes, with the fish continuing to spread out into the lakes. The spotail shiners are almost done spawning along the shorelines and the mayflies are beginning to emerge from the mud basin in deep water so many of the walleyes and large perch are moving deeper as well, with most along the sides of mid-lake structure. The walleye bite remains good on most of the larger lakes. Lake Winnibigoshish has been the most productive lake on the cloudy days with moderate winds. Most anglers are having success using jigs and minnows at the shoreline cabbage for the smaller keeper-sized walleyes, while many of the larger "slot" walleyes have started to show up on the bars and humps closest to shore. Upper Red Lake continues to be excellent for walleyes on days with light winds. Anglers are taking good numbers of fish when working the shoreline breaks in 3-6 feet of water along most of the eastern shore. Anglers have been using several different presentations with good success. The slot limit on Upper Red Lake changed on June 15, 2013. Anglers in Upper Red Lake are now able to keep 4 walleyes with a protected slot limit of 20- to 26-inches, with 1 walleye longer than 26-inches allowed in a limit. 800-458-2223;
www.visitbemidji.comCass Lake
Fishing remains good on Cass Lake, despite slowing somewhat. Walleye anglers are having the most success working jigs and minnow combinations in 5 feet of water. Leeches and crawlers should also turn a few fish. 800-356-2250;
www.casslake.comWalker - Leech Lake
Fishing remains excellent on Leech Lake. While the panfish are still up shallow, the walleye are starting to move into their summer patterns and dispersing. For the most fish, use jigs and shiners during low light hours. Leeches and crawlers have been best during late morning and afternoon hours. Recent hot spots include Goose Island, the Duck Points, and the Hardwoods. Water temperatures average 67-degrees in the main lake, and 65-degrees in Walker Bay. On other area lakes, fish have started to move deeper, with anglers pulling the majority of fish from 15-22 foot depths. Similarly to Leech, most area lakes are giving up the most fish on leeches and crawlers, although a shiner or redtail will generally produce as well. Panfish are still hitting hard in the shallows, especially on lakes that take longer to warm. Large crappies are coming in on plastics which allow anglers to cover more ground. Bobbers and minnows have been working well in areas with enough structure to hold a school of fish. Smallmouth bass action has been excellent on all area lakes holding good numbers of smallies, such as Woman, Ten Mile, Stony, and Baby lakes. These fish are moving shallow to spawn, and should be moving back into deeper waters throughout the next week or two. If you're looking to catch a 5-plus pound smallmouth bass, now is the time! 800-833-1118;
www.leech-lake.comDetroit Lakes
All fish species are actively biting on lakes in the Detroit Lakes area. The cabbage weeds, and mid-lake structure areas are producing walleyes. Crappies remain shallow, just finishing their spawn. Some large crappies are coming in on larger bait presentations worked on the flats with scattered weed growth. Bass are still active in the shallows and hitting the more aggressive-style baits. Muskie anglers are doing well when pitching the shallow and mid-lake flats with weeds, especially on Pelican, Detroit, and Sallie lakes. The bugs are hatching so anglers may want to choose lakes where the bug hatch has not yet begun or has ended for the most success. 800-542-3992;
www.visitdetroitlakes.comCentral Region
Glenwood -Lake Minnewaska
As of late last week, fishing on Lake Minnewaska and other area lakes was excellent. Walleyes were being taken from Minnewaska by anglers using live bait on the points and bars. The Glenwood side seemed to be the most productive. Reno and Mary lakes also produced lots of walleyes, with live bait working best. Bass action was excellent on Minnewaska, attacking spinnerbaits and leeches under bobber in the shallows. 320/634-3636
Pine River
All species of gamefish in the Pine River area have been "on the bite" this past week, and the action is expected to continue through early July. Walleyes have rebounded following their spawn, and are moving to their summer haunts at the bottom of the weedlines and to depths of 22-30 feet in some lakes. A jig and minnow combination or plain shiner minnow on a slip rig should produce well, however nightcrawlers and leeches are being used more often. Northern pike have been aggressive, hitting on almost all of the Pine River area lakes. Bass anglers report lots of bass are hitting surface baits, spinnerbaits, and plastics. Crappies are expected to move deeper shortly, where they should be actively feeding in 10-15 feet. Sunfish remain very shallow and are still spawning in many areas. 800-728-6926;
www.pinerivermn.comBrainerd Lakes Area
Fishing in the Brainerd Lakes Area has been improving. Walleyes have been biting in 8-16 feet of water on the Whitefish Chain and on North Long Lake. The best choice of bait has been a jig and shiner minnow, however a live bait rig tipped with a redtail has also been producing fish. The walleyes have been transitioning to early summer spots, with some still found in spring locations. Due to a crazy spring, try different areas using various presentations until a pattern is established. Bass and crappies have active in the shallow, warm bays. For crappies, all you need is a small jig and a casting bubble. The bass have been hitting almost anything tossed toward the inside weed edge, typically 2-10 feet of water. 800-450-2838;
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comIsle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs
On Lake Mille Lacs, while weekend reports were mixed, most anglers took fish and guides are still reporting 30-50 fish days. Specific patterns are hard to pinpoint since most areas and presentations are producing fish. Anglers are having success from the shallow rocks in the bright sun to the deep edges of the mud. The mud flats have turned on, especially 7-Mile, Garrison Reef, Myr Mar Flat and Resort Flat. There has also been a scattered bite along the shallow, 6-10 foot shorelines and near-shore reefs; use a jig and minnow combination or a slip bobber with a minnow or leech for the most fish. Anglers wanting to introduce kids to fishing (and have some fast action at the same time) should hit the Mille Lacs reefs for lots of smallmouth and largemouth bass. What a thrill to hear that reel, and the kids, scream! Small tubes and grubs are working best. Also exciting is all of the muskie action in the bay areas. 888-350-2692;
www.millelacs.comWillmar Lakes Area
The sunnies and crappies have been moving to shallower waters to spawn. Walleyes are coming from 10-20 foot depths on lakes such as Eagle, Diamond, Andrew, Florida, and Nest. In Green Lake, 20-30 foot depths have been best for walleyes. Anglers are using fewer minnows and more leeches and crawlers. 800-845-8747;
www.willmarlakesarea.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan area
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
The panfish are biting! Nice-sized sunnies are coming from 6-8 feet of water on North & South Center, South Lindstrom and Chisago lakes. Anglers using waxworms and panfish leeches are taking the most fish. A good northern pike and sunfish bite is being reported on Sunrise Lake. Walleyes have moved deeper, with a few fish being taken. Bass are biting on Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes. 651/257-1177;
www.chisagolakeschamber.comWaconia/Lake Waconia
As of late last week, Lake Waconia's surface water temperatures had risen into the mid-60s. Anglers reported excellent crappie fishing, with many anglers bringing home numbers of nice-sized crappies after sorting. Depths of 8-12 feet were recommended. The shallows along the reeds on the northwest side of the lake were also giving up fish. Sunfish were expected to spawn very soon. Bass fishing was excellent, with artificials such as spinner baits, Texas-rigged worms and crankbaits producing fish. Several anglers also reported good action when using leeches, crawlers and shiners. Areas to check included the shallow reed areas, the area near Rock Dock, and the weeds found in 10-15 feet of water. Muskie action was the really big news, with lots of very large fish being reported. The largest one measured 52-inches. It was taken by a 12-year old using a bulldawg. And one angler took both a 50-incher and a 49-inch muskie! 952/442-5812;
www.destinationwaconia.orgSouthern Minnesota
Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Trout Streams
As of Thursday, June 20, more and more blue-winged olives continue to appear. As a result, fishing has been tough. Numerous terrestrial type trout foods have been noted, i.e. crickets and green inch worms. Crane flies have also been seen in mating swarms. Conditions were described as clear and normal for Canfield Creek, Forestville Creek, Gribben Creek, South Branch Root River at Forestville State Park, and Trout Run. Duschee Creek was off in color, with a normal water flow. The South Branch Root River at Lanesboro was also off, but slightly higher. And overall, water conditions for all branches of the Whitewater Stream are clear and normal. As further updates on stream conditions become available they will be posted on the Southeast Minnesota Stream Conditions web page. 800-944-2670;
www.lanesboro.comAlbert Lea
Anglers report some good-sized northern pike are being pulled from Fountain Lake. Panfish have been active in lakes throughout the area. But the big news this week is the number of large walleyes coming from the Edgewater Park, Island, and "The Mermaid" areas of Fountain Lake. 800-345-8414;
www.albertleatourism.orgFairmont Area Lakes
Bluegills have been very active on Sisseton and Budd lakes, with fish coming from 3-5 foot depths on small jigs tipped with wax worms. Crappie anglers are taking fish from Hall, Budd and Sisseton lakes. The best approach has been a small jig and a minnow worked in 4-8 feet of water. Walleye are coming from Tuttle, Big Twin and Hall lakes. For the most fish, hit the shallow waters during the day use crankbaits or live bait rigs; at night, switch to a slip bobber and minnow. And catfish anglers are having a blast on Hall, Fox, and Budd lakes, with worms and minnows on snells turning some nice fish. 800-657-3280;
www.fairmontcvb.comOrtonville -Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake fishing action remains strong despite recent inclement weather. Once again, those that ventured out were rewarded for efforts. The walleyes continue to be very active, especially on south end of Big Stone Lake. Areas to check out include the islands south to Ortonville, the very foot of the lake, and up the Minnesota side to the peninsula. For the most fish, pull shad raps or try shallow water trolling with a spinner on a planer board. Many nice walleye measuring over 20-inches, as well as a large number of fish in the 17-20 inch class are being reported. Big Stone is also kicking out a variety of other species, including good numbers of bluegills, crappies, perch, northern pike, white bass, and even some bullheads! 800-568-5722;
www.bigstonelake.com
