Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - May 23, 2019

Stunning evening for fishing in Voyageurs National Park / Edith Jenkinson

It looks like Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend will be ideal for a day out on the water!

Walleye continue to be pulled from the shallows on jigs tipped with minnows. Low light hours are often best. Crappie action is heating up as fish move into the shallows to spawn.

Please remember that the water remains very cold so a life jacket is strongly encouraged.

Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2019/2020 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass (catch-and-release) and lake trout, May 11; muskie, June 1. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. For rules, regulations and other helpful information on fishing in Minnesota, consult the DNR's Fish Minnesota web page.

[Northeast] [Northwest] [Central] [Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Southern]

Northeast Minnesota

Kabetogama

The walleye spawn is essentially over and fish have started to migrate away from their spawning grounds. The water temperatures are hovering around 50 degrees or above (even warmer in the shallow bays). For the most walleye, check the transition areas adjacent to old spawning grounds. If the wind is blowing, stay shallow and focus on the windblown shorelines, points and bays. Keep the presentation simple, dragging jigs or lindy rigs until active schools are found. Bait may not be as important now so shiners, rainbows and chubs should all work. Early in the morning and just before dusk is the best time to use a minnow (especially a shiner) under a bobber from most docks where shiners typically run. With the warmer water temperatures, there have also been some decent reports from anglers using leeches. Fishing patterns will continue to change so if you have been catching fish in a certain area and the bite has slowed, move out deeper a bit, possibly as deep as 20 to 35 feet.

Northern pike are extremely active right now, and have been mixed in with the walleye. The crappies and smallmouth bass have yet to move into the shallows to spawn but that will change quickly as the water temperatures rise. There is a moose wandering around the Lake Kabetogama area and quite a few people have been lucky enough to spot it! 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely Area Lakes and Rivers

Walleye fishing has been outstanding for the majority of anglers this week! Reports range from groups taking their limits of eaters as little as 1 hour, to personal bests being broken several times in one day! For anglers looking to load up their stringers quickly, a jig and minnow has been very hard to beat.  Rainbows remain the minnow of choice, but shiners and chubs are accounting for their fair share of walleye. Blue, purple, bubblegum and fire-tiger are the best jig colors currently. For anglers looking to catch that walleye of a lifetime, big soft plastics fished slowly in the shallows have produced some real trophies. Interestingly, depth has played a key role in the size of the walleye. Anglers fishing in 10 feet of water or less have caught more walleyes over 20 inches long than anglers fishing deeper waters. Large paddle tail swim baits have been triggering the largest walleye.  Minnows are still spawning so areas with current coming into the lake have been the place to fish for walleye. Large shallow flats have been productive as well.

Northern pike anglers continue to catch large pike on large suckers or dead smelt fished under a bobber. The shallow muddy-bottom bays have been the most productive, as well as areas with current coming into the lake. Anglers who prefer to cast for pike are doing very well with white spinner baits, buzz baits and other topwater lures. As water temperatures continue to warm, the pike will become more active and willing to chase down artificial baits.

Panfish reports have been limited due to unstable weather. But when there was sunshine for two days, anglers found the panfish invading the shallows in the afternoon and fishing was fantastic. When the weather changed, the panfish would move out of the shallows and school just outside the shallow bay in deeper water. Small crawlers, waxies and crappie minnows fished under a bobber have turned the most fish, but some anglers using small pink, yellow or white soft plastic tubes under a bobber did almost as well. 

Lake trout fishing has been good. Anglers are catching most of the lakers when trolling crank baits through shallow waters. Clown and ghost (white) colors have been the top producers. Anglers trolling the open water near deep reefs are also catching some lake trout.  Deep-diving tail dancers and reef runners in ghost color have also been productive. Brook trout fishing has been excellent especially in the shallows near downed trees. Anglers are catching brookies with small flashy spoons, spinners, and jigs with twisters. Night crawlers floated under a bobber is also worth noting.

Anglers targeting smallmouth bass are finally catching good numbers of large fish. The smallies have yet to spawn so they are holding in the shallow bays close to their spawning grounds. Pink and clown colored jerk baits are very productive but only when suspended. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org  

Duluth - Lake Superior & Area Waters

This has been a very unusual start to spring with water temperatures dropping back into the low 50s, prolonging some patterns that should be long gone. And snow on May 19?! But it’s not all bad since the walleye continue to be found roaming the usual spring fishing grounds. Soon the walleye will slip into deeper transitional waters and the panfish and bass will move up into the shallows to prepare their beds. New vegetation is just starting to appear.

The inland lakes are giving up walleye to anglers drifting or jigging a minnow in 5 to 15 feet of water. It has been best to start shallow and work deeper. The bass and panfish have not yet moved into spawning territory to make their beds. Fish are usually coming from the mid-depth pencil reeds and areas with other dead vegetation. Slip bobbers with chunks of worm are turning some nice fish. Crappies are schooled up and are susceptible to live bait under a float. The northern pike continue to respond to spinner baits and stick baits. Huskie jerks are also a fun way to fight a pike. 

Lake Superior has seen a decrease in boat traffic this week due to brutal winds. Anglers are taking some salmon on long-lined stick baits. The smelt harvest for mostly ended. Stream anglers have also been sidelined with the high, fast and dirty water. Look for fishing to pick the rest of the week as water clarity improves and flows decrease.

The St. Louis River continues to be very popular. Lots of tactics are working well, but crank baits in the right size and colors have been especially productive. With the recent rain events and high winds, the water is high, fast and dirty. Bring along some rubber boots as there is a good chance you may need them at the launches throughout the estuary. Also, use caution as you go since there is a lot of lumber and other debris floating around. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Walleye action remains excellent along the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Limits of walleye and sauger are coming from Four Mile Bay, the Lighthouse Gap, Morris Point Gap, and along much of the south shore. Anglers having the most success are anchoring and jigging with a pink or gold jig tipped with a minnow. Some anglers trolling crankbaits are also doing well.  Most fish are coming from 15 to 25 feet of water.

On the Rainy River, anglers are taking good numbers of nice-size walleye. Brightly-colored jigs and a frozen shiner has been hard to beat. The current remains strong in the river so heavier jigs are necessary. Please note that the sturgeon season is closed until July 1.

Up at the Northwest Angle, anglers are catching good numbers of nice-size walleye in the shallows where water temperatures run 50 to 52 degrees. Productive areas include the shoreline structure and areas with current. Most successful anglers are using a jig and minnow. The evening bite remains best, with lots of sauger, northern pike and perch mixed in with the walleye. Multiple trophy walleye were caught this week including a couple walleye measuring 28 inches and one measuring 31 inches! Many anglers are taking limits right off the docks during late evening hours. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bena - Lake Winnibigoshish

Lake Winnibigoshish anglers continue to take walleye on jigs and minnows worked in 6 to 12 feet of water along the shoreline breaks, Tamarack Point, The Highbanks, Bird Houses, Raven’s Point, Mallard Point, and Little and Big Stoney points. For the fastest action, fish the windblown areas. Perch anglers are doing well at the 12 to 14 foot flats and bars on the north end of the lake. Learn more about fantastic spring fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish! www.lakewinnie.net

Walker - Leech Lake

Fishing remains good on Leech Lake. The fish are moving often so it is important to stay mobile to find an active school of walleye. The windblown shorelines and points still hold the majority of fish right now. Ottertail Point, Pine Point and Stony Point are good areas to start your search. Look for fish in 6 to 10 feet of water. The fish seem to be concentrated when the wind is blowing. When the wind isn’t blowing, the fish are spreading out. Use your trolling motor to move around or drift with the wind at roughly 0.4 to 0.9 MPH to locate the most actively feeding walleye. A jig and minnow has been the best presentation this week. Crappie reports have been mixed, but the bite should pick up nicely as June approaches. Sucker, Boy, Miller and Steamboat are all good starting points. Plan to attend the Leech Lake Walleye Tournament on June 1-2 in Walker at Walker City Park. This annual non-profit walleye fishing tournament is the largest walleye tournament in Minnesota with roughly 150 fishing teams. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com 

Hackensack Area Lakes

Walleye fishing has been very good throughout the area! The walleye are biting well during evening hours, as well as on cloudy days. A shiner on a jig is hard to beat this time of year, but crank baits are also working well. During the day, 12 to 18 foot depths are a great place to start, but later in the day the fish are moving to the shallow flats and edges in less than 12 feet of water.

Crappie fishing has been very good as well. Lots of fish are coming from the shallows on Leech Lake, as well as Ten Mile, Woman, Stony, Webb, Pleasant and Birch lakes. As water temperatures warm later this week, some of the shallow fish may be post-spawn and move deeper. For the most action, try casting or trolling plastics down the shallow edges to locate fish. Once found, stay on them using bobbers and minnows.

Bass fishing has been decent, but there is always a shortage of cover this time of year. Smallmouth bass are still off the edges in deeper water where they are staging for their spawn. The largemouth bass are cruising any cover they can find in the shallows. Jigging plastics and swim baits is hard to beat this time of year, but keep the baits on the small size. 800-279-6932; www.hackensackchamber.com

Park Rapids Area Lakes

Walleye fishing has ramped up throughout the area despite recent wet and windy conditions. Anglers are finding the most walleye in 4 to 8 foot depths when casting and snapping 1/8 ounce jigs along the sand/gravel patches found near shore or shoreline related flats. Fishing is especially good when the wind is blowing into the shorelines. Tip the jig with a plastic swim bait or a spot tail shiner for the most action.

Crappies are invading the shallows as they prepare to spawn. Look for submerged cover near shore where a sand spawning bed can be made. Anchor as far away from the fish as possible and cast a bobber and minnow to the fish. Bass are also preparing to spawn—please remember that bass are currently catch-and-release only so be sure to release all bass as quickly as possible to protect this population. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Lakes Country

Water temperatures across the Otter Tail Lakes area vary but most lakes are in the low to mid 50s with some bays touching the 60 degree mark. Bass, walleye, northern pike and panfish are all eager to bite as they recover or prepare for the spawn. Most can be found in the shallows.

Walleye are lingering on the shallow flats near their spawning grounds which is also where the shiner spawn is taking place. These fish are spread out. Rip jigging a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jig tipped with a shiner or soft plastic is working well. On calm days, or on lakes with gin clear water, try rigging up a bottom bouncer with a shallow stick bait and move out to the breakline. Look over the side of the boat and determine the depth where you can no longer see the bottom and troll at that depth.

Northern pike are patrolling the same flats and bays as the walleye and bass. New weed growth is paramount to finding pike this time of year. Spoons, spinner baits, crank baits, and jigs and minnows are all productive right now.  

Crappies and sunnies have moved to their nesting grounds at the bullrush beds and shallow back bays. For the most action, use a small tube jig hanging under a float. Try to get into the thick weeds which may cause you to lose a jig or two but it is generally worth it.

Smallmouth and largemouth bass, although still catch-and-release only, are in their pre-spawn feeding frenzy. These fish are staging up on the first breaklines just outside of their future spawning grounds. Spinner baits, jigs, chatter baits and topwater lures will all produce fish but covering water until you locate a pod is key. Areas to check include the entrance of the bays, the inside weedlines near a shallow bullrush flat, and even along the cattail edges.

And, it's official! The 2020 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener will be held May 7-10 in Otter Tail County. Thumper Pond Resort will serve as the event headquarters. 800-423-4571; www.ottertaillakescountry.com   

Brainerd Area Lakes

Fishing is still pretty strong despite the wet and  windy weather. Water temperatures are running anywhere from 49 to 58 degrees depending on the lake.

Walleye are being caught by anglers using jigs and minnows in the shallows. Trolled crank baits are also turning fish. A fairly good night bite is being reported by anglers trolling Gull Lake and the weedlines in 8 to 14 feet of water on North Long Lake. 

Bass, crappies and bluegill remain shallow and are actively feeding. Look in the warmest sections of the lake. 800-450-7247; www.visitbrainerd.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

As of last Sunday, May 19, the bite on the west edge of Lake Mille Lacs was very good despite water temperatures only in the upper 40s. Local walleye anglers expected that once the water warmed a bit more, the mud flats would be in fire. Sherman’s and Curly’s flats were holding lots of nice fish. Most were still on the rocks in the shallows during early morning and evening hours. The bite on 4 to 5 mile gravel at Sloppy Joes was expected to be good by the end of this weekend.   

Anglers fishing Mille Lacs may keep one walleye from May 11 through May 31, but the walleye must measure between 21 and 23 inches, or be more than 28 inches long. Check out the Lake Mille Lacs webcams for great views of the lake. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar Area Lakes

The spring fishing frenzy is almost here as lakes heat up further. Norway Lake continues to give up walleye and crappies. East Solomon and Nest lakes are kicking out panfish. Walleye and crappies are becoming more active in the shallows on Willmar, Foot, Andrew and Eagle lakes. The best spots to shore fish are along the highway on Ringo Lake, off the pier on Foot Lake, off the fishing pier on Games Lake, and if you’re willing to put some waders on, in the inlet on East Solomon Lake. Also consider the dam on Lake Calhoun and along the road on Elkhorn Lake. 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Stillwater - St. Croix River

Anglers fishing the St. Croix River are taking lots of nice walleye. Limits are coming quickly and lots of fish must be thrown back! 651/351-1717; www.discoverstillwater.com

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Rivers and Streams

As of Monday, May 20, Lanesboro Fisheries Staff reported that it had rained much of the weekend, and more rain was expected.  At the time, however, they suspected that some streams might still be clear enough to accommodate anglers. Check out the DNR’s Stream Flow Report for the most current conditions. Before you go, check out the "Area Highlights" section of the Lanesboro Area Fisheries web page for stream maps. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Ortonville - Big Stone Lake

Please note that as of May 23, the Whetstone River was backing up into Big Stone Lake again, accelerating the flooding substantially. The Whetstone River had risen 7 feet and was still rising. The Minnesota River had gone up 4 feet. 800-568-5722; www.bigstonelake.com

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