Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - July 3, 2019

Grant Prokop, Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods, with a nice 24-inch walleye pulled from a Grand Rapids area lake

Aside from Thursday, the 4th of July, the weather for the northern one-third of Minnesota should be fantastic this weekend with mostly sunny skies and highs in the upper 70s! Expect perfect daytime temperatures for a swim, boat ride or any outdoor activity, with cool evenings to spend around the campfire. The central region will also be pleasant with partly cloudy skies and highs in the upper 70s. The southern one-third of the state, including the Twin Cities, may encounter scattered thunderstorms. Highs will again be in the upper 70s.

Most species have either moved or are in the process of moving to their summer locations in deeper waters. Most areas of the state continue to report great fishing for a variety of species!

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

International Falls - Rainy Lake

Walleye are keying in on deeper weed structure and can be found at the weedy bays and windblown weedy shorelines of Rainy Lake. Walleye spinners tipped with minnows or crawlers or a 1/8 ounce jig and minnow have been the go-to presentations. Some walleye are beginning their transition to deeper structure. Using your electronics, look for them at the breaklines or reef tops in 20 to 35 foot depths near their spring spawning locations. A 1/4 ounce jig or lindy rig will be effective here. As always, areas of current are producing fish, with most of the current fish coming from 25 to 35 feet of water.  
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Some smallmouth bass are still guarding their nests, likely due to the cooler June temperatures. Most of this activity is happening near the deeper, colder parts of the lake. In other parts of the lake, bass are transitioning away from spawning grounds and actively feeding in the shallows. Any boulders, points or rock/weed combinations are great places to target. For the most action, use plastics, twitch baits, topwater lures and in-line spinners in 2 to 5 feet of water.

​Some crappies continue to be caught using small jigs or slip bobbers in the 4 to 6 foot range. Weeds or a combination of rock structure and weeds is often the ticket. Other crappies are beginning to school up on the breaklines, points or sunken brush piles.  
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Northern pike are all about the weeds. The best pike action is occurring at the deeper weedlines in 5 to 10 feet of water, especially windblown weeds or areas where the wind has been blowing for the past couple of days. Spinner baits, buzz baits, topwater lures and spoons are great presentations to work the weedy structure. Like the walleye, some of the pike are moving toward deeper water (15 to 30 feet) as they transition to summer forage. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Lake Kabetogama water temperatures have risen considerably and are now in the mid-70s. This weekend, expect perfect daytime temperatures for a swimming, boating and fishing, and cool evenings for good times around a campfire.

The walleye remain scattered throughout the lake with more showing up on the reefs as summer patterns take hold. The mid-lake structure and island points are producing fish, especially on calm, sunny days. The shallow, windblown weedlines have been best on windy, cloudy days. Jigs, lindy rigs and spinners are effective the hour before dusk. Minnows, leeches and crawlers seem to be best during the day. Soft bottom areas where mayflies are hatching can be quite productive if you can find them. 

Northern pike and bass will begin to move deeper as the water warms but there is still a decent bite for anglers casting to the weed beds, rocky shorelines and shallow reefs. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely Area Lakes and Rivers

Most walleye have moved out to the sunken islands with large mud flats nearby. They have been feeding heavily on mayflies on many area lakes, but anglers fishing with half a crawler or leeches continue to catch walleye. Key depths have been 15 to 25 feet of water.  On lakes where the mayfly hatch isn’t as strong, walleye can be found out on the edge of the weedlines, with fish responding well to a simple spinner rig tipped with a night crawler in 10 to 15 feet of water. Blue, gold and pink remain the top colors. 

Smallmouth bass fishing has been on fire this week, with some huge fish pulled right off the docks. In fact, two were recently caught that may change the state record of 8 pounds -- both were released to grow even bigger!  Main lake shorelines remain best to locate big bass. Topwater lures, senko-rigging and in-line spinners are accounting for the majority of bass being caught. If you have children and are looking for an easy way to catch lots of fish, a simple bobber and leech will generally catch a bunch of bass, putting smiles on lots of faces. 

Crappie fishing has slowed as crappies move out of the shallows. Most are now being caught accidentally by walleye anglers. The reason for the lack of crappie catches is likely due to the invasive rusty crawfish and its ability to wipe out weed beds. If the crappies have no weeds to relate too, they simply roam. Sunfish anglers should look to shallow bays with lily pads, weeds or downed trees in the water. The sunfish are responding best to small crawlers, crappie minnows and wax worms. 

Stream trout fishing has slowed as the water has warmed, pushing the trout deeper. The once excellent shoreline bite has become an occasional bite. Anglers fishing out of a boat are having the most consistent luck when trolling small glass crank baits or cowbells over deep water. Anglers report that they are marking most trout 15 to 20 feet down. 

Northern pike fishing has also slowed as water temperatures have risen. While large pike have become harder to find, the smaller pike (30 inches or less) remain shallow and very active. Anglers have reported catching lots of them when trolling spoons, burning buzz baits and suspending large minnow baits. Check the weedlines, and the mouths of the shallow bays and streams for aggressive pike. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org  

Duluth - Lake Superior and Area Waters

Fishing throughout the area remains mostly great! Fishing slows, however, when there is a change in the weather.

Along the south shore of Lake Superior, most anglers are cruising 8 to 12 miles out from the entries. It is key to find not only mudline transitions, but temperature divides. Fish are starting to transition to deeper waters, but never overlook the shallow, near shore areas. Dipseys, copper and/or riggers are starting to turn fish with the warming temperatures. Flasher fly combinations, with or without bait, are taking a few fish, as are brightly colored stick baits. Most catches are happening over 80 to 150 feet of water. Anglers and guides report mostly lake trout, but a few coho salmon are also being taken.

The St. Louis River has some colored mudlines throughout the system. These are mostly downstream of red clay areas. While these areas still hold fish, it is important to utilize baits that emit noise and good vibration. Anglers continue to catch some nice walleye in all sections of the river. Fresh leech hatches and good shiner runs have been noticed in certain areas, and these can be true hot spots. Some anglers are still taking fish when jigging at the channel edges, but most are having success when trolling crawler harnesses and crank baits over the flats in 3 to 8 feet of water.

Water temperatures vary quite a bit on the inland waters. Areas that have inlets are producing a mixed bag of nice-sized walleye, panfish, northern pike and bass. A simple jig and a third of a nightcrawler should result in a great multispecies day on most inland lakes. The best times to fish are early mornings and later afternoons into evenings. Nighttime anglers are reporting a lot of success as well, and it can be really fun fishing topwater baits in the dark. Remember, walleye are nocturnal and can feed aggressively during nighttime hours. Night trolling and light-up bobber fishing are heating up so look for this bite to improve as we move into summer. Before heading out, please make sure you have all the proper vessel lighting intact. And don’t forget the bug spray! 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com  

Grand Rapids Area Lakes

Recent warm temperatures are having a positive effect on fishing. Walleye action has been excellent on many area lakes including Big Winnibigoshish, Trout, Bowstring, Big Splithand and Pokegama lakes. Several presentations are working well, such as jig and minnow combinations, spinners with bottom bouncers, and rigs with creek chubs, crawlers or leeches. Many of the walleye are moving off shore to their summer locations, but don’t overlook the weeds just yet.

Bass fishing has been very good now that they have completed their spawn. Smallmouth bass remain mostly shallow at the weed edges and rock piles. Check out Pokegama, Trout, Deer and Big Turtle lakes for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Panfish are very active at the weedlines. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

On the south end of Lake of the Woods, limits of walleye continue to be taken over the mud basin and at the structure in Big Traverse Bay. Most anglers are having success when jigging with frozen shiners or leeches. Drifting spinners with crawlers is also a great tactic. Gold mixed with orange, pink or chartreuse are strong color choices. The ideal depths are 29 to 32 feet, but fish will bite in the shallows when conditions turn windy. 

On the Rainy River, walleye are coming from the current breaks and rocky areas. Trolled crank baits are turning fish, and are great to locate fish. Smallmouth bass are relating to the rocks and bridges. Northern pike are in and adjacent to the bays and current breaks. The sturgeon season opened July 1 and reports have been good.

Up at the Northwest Angle, walleye fishing remains excellent. Anglers are finding mayflies and crayfish in the stomachs of the walleye. Jigging and pulling spinners on and around the reefs in 22 to 28 foot depths has turned lots of walleye, with plenty of sauger, northern pike and perch in the mix. Muskie anglers continue to catch fish, with some over 50 inches in length. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Walker - Leech Lake

The mayfly hatch seems to be in full swing on Leech Lake, but the fish are still willing to bite. Last week, the majority of the walleye were caught on a live bait rig tipped with a leech or nightcrawler. This week, the best tactic seems to be more evenly split between live bait rigs, spinner rigs, jigs and slip bobbers with the preferred presentation changing almost daily. Use your electronics to find groups of walleye then try different presentations until you find what they are after.  Due to the bug hatch, concentrate on areas that have a softer bottom. The hatches will occur at the weedlines and rock/mud transition areas, and the fish will be close by. Depths of 8 to 19 feet at West Goose Flats, The Meadows and the south end of the lake near Diamond Point are good places to start.  

Muskie fishing is starting to take off on Leech Lake. Fish continue to be caught when trolling crank baits over open water, but more fish are now being caught by anglers casting bucktails and top water baits to the new weed growth. Expect the thickest cabbage patches near deep water to hold fish first. For bass, check the deep weedlines and docks near deep water. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Hackensack Area Lakes

Most walleye are now scattered on Woman Lake, and rigging has replaced jigging as the preferred presentation. Leeches and crawlers have both been working well, but when the fish turn finicky, half a crawler seems to pay off.

Muskie fishing has been surprisingly good the last few weeks, with smaller baits working best. Small bucktails and sub-surface glide baits are turning the most fish. 

The evening crappie bite has been very good, and a crappie minnow tipped feather jig pulled slowly is the way to go. The bluegill have been up shallow, and they have been hitting hard. 800-279-6932; www.hackensackchamber.com

Park Rapids

Walleye action is on fire in the Park Rapids vicinity. One area guide recently reported numerous 6 pound plus walleye, followed by a huge 30 inch, 11 pound walleye! These, and lots of eating size fish were all caught during the day. Best advice is to aggressively present green one-quarter ounce jigs and red tail minnows at the weedlines in 12 to 15 foot depths.

The bass are also on the prowl, with fish coming from the weedy flats in 5 to 10 feet of water on white spinner baits or natural-colored crank baits worked slowly through the weeds. Northern pike are extremely aggressive. For pike and bass, troll spinner baits above the weeds. Chartreuse spinner baits are hard to beat! 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

Otter Tail Lakes Country is kicking out fish as walleye, panfish and most other species settle into their summertime patterns and locations. Walleye are being pulled from 8 to 30 feet of water on jigs and minnows, puppet minnows, crank baits, live bait rigs, spinners and soft plastics. The main lake reefs and major shoreline structure seem to all be holding fish.

Muskie have moved on to their summer haunts and can easily be found, however, catching them will be harder. The summer peak period can be fantastic for muskie, but covering water is essential. Bucktails, crank baits and topwater lures are top presentations. Please remember to handle these fish with care and release them as soon as possible.

Bass are spread out as well. The shorelines are producing lots of fish, but the deeper weeds are best for the larger fish. Spinnerbaits, finesse worms, crank baits, topwaters and jigs have all produced. Again, remain mobile and cover water to locate aggressive fish.

The panfish have joined the party in the weeds, responding well to small jigs tipped with crawlers or leeches in depths of 6 to 15 feet of water. Slowly move along the weed edge until you run into a group of fish. Try to release as many of the big fish as possible so the area can retain its Panfish Paradise status.

Plan ahead for next year's Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener which will be held May 7-10, 2020 in Otter Trail County! Thumper Pond Resort will serve as the event headquarters. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Pine River Area Lakes

Most area lakes are reported to offer good results for most species. The walleye and northern pike are moving to deeper water, as well as to some off shore bars and sunken islands. Largemouth bass remain active in the shallower areas, with most of the action in 5 to 12 foot depths. Walleye anglers are doing well when trolling crank baits through 8 to 12 feet of water along the bars, especially during low light periods. Some are finding fish suspended in 15 to 20 feet of water. Leeches and nightcrawlers are turning the majority of fish, but a jig and minnow combination will work if weed growth isn’t too dense. Panfish anglers report that some bluegill remain near their shallow spawning areas, while crappies and other panfish are moving out to the deeper weedlines. 800-728-6926; www.pinerivermn.com

Brainerd Area Lakes

Walleye fishing remains hot throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. The cabbage weeds are holding the majority of walleye, as well as some very large fish. Depths of 6 to 10 feet are best. Some walleye are starting to move to the deeper edges in 12 to 16 feet of water.  Gull, North Long, Edwards and Hubert lakes are all giving up good numbers, with many of the smaller lakes also producing.

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass ae active. Northern pike are being taken off the shoreline breaks in 12 to 18 feet of water. Crappies have moved to their summer haunts on the points and weeded inside turns, and the bluegills are beginning to move deeper as well. 800-450-7247; www.visitbrainerd.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

The smallmouth bass were responding to a variety of presentations on Lake Mille Lacs late last week including northland fatty tubes, swim baits and jig-worms. Most of the fish had settled into the early summer patterns, holding in 5 to 12 feet of water at the sand to rock transitions, main lake reefs and the “big rocks.” There were active pods of bass throughout the lake. The walleye were beginning to show up on the flats. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar Area Lakes

As of late last week, the summertime fishing frenzy had begun. Eagle Lake was the number one lake with anglers pulling in walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, sunfish and perch. Sunfish were found near the shorelines out to 17 foot depths.  The walleye were holding in mostly 15 to 25 foot depths. Foot Lake gave up a variety of species near the bottom of the lake off the fishing pier. On Big Kandiyohi Lake, lots of walleye and perch were coming from 8 to 10 foot depths. Many northern pike were pulled from 8 to 17 feet of water on Long Lake. Ringo Lake continued to produce walleye near the culvert. Crappie anglers using leeches and nightcrawlers took nice fish from Diamond, Norway and Andrew lakes. 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Stillwater - St. Croix River

On the St. Croix River, lots of keeper and large walleye are being taken on live bait and crank baits worked in depths of 8 to 26 feet. The water is 72 to 74 degrees on the surface so lures used to provoke a strike and live bait used to get a bite are both working well. 651/351-1717; www.discoverstillwater.com

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Rivers and Streams

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources weekly Stream Flow Report showed flood levels throughout southeast MN as of July1, with more rain expected. The stream flow at that time was three times greater than before the storms, with water clarity similar to that of chocolate milk. Last week’s stellar fishing will probably not resume until after the 4th of July holiday.

For years, the MN DNR has maintained assessable fishing sites in Whitewater State Park, near the Lanesboro Hatchery on Duschee Creek, and at the Lanesboro Park and Dam. Online maps are available.   

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

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