Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - Aug. 1, 2019

Voyageurs National Park fishing boats / Jauna St. Vincent

We are in the midst of the dog days of summer, yet anglers continue to take a nice mix of fish. Summer patterns are well established so anglers that can identify a species' location and preferred presentation should be able to successfully count on these for a few more weeks.

Warm and dry conditions are in the forecast for much of the state this weekend, however, the northern section has a slight chance for scattered showers or storms each day. Overall, highs should range from the upper 70s to mid-80s. Another great weekend to get out and fish!

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

Anglers report a good bite throughout the area. With the arrival of August, expect walleye to congregate on the submerged reefs in the open areas of Rainy Lake. However, fishing remains fairly good in the more protected and shallow bays. The advice is to check the reefs if it’s calm, trolling a spinner rig and minnow in depths of 25 to 30 feet of water. If it is windy, hit the wind-driven shorelines using a jig in a depth of about 15 feet.

Crappies are showing up near the submerged reefs, but Black Bay continues to be the crappie hotspot as well, especially along the west end near the Rat Root River. Crappies are responding best to smaller minnows on a colored jig.

Northern pike have been pretty active near the weed edges all along the south shore of Rainy Lake. Some of these fish have quite large. 800-325-5766; www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

Lake Kabetogama has been on fire this week. The rock piles and drop-offs in 17 to 20 feet of water have been ideal locations for anglers using lindy rigs and jigs with minnows or leeches. Spinners with crawlers are also turning fish. During early morning hours, hit the weedlines in depths of 8 to 12 feet.

On Namakan Lake, walleye anglers are pulling fish from 25 to 30 foot depths on lindy rigs tipped with a minnow or leech. The shallow water weed edges and mud flats are also producing fish. For the most action, pull spinners and crawlers through 8 to 10 feet of water. Other highlights include blueberry and raspberry picking which will be good for a couple more weeks, and wildlife sightings are common. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely Area Lakes and Rivers

Summer patterns are now in full swing in waters throughout the Ely area. Walleye are hovering around the mid-lake structure such as reefs and points of islands. Successful anglers have been trolling crank baits and spinner rigs around the transition zones where the rock formations begin to level out and change over to a dirt or sand bottom. Crawlers and leeches rigged on a spinner has been very effective.

Smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing has been exceptional with fish up to five- and six-pounds being landed. Topwater baits have been accounting for a good number of bass lately. Try casting around the weed edges, docks and any other structure that extends from shore to deeper water.

Northern pike have been very active as well on most area lakes. Spinner baits and spoons have been best, especially along the shorelines where smaller fish generally congregate.

Lake trout action has been good. Trolling spoons down 30 to 45 feet in depths of water has been the most productive. Structure seems to be of little importance as the larger fish are concentrating on the bait balls that can be found everywhere. 

Stream trout lakes have been producing very good numbers of rainbows, splake and brown trout. The easiest way to ensure a catch has been to suspend a crawler under a slip bobber set at 10 to 15 feet down.

The panfish bite has also been good. Some crappies are gorging themselves on small invertebrates and blood worms emerging from the mud or silt. This can take place down to 22 feet or so. A drop shot rig works well in these conditions when rigged with either a minnow or soft plastic bait. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org  

Duluth - Lake Superior, St. Louis River and inland waters

We are now in the dog days of summer. The sun is hot, bugs are swarming, vegetation is in full bloom and algae is present on some waters. While many anglers feel that this is when the bite slows down, avid anglers know this is far from the truth as fish are always biting somewhere. The key is to be innovative and find new ways to catch them. Surface water temperatures are well into the upper 70s and lower 80s on many waters. While daytime temperatures are still very warm, a drop in overnight temperatures is evident.

Lake Superior anglers are having success when fishing early in the morning. Most anglers are taking lake trout, but salmon are also showing up occasionally. Flasher-fly combinations and spoons have been popular choices. Finding water temperature swings this time of year is important. Water thermoclines are often considered Lake Superior’s "structure." Trolling bait with off-riggers continues to be important to reach deeper waters. Most anglers are starting to find fish when dragging or rigging medium-sized sucker minnows. Don't be surprised if you catch a bonus brown trout or salmon while targeting deeper structure for smallmouth bass. 

The St. Louis River is producing some suspended walleye found roaming the shipping channels. The best technique has been to speed-troll deep-billed crank baits at 2.5 mph, especially during early mornings and late evening hours. Nice bags of multiple species of fish are coming from the shallower flats by anglers slowly dragging live bait. Getting hung up on weeds and/or lumber can get frustrating, but that is where the fish are hiding out. The catfish bite remains steady in all sections of the river. Anglers having the most success are using dead sticking nightcrawlers with heavy egg sinkers.

The inland waters have been very productive. Most fish are congregating in the deeper, cooler waters surrounded by structure. It’s important to utilize your electronics to locate areas of sunken timber or deep vegetation. This time of year, marker buoys become a very helpful tool since they help pinpoint the relative location of fish. A simple split shot set a foot up from a No. 2 red hook tipped with a medium-sized fathead minnow or leech has been taking a lot of walleye and crappies when worked in 15 to 25 feet of water. Bass and northern pike are hanging out in similar areas, but can also be found by anglers casting spinners and topwater baits along the shorelines. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids

Fishing has been very good for bass and walleye. Some of the better largemouth lakes have been Loon, Rice, Spider, Pokegama and several smaller area lakes. For smallmouth bass, Deer, Pokegama and Trout lakes have been great choices. A ned rig, a very simple rig to fish, is producing lots of bass at the edge of the weedlines and sunken islands that have good weed growth. Most of the smallmouth bass have been pulled from the sunken islands that have a mixture of rocks and weeds. Both species is crayfish are the main forage this time of year, and they can usually be found in areas with rocks and weeds. Another good rig to try is a 1/6th inch plastic worm hooked in the middle. Toss it out then let it sink, working it back in slow motions. Once you get a strike, set the hook immediately.  

The water temperatures are in the mid- to upper 70s, and the walleye have started to move into the weeds where there is more oxygen and food. When the walleye are in the weeds, two good presentations are a jig with a half of a nightcrawler or a spinner with a 2-inch minnow trolled over the top of the weeds. Some lakes to consider include Big Winnibigoshish, Cutfoot Sioux, Swan and Big Splithand. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Last week was great for walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods. More anglers are pulling crank baits over the large expanses of mud. Drifting spinners and crawlers is also producing fish. Many large fish are coming from depths of 30 to 34 feet of water.  Some reefs continue to hold walleye. On windier days, work the tops of the reefs; on calmer days, fish the transition areas at the base of reefs. The best colors for crank baits are gold, pink UV, firetiger and black.

On the Rainy River, nice sturgeon are being taken up and down the river. Anglers having the most success are fishing the upstream side of the deep holes with a bunch of crawlers and/or frozen shiners.  Resident walleye are being caught by anglers trolling crank baits. Smallmouth bass can be found near rocky areas and bridges.

Up at the Northwest Angle on Lake of the Woods, the area west of Little Oak Island continues to give up lots of walleye, with fish spread out over the flats. Trolled crank baits and drifted spinners with crawlers have been best. The reefs and adjacent to reefs also continue to hold fish. Anglers also report lots of muskies and northern pike. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Walker - Leech Lake

Walleye fishing remains very good on Leech Lake. The crank bait bite is currently in full swing, and anglers pulling crank baits over the sand flats in 13 to 16 feet of water are doing well. Pay attention to your electronics and fish areas that have a good amount of bait near the bottom. Many of the fish have been coughing up perch in the live well, and most days a crank bait in a perch pattern has been the top producer. Still, switch out lures until you find the right one. A wide variety of fish are coming from their summer haunts near the edge of the weed beds. If you find weeds near relatively deep water, you should find fish. Once a school of fish is located, you can turn around and fish the area more thoroughly using a 1/16th ounce jig or lindy rig tipped with a leech, crawler or chub. Walker Bay and the west side of Leech Lake have been excellent spots.

Muskie fishing has been fairly tough on Leech Lake, but the upcoming new moon phase should jump-start the muskies. Some of the smaller lakes in the area have started to produce a good numbers of muskies, including some really large fish, for anglers casting large bucktails, top water lures and swim baits over windblown structure. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Detroit Lakes

Water temperatures in the Detroit Lakes area are in the high 70s. The walleye bite remains fairly good and consistent for late July. Most fish are coming from the mid-lake structure in 18 to 26 feet of water. Rigs tipped with crawlers or leeches, spinners, jigging raps and trolled crank baits are all working well. The bass have been aggressive in shallower waters with shade or weed cover.

Crappies are still being pulled from the flats and edges in 8 to 15 feet of water. Casting and trolling are producing fish. Sunfish are on the shallow weed flats and holding off the deep breaks, with some of the larger gills in waters as deep as 22 feet.

Muskie anglers continue to take fish on Big Detroit, Little Detroit, Pelican, Many Point, Beers and Sallie lakes, with a few also coming from Melissa Lake. Casting and trolling have both worked well. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

One great thing about summer fishing is that the fish, for the most part, have well-established patterns. What they do now is what they will likely do for the next few weeks. For anglers, this is great news. When anglers find and catch fish of any species, the same location and presentation should continue to work for possibly a month. The fish have been gravitating towards the weeds this season so anglers will want to fish near the weeds. Crappies and sunfish can be found directly over weed patches on the flats and sunken islands. It’s not uncommon to find sunfish in 20 to 30 feet of water off of deep weedlines. Crappies are hanging out in and near the tall and dense weed patches in depths of 6 to 20 feet depending on the lake and weed growth. Panfish anglers using jigs with twisters or gulp bait, and beetle spin-type lures are catching walleye by accident. While northern pike do cruise weeds for food, don’t forget about the fish that suspend near deep weeds and the thermocline. Walleye fishing is challenging on many lakes right now since warm waters have forced them into the shallow and mid-depth weeds where it can be difficult to fish. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Brainerd Area Lakes

The walleye bite continues to be strong with active fish coming from 8 to 18 foot depths. Crawlers, on a harness or slow-death rig, have been the best presentation, but long-lined red tails and sucker minnows on jigs have also been producing a few fish. A great low light-to-dark trolling bite is being reported.  Crappies are becoming more active at the tips of points. Bluegill can be found in the weeds in the same locations. 800-450-7247; www.visitbrainerd.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

The Minnesota DNR is encouraging visitors to fish the mighty Mississippi!  Anyone who wants to try fishing is invited to family fishing events happening at four locations along the Mississippi River. The events are geared toward anyone who doesn’t much have experience with fishing, lacks fishing equipment or wants to learn how to fish on the river’s edge. People can attend one or more days. Upcoming events will be held at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids on Thursday, Aug. 15 from 4-8 p.m., Boom Island Park in Minneapolis on Friday, Aug. 16 from 4-8 p.m., Hidden Falls Regional Park in St. Paul on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and at Lake Rebecca Park in Hastings on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Can’t make it? Potential anglers who want to learn how to fish can visit the DNR website at mndnr.gov/GoFishing.

Three Rivers Park District - Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey and Scott counties

The Three Rivers Park District offers fishing at 18 parks in the Twin Cities area with a chance to reel in muskie, northern pike, sunfish, bass and walleye. Launch your boat at a lake access site, rent a boat or stay on land as you fish from a pier or on shore. There are also free fishing adventures. Learn more!    

Stillwater - St. Croix River

The walleye action has slowed a bit on the St. Croix River, but the sauger continue to bite. Live bait rigs, spinners and crankbaits have been the best presentations.

Channel catfish and flathead catfish, on the other hand, are on the attack. The best approach is to rig up, set the rod in the holders and wait. Sooner or later, your pole should bend as a catfish takes the bait. If it’s a big one, it’ll be a battle you will never forget.  

Smallmouth bass fishing has slowed, and the white bass seem to appear and disappear quickly. 651/351-1717; www.discoverstillwater.com

Waconia - Lake Waconia

Last weekend, anglers reported a great bite on Lake Waconia despite the summer heat and water temperatures in the low to mid-80s. In fact, many anglers had success with a variety of species. Panfish action was by far the best, with sunnies and crappies coming from the weeds and weed edges in 12 to 16 feet of water. Occasionally, the crappies were found suspended over 20 feet of water.

Anglers had a fair amount of reasonable with the walleye, mostly late in the evening and into the night. Fishing off the weeds in 14 to 20 feet of water at Keg’s, North and Red’s reefs worked for many, with fatheads and leeches turning the most fish. Some large walleye, measuring 24- to 28-inches, were reported.

Bass were active in the shallows, eager to hit topwater lures. Anglers fishing a bit deeper had success at the weeds and just off the weeds before drop-offs at Pillsbury, Center, North and Cemetery reefs. Northern pike were also active in many of these locations. 952-442-5812; www.destinationwaconia.org

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro - Southeast Bluff Country Rivers and Streams

The streams have settled down since there were no heavy rain showers this week. Stable water levels and water temperatures have improved angling, and fishing is expected to be great throughout southeastern Minnesota this weekend. Please note that the recent floods may have caused the trout to turn to small fish and terrestrial insects such as grasshoppers, spiders and ants for forage. Anglers will want to be careful not to chase grasshoppers into the water when walking along the stream.  It is best to approach the stream along the shortest route perpendicular to the water, not walking parallel along the bank. Try fly patterns of hoppers, crickets, cicadas, spiders, inchworms, beetles, ants or pill bugs to draw the attention of hungry trout. Fishing should be excellent on Mill Creek in Chatfield since the transparency reading was 97cm (38.2 inches) today, which is the best it’s been all summer. At Camp Creek, the level was at 70cm (27.6 inches), and the South Branch Root River the reading was at 93cm (36.6 inches) which are also great for fishing. The streams look amazing so anglers should head out and take advantage of these prime conditions! Fly anglers are encouraged to check out Free Fly Tying Fridays at the National Trout Center in Preston.

And consider attending the Twin Cities Trout Unlimited Fish Camp at Whitewater State Park, August 2-4. Participants will enjoy fishing, as well as lessons and instruction, camping, children’s activities, snacks and four meals.

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.   

Before you go, check out the DNR’s Stream Flow Report for the most current conditions, as well as the "Area Highlights" section of the Lanesboro Area Fisheries web page for stream maps. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Ortonville - Big Stone Lake

The fishing on Big Stone Lake continues to be very good for perch and walleye. The weeds on the north half of lake have laid down nicely so many anglers are having luck trolling bouncer/propeller slow-death rigs tipped with crawlers and crankbaits through these areas.  320-839-3284; www.bigstonelake.com

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