Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - June 4, 2020

Nice muskie pulled from Lake of the Woods by a Sunset Lodge guest — don't miss the Muskie Opener this Saturday, June 6!

Walleye are beginning to move to their summer locations, and are taking on more summer patterns. Look for them using leeches, crawlers or minnows at the emerging weeds.

This weekend, June 5-7, is Take A Kid Fishing Weekend! Minnesotans 16 or older who take a child 15 or younger fishing do not need a license this weekend. So plan a special fishing day or weekend, and catch some quality time with friends and family!

Anglers are asked to fish bodies of water close to home, and practice social distancing at the boat landings and shorelines.  

For most inland waters, Minnesota fishing opener dates are as follows:

• May 9: Walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass (catch-and-release) and lake trout
• June 6: Muskie
• Continuous: Crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish

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

Lake Kabetogama has been very popular for fishing and as a destination. Inconsistent water temperatures have kept walleye scattered. The shallow windblown structure such as points with inside turns and weedy bays are producing good numbers of fish. The soft bottom areas are also giving up fish due to a small mayfly hatch which has drawn walleye in to feed. Most walleye are being caught in depths of 4-10 feet of water on a variety of presentations. Smaller jigs tipped with a minnow or pieces of crawlers have been the most popular, but long-lined crank baits have also been effective when covering shallow water. Don’t overlook a slip bobber tipped with a minnow or leech for some good action — this can be the best approach when fish turn finicky.

The current areas are producing fish, especially on calm days. During the day, fish can be found on the breaklines and shallow reefs in 18-25 feet of water, but in most cases, a slow approach with small jigs has been the most effective during early morning and evening hours.

As the bays warm and bait fish move in, northern pike are right behind searching for a meal. The windblown bays are a good place to begin. Casting large baits, spinner baits and spoons is working well.

Bass are spawning and will continue to do so well into June. Look for bass along the shallow rocky shorelines casting top water baits as well as smaller stick baits, mepps spinners and plastics.

Crappie reports have been limited but now is the time to start looking for them in their traditional spawning areas. Pitching small jigs and plastics is a good way to find an active area. After locating active fish, you should switch to a slip bobber. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely

The incredible walleye bite that many anglers experienced last week has cooled off due to a recent cold front, but anglers continue to pull walleye from 5-13 feet of water, early and late in the day. More and more cabin owners and lakeside campers are catching walleye right off their docks or shoreline campsites by fishing a leech under a bobber during evening hours. Leeches and crawlers are turning the majority of fish as water temperatures continue to rise. Hot colors continue to be pink, purple and blue.

Northern pike anglers are also experiencing an excellent bite right from shore, and when fishing shallow bays by boat. Many anglers reported seeing huge pike, over 40 inches long, while looking for spawning panfish or bass. Large suckers fished under a bobber remain very effective for these fish. Large flashy spoons, minnow baits, buzz baits and large flies have also been triggering pike to bite.

The bass have begun to build their spawning beds on many area lakes, and anglers report lots of action when using soft plastics or suspending jerk baits fished near the beds. Please release the larger females immediately whenever possible.

Crappies and sunnies have been eager to bite on many area lakes. Anglers have been finding panfish in the back of the shallow bays by using small bobbers and a jig tipped with a minnow or crawler.

The stream trout bite has heated up with recent cool air temperatures. One lucky family, reported catching more than 50 trout in just one day of fishing! Anglers have been catching trout by trolling small minnow baits, spoons or spinner rigs over deep water. As water temperatures rise, look for the trout to head deeper, cruising about 20 feet down below the surface of the water. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org

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

Lake Superior anglers are showing up in big numbers, and this may be some of the busiest boat traffic ever seen in the Twin Ports. Hundreds of boats combing large spreads of the lake are taking some good catches. Anglers will want to get to the boat launch early to find a good parking spot. Lake trout are dominating the catch rates, but some anglers continue to pick up occasional brown trout and salmon. There was an influx of king salmon last week, but few have been reported this week. Most salmon anglers are trolling surface baits about 5 miles out from the entries. While brightly colored surface baits and spoons are putting together some nice catches, some are starting to do well using riggers and dipseys. Local stream anglers continue to have success with the steelhead, brown and brook trout. Flies are working well due to recent bug hatches.

The St. Louis River continues to give up good numbers of walleye, northern pike, perch, crappies and catfish. Trolling over the shallow flats has been best for multiple species. Very large female crappies have been caught, and anglers are doing their part by taking a quick picture then releasing these fish. Walleye anglers are doig well when using crawler rigs and jig and minnow combinations. This live bait approach is good for walleye and many other species. The best depths remain 2-6 feet of water, but the channel edges and deeper holes will also produce fish.  

The inland lakes are producing well at the fresh vegetation, partly due to the fact that bug larvae embedded in soft substrate will stick to fresh weeds as they grow. Small baitfish love to eat the bugs, and the walleye, northern pike and bass are drawn to the baitfish. Another good location for walleye is the mid-lake shallow reefs and humps. In true post-spawn nature, many walleye have transitioned to these mid-lake areas where slip bobbers and a leech are turning lots of fish. Jigs tipped with a worm or a minnow have also been productive.

Panfish continue to spawn in the shallows, and anglers are asked to please return these fish quickly so they can complete their spawn cycle. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids

Walleye are moving offshore to deeper water locations such as sunken islands and deeper shoreline breaks. They can also be found at the weeds. With upcoming bug hatches, bring along some leeches and crawlers as back-up to your jig and minnow presentations. Slip sinker rigs will be very effective in a few weeks. Walleye are being pulled from Big Winnie, Big Cutfoot, Splithand, Bowstring and several other area lakes, with fish starting to prefer baits other than minnows. Many anglers are having success when trolling crank baits during evening hours.

Bass fishing has been good and both species are about to start bedding. Please be sure to immediately release the large females to ensure they complete their spawning activities. A black hair jig or ned rig are great options for catching nice bass this time of year. Lakes that offer superb bass fishing include Pokegama, Rice, Deer, Shallow, Wabana and Trout.

Panfishing has been good with most fish either on their beds or in post-spawn mode. A small chunk of worm or small leech on a plain hook can be just the ticket to catch a bucket full of nice bluegills, along with an occasional crappie and perch. Panfishing can be lots of fun for the family and there are many to choose from in the Grand Rapids area. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

It has been a very successful week of fishing on the south shore of Lake of the Woods. Walleye fishing remains best in 17-28 feet of water, but some walleye are coming from shallower waters. A number of areas along the south shore of producing well, including Pine Island, Morris Point, Zippel Bay, Long Point and Rocky Point. The Knight / Bridges Island area also holds good numbers of nice-size fish. Successful anglers are vertically jigging, drifting crawler harnesses and pulling crank baits. Ideals colors are gold, pink, orange and glow. Large northern pike and jumbo perch have also been in the mix.  

While most walleye are being targeted and caught in the lake, there is always a population of resident walleye than can be found in the Rainy River. Jigs and minnows, as well as crank baits are working well in 12-24 feet of water. Smallmouth bass continue to be pulled from the rocky structure.  A good northern pike bite is being reported in and adjacent to the bays.

Up at the Northwest Angle, the US/Canada border remains closed, but guests can stay in Minnesota and travel across the lake to fish. Some resorts are offering transport service across the lake to the Northwest Angle, and various south shore resorts are offering parking for guests of Northwest Angle resorts. Anglers fishing the Angle are catching good numbers of walleye on the 5-7 foot flats when using snelled spinners and crank baits. Jigging the rocky points in depths of 10-20 feet has also turned fish. Northern pike remain active in the bays and at the creek mouths. The water temperature is running roughly 55-57 degrees. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Walker - Leech Lake

Leech Lake walleye are taking on summer patterns, responding to a wide range of presentations such as jigs, lindy rigs, slip bobbers, minnows, leeches, crawlers and crank baits. The walleye are beginning to spread out and can be found most often in the soft bottom areas where bugs are beginning to hatch. Depths of 5-15 feet have been the most productive this week. When it is overcast and the wind is blowing, the fish are relating to shallow rocks and weeds. A jig and minnow is a good way to target these activity feeding walleye. When the wind is calm and the sun is shining, expect the walleye to spread out in slightly deeper waters, roughly 12-20 feet deep near shallow structure. Leeches and nightcrawlers seem to be the bait of choice during these conditions.

The weeds in the shallow bays of Leech Lake are growing, with lots of fish attracted to the emergent green weeds. Bass and northern pike are being caught on spinner baits. Panfish leeches and nightcrawlers are turning lots of perch and panfish.

For this weekend’s muskie opener, most fish should be done spawning and looking for an easy meal. Quite a few muskie have been seen near the new weed growth. For the most action, cast a smaller muskie bait around the weeds. Some muskie will also be found over open water, responding to 8- to 14-inch crank baits trolled over open water, especially in Walker Bay.

Walleye anglers fishing other area waters are finding fish at the shallow rocks when using jigs and shiners on windy days. Crawlers and leeches are working well on the breaks in 8-12 feet of water. The sunnies and crappies moved deep when air temperatures turned cold. Expect them to move back into the shallows by this weekend. The bass are beginning to set up beds at the weeds and rocks. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Park Rapids

The majority of the largemouth and smallmouth bass are in the shallows, responding to small jig and plastic tail combinations. A 3-inch black twister tails is best since it mimics a leech. Anglers are having the most success in depths up to 5 feet along the shorelines. Anglers are asked to please practice catch and release since many fish are still spawning.

For walleye and northern pike, work the newly emerging weedlines. Concentrate on weeds in 10-15 foot depths using a live bait rig tipped with a leech, or a minnow on a red hook. Trolling spoons or spinner baits over the tops of the shallow weed flats in 6-10 foot depths will also produce northern pike. 800-247-0054; www.parkrapids.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

Summer patterns are taking shape. Most fish have completed their spawn and are beginning to disperse. This can be a difficult time to catch fish unless you’re willing to switch your approach. 

Walleye are gravitating toward their summer haunts, and the emerging weeds, points and saddles are great areas to search for fish. Depths range from 10-30 feet, and everywhere in-between. Minnows will still turn walleye, but crawlers and leeches are also working well.

The sunfish are at the end of their spawn, while crappies have finished up and have moved out to new weed growth.  Focus on the new weeds for crappies. Anglers are asked to return the larger sunfish to help maintain the health of the fisheries.  Bass are in post-spawn mode and heading to deeper water. A slow approach is key to catching bass. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Brainerd Area Lakes

Fishing is really picking up in the Brainerd lakes area. Walleye are still in the shallows on most bodies of water. Look to the sand to gravel transitions in 8-12 feet of water, as well as new cabbage beds for good numbers of fish. Bobbers and leeches, jerk baits and plastics are all working well, but don’t be afraid to try shallow-diving crank baits behind a planer board. The night bite remains great on Gull, North Long and Edwards lakes. Trolling the flats in depths of 5-10 feet at 1.1- to 1.6-mph has been the best.

Bluegills and crappies are still active and can be caught in various depths. Bluegills have begun their spawning process on smaller lakes, and will soon begin on the larger lakes. Anglers are asked to please use selective harvest and release the large females immediately whenever possible.

Northern pike are still very active and have moved to the deeper edge of the shoreline breaks.  For the most action,  troll muskie-size jerk baits or suckers.

Most bass have completed their spawn and can be found under the docks and at the weedy inside turns and points. 218-825-0410; www.visitbrainerd.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

The fish are in a transitional phase and some anglers feel this is the best time to take a mixture of fish. The walleye have been primarily shallow (6-18 feet of water), but they are starting to slide off into their summer locations. While there are still plenty of walleye holding at the shallow rock structure,

the gravel bar and mud flat structure will soon become the hottest bite. Walleye are currently responding to a wide range of presentations. They are coming in on swim baits tossed into waters less than 10 feet deep, and lindy-rigged leeches worked at the rock structure. Bobber fishing and bottom-bouncing on the rock and mud flats are also turning fish. The walleye fishing is and will continue to be spectacular for quite a while. If you’re not catching fish in 15 minutes, try a new spot.

The bass are also in a transitional phase, with some pre-spawn, bedded up, and in the midst of their spawn. If bed fishing, use a drop shot/ned rig in the shallows. If you like catching them pre-spawn, work a jerk bait or swim bait in 4-10 feet of water. There was midge hatch on May 29 so if you see bass bursting out of the water on a calm day, toss out a topwater lure! 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar

It’s been another great week of fishing in the Willmar lakes area. The sunnies and crappies remain active near the fairgrounds on Foot Lake, and along the weedlines on Elkhorn, Diamond and Henderson lakes. Nice numbers of panfish are still being pulled from under the Nest Lake bridge as well. Try to work areas near moving water using smaller profiles such as crappie minnows and grubs.

The walleye bite has slowed a bit with the warmer water temperatures, but anglers are still pulling them from Foot, Long, Big Kandiyohi and Eagle lakes. 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Stillwater - St. Croix River

Smallmouth bass action has been amazing on the St. Croix River.  The bronze backs are hitting a variety of presentations from soft plastics to topwater walkers to buzz baits in the shallows. The bass provide a great day of fishing, especially when they jump and become airborne once hooked. 

Walleye are being taken by anglers using crawlers and leeches in 10 -20 feet of water.

A lot of anglers are fishing the river this year, and the many happy faces indicate just how productive the St. Croix River has been! 651-351-1717; www.discoverstillwater.com

White Bear Area Lakes

Water temperatures have warmed the waters quickly. Anglers are taking nice numbers of crappies at sunset when using beetle spins and hair jigs. Bass and northern pike have been hitting on spinnerbaits and shad reps in the shallows. Walleye action has been good as dusk, with fish responding to nightcrawlers trolled through 16-18 foot of water. 651/653-5122; www.explorewhitebear.org

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro/Preston - Southeast Bluff Country Rivers and Streams

As of Friday, May 29, Houston County streams were mostly clear with normal water flows despite recent rain showers.  

The Stream Trout harvest season is open. Maps are available under the “Area Highlights” tab on the Lanesboro Fisheries web page. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

Ortonville - Big Stone Lake

As of late last week, fishing was spectacular for panfish and perch. Anglers fishing from docks and shorelines reported great action when using spikes, minnows, crawlers and panfish leeches in 3-6 feet of water.

The walleye bite has been best for anglers trolling jumbo leeches, crawlers and crank baits through 11-13 feet of water during the day; rock piles and shorelines were best during evening hours and after dark. White bass were also biting well. 320-839-3284; www.bigstonelake.com

Visit the Explore Minnesota Fishing & Hunting page for information to help you plan your next Minnesota fishing trip!

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If you plan on introducing your child to fishing, the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer’s What Kind of Fish is That? is a lovely and informative guide for you and your child to enjoy together. 

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