Explore Minnesota Weekly Fishing Update - July 9, 2020

Largemouth bass pulled from Pelican Lake in Crow Wing County / Francisco Dela Rosa IV

Water temperatures on some Minnesota waters have reached the mid-80s, and most species of fish have moved deeper in search of cooler, more oxygenated waters. Some fish are coming from the deeper weeds where shade and bait fish can be found. Fishing early and late in the day is usually best for walleye and northern pike.

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

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 4th of July weekend was very busy, with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying their time on Lake Kabetogama. Many area waters were affected by one of the largest mayfly hatches in years. Now that the hatches are subsiding, the walleye are becoming more cooperative. Anglers have been marking large schools of inactive fish in depths of 30-40 feet, then returning to find fish in slightly shallower waters, willing to bite. Enticing these fish can take some time and patience. Pulling spinners is a good way to cover water and get a reaction bite. Lindy rigs and leeches are a great tactic when presented slowly (.1- to .2-mph). Also try casting the weedlines since walleye have been mixed in with the northern pike and smallmouth bass.

Northern pike and smallmouth bass anglers report very active fish along the weedlines and shallow rocky shorelines, with these fish attacking just about anything thrown their way. It won't be long until the larger pike start heading to deeper water in search of colder and more oxygenated waters. 800-524-9085; www.kabetogama.com

Ely

Walleye fishing has been challenging partially due to record high temperatures making it uncomfortable to even be out on the water. Still, those that do head out are finding walleye. Most fish are holding on top of or around the sunken islands in waters as shallow as 10 feet. Trolling or drifting spinner rigs in these areas has been very effective. Minnows continue to work well, but keeping them alive has been difficult so leeches and crawlers are now the preferred baits.

Topwater frog fishing for largemouth bass has been excellent in the thick weeds or lily pads early in the morning. Smallmouth bass have also been hitting topwater lures during morning hours. As the sun rises, the fish start sliding deeper. During the day, use spinner baits or jigs with twisters.

Lake trout action has been surprisingly good, with anglers taking fish over deep water when using lead core and shallow-diving stick baits, or downriggers with large trolling spoons. Most of the trout are holding 20-40 feet down.

Stream trout fishing has improved this week. Anglers are catching rainbows when trolling spinner rigs or small crank baits over deep water about 10-20 feet down. Shore anglers have been catching trout on inflated nightcrawlers set just off the bottom. 800-777-7281; www.ely.org

Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage Area Waters

Fishing was spectacular on Cook County’s inland lakes late last week. According to a longtime local guide, the walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike were aggressive.

Large schools of herring were showing up near Grand Marais, attracting good numbers of lake trout. Most trout were coming from deep waters, roughly .5- to 2-miles offshore in 180 feet of water. 218-387-2524; www.visitcookcounty.com

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

Lake Superior continues to produce fish, but the bite has slowed a bit. The best areas to target are the deeper waters roughly 8 miles off the entries. The further north and east, the better. Most fish are being caught on big flasher fly combos with some sort of scent. Dr. Juice is a popular choice, but many anglers are using smelt heads. Downriggers, steel line and dipseys have been necessary and will continue to be as we move into August. Fewer anglers are stream fishing, but those that do have lots of open terrain to choose from. Brook trout and resident brown trout are being pulled from the fast current breaks on small spinner baits. 

The St. Louis River is giving up large walleye in the deep channels, with anglers taking fish when towing diving crank baits. Some fish continue to come from the shallows during low light periods of the day. Catfish and other rough species remain the dominant catch. Live bait will turn a mixed bag of fish. Smallmouth bass have been active in the narrow areas of the river with current and cooler waters. Don't be surprised if you also catch a few northern pike, perch or walleye along the way. Similar to north shore stream fishing, the river has had little fishing pressure. 

The inland lakes have been great for panfish action in the deeper vegetation. Successful anglers are ripping soft plastics through the 10-15 foot deep weed pockets. Largemouth bass have also been active, responding to topwater baits resembling frogs. The varied speed of a buzz bait weaving in and out of weed patches works very well. Most walleye can be found at the mid-lake structure when trolling crank baits. The morning and night bite windows are great times to pitch the mid-lake reefs adjacent to deeper waters. Leeches under a slip bobber are also turning fish.

Please note that oxygen levels and other variables are negatively affecting certain fish species, especially the larger fish now that water temperatures are roughly 80 degrees on many area waters. If you catch a large fish, it is very important to release the fish as quickly as possible. 800-438-5884; www.visitduluth.com

Grand Rapids

Fishing has been affected by recent high temperatures. Walleye and northern pike seek out cooler waters this time of year, often in the shade of the weeds. While anglers usually think of walleye moving deep during warm summer months, the fish often gravitate to the cabbage weeds in search of shade and food. Scattered weed beds near deeper water are the best areas to target. Pull spinners with a small chub or golden shiner, as well as a gold blade for sound and flash over the tops of these areas. Early and late in the day are good times to be on the water. Some great weed walleye lakes include Trout, Bowstring, Sand, Round, Big Splithand and Big Winnie. During the day, anglers are taking nice numbers of bass and panfish. www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette - Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

Fishing has been spectacular on the south end of Lake of the Woods, with limits of nice walleye, plenty of larger slot fish and some trophy walleye measuring over 28 inches being taken. Schools of fish can be found throughout the lake. Some of the areas producing well include the Lighthouse and Morris Point gaps, Zippel Bay, Garden Island, and the reefs and mud near Long and Rocky points. The ideal presentation is to pull a spinner with a crawler or leech at 1.0- to 1.3-mph. Some anglers are doing well when trolling crank baits on lead core line or downriggers. Schools of walleye are also staged over the deep mud. The most productive colors are currently hammered gold, gold/glow, pink and orange.      

On the Rainy River, sturgeon anglers are having success when fishing the holes with a 3-ounce no-roll sinker and sturgeon rig loaded with crawlers or frozen shiners. Lots of smallmouth bass action is being reported in the rocky areas.  Northern pike are cruising the weedy bays, bay mouths and current breaks. For walleye, work the flats using crawler harnesses or trolled crank baits.

At the Northwest Angle & Islands Area, walleye action remains strong in less than 10 feet of water. Anglers having success are casting rapalas, floating leeches, and pulling crawlers at the rocks and sand bays. Walleye are also coming from the points and main lake reefs. Trolling deep-diving rapalas through 12-18 feet of water is working well for very large northern pike and slot walleye. Muskie have been active in the shallow, weedy areas, with one muskie measuring over 50 inches recently taken. Many fish measuring roughly 45 inches have also been reported. As water temperatures increase into the high 70s this week, areas with rocks will heat up. Smaller bass-size baits and blades have been very effective, with some muskie anglers seeing up to 10 fish a day! Until the U.S./Canada border opens, guests can travel across the lake and stay in Minnesota waters. Learn more at Boating to the Northwest Angle. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

As of late last week, anglers continued to take fish using a spinner rig and crawler at the deep weed edges and sharp breaks in 14-22 feet of water. Jigging raps were also working well at the deeper humps. Some of the more productive lakes included Bemidji, Wolf and Plantagenet.

Crappies and bluegills were scattered around the deeper weed edges in 8-12 feet of water, responding to small jigs and plastics. Bass fishing remained good for anglers using plastics off the deep weedlines, while topwater baits worked well in the shallows early in the day. 800-458-2223; www.visitbemidji.com

Walker - Leech Lake

The bug hatches slowed this week on Leech Lake. Most of the walleye cleaned by anglers had crayfish inside, but a few had recently consumed bugs, minnows and/or perch. Because of their current appetite, bottom bouncers and crawlers are the best approach. If the smaller perch become relentless, switch to a leech on a spinner rig. As forage choices increase, anglers will need to remain mobile and use a slower presentation. Rigging with leeches and crawlers can entice a nonaggressive walleye to feed because it's an easy meal. During low light conditions, speed up a bit and cover water using a crank bait to locate aggressive fish. Try to match the main forage using crayfish- or perch-colored baits. With the water temperatures hovering around 80 degrees, the muskie will need to feed more often and should start showing up in the weeds. Good places to search include the scattered cabbage in Sucker and Portage bays.

On other area lakes, largemouth bass are extremely active in the weeds. For great bass action, cast frogs or weedless senkos at the weeds. The smallmouth bass are still holding at the rocks where topwater lures are working well during low light hours. Crappies and sunnies have moved off the weed edges into the cabbage. To locate active fish, cast small jigs and plastics into the clumps of weeds. Walleye anglers report that live bait rigs are working best, especially in 12-15 feet of water. Bring crawlers, leeches and minnows if possible, since each will work at different times of the day. 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com

Detroit Lakes

Water temperatures in the Detroit Lakes area have soared into the 80s due to prolonged hot summer weather. As a result, the walleye have moved deeper and can be found in 19-26 feet of water depending on wind and cloud cover. Leeches and crawlers are working well, and jigging and ripping raps are also producing fish.

Northern pike and bass are in the weeds, mixed in with the sunfish. The larger northern pike are holding in the deeper, cooler waters off the shoreline breaks just off the weedlines. Crappies are being pulled from the edges by anglers pulling spinners or snap-jigging. 800-542-3992; www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Area Lakes

Otter Tail Lakes Country has been busy with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying all the area has to offer. Anglers are encouraged to get to the accesses early to beat the rush. Please be patient and wait your turn at the ramp. Also, don’t forget to clean, drain and dry your watercraft to decrease the spread of invasive species. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com

Brainerd Area Lakes

A great multi-species bite is occurring throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. Crappie action has increased, with fish being taken throughout the day. Look for schools of crappies just off the dense weeds near drop-offs, as well as on the large flats with no weeds. Casting plastics and trolling small crank baits have been very effective. The bluegills have moved off the weed edges and points, stacking up just off the weedlines. Small ice fishing plastics, nightcrawlers, leeches and waxworms are working equally well.

Walleye are very active off the weed edges. While several presentations are producing fish, nightcrawlers remain best. Anglers report a great night trolling bite at the inside and outside weed edges.

Northern pike are still very active but have moved a bit deeper. For the most action, try slow-rolling big spoons or long-lining suckers in 14-25 feet of water.  Lots of largemouth and smallmouth bass are also being taken. 218-825-0410; www.visitbrainerd.com

Isle/Onamia - Lake Mille Lacs

Mid-summer patterns are in full swing on Lake Mille Lacs now that water temperatures are in the upper 70s to mid-80s. The recent bug hatches haven’t helped the bite, but anglers burning swim baits, stick baits and topwater baits are triggering a reaction bite. Bass are being pulled from 4-16 feet of water, usually near the surface where they are feeding on bugs. A topwater bait thrown into 10 feet of water is a great way to catch bass, especially when conditions are calm.  

Muskie and northern pike anglers are finding fish up on the basin flats. While there haven’t been a ton of reports, anglers working the deeper waters are taking fish.

Check out current lake conditions at the Mille Lacs Lake Webcams web page. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com

Willmar

Anglers are reporting lots of action on a variety of lakes in the Willmar Lakes Area. Most fish have moved toward cooler, deeper waters so anglers fishing from a boat are having the most success. The best time to find active fish continues to be during lowlight hours. Walleye anglers are finding fish in depths of 10-15 feet on Eagle, Ringo, Big Kandiyohi and Diamond lakes. Anglers have the most success are using leeches or nightcrawlers on spinner rigs and lindy rigs.

Sunfish continue to be pulled from Lake Calhoun. Northern pike have been eager to bite on Lake Florida, with buzz baits and spinner baits turning the most fish. Bass are active around the deeper vegetation on Eagle and Point lakes. 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Twin Cities anglers that want to fish a nearby lake can rent a boat at parks within the Three Rivers Park District. Learn more at the Three Rivers Park District Watercraft Rentals web page.

White Bear Lakes

Fishing remained great on White Bear area lakes last week. White Bear gave up lots of nice-sized sunfish off the deeper weedlines in 16-20 feet of water. The best presentation was a slip bobber and small leech. The bass were also extremely active, with fish coming in on drop shots worked at the new green cabbage. Crappie anglers were finding fish suspended about 15 feet down over the deep basins. There were reports of muskie action from anglers trolling large crank baits, with a few muskie taken near the docks at sunrise.

On Bald Eagle Lake, walleye fishing was been good in 12-16 feet of water. Anglers lindy rigging and using slip bobbers were taking the most fish. A few large northern pike came in on spinner baits worked in 6-8 feet of water at the thicker weeds. Bass were responding well to weighted Texas-rigged worms. 651/653-5122; www.explorewhitebear.org

Southern Minnesota

Lanesboro/Preston - Southeast Bluff Country trout streams

As of Monday, June 29, there were reports of some very nice trout being pulled from streams with off-colored water. Many area streams and rivers were running slightly high. Caddis were being reported. Be sure to also check the Weekly Minnesota Stream Flow Maps before you head out. 800-944-2670; www.lanesboro.com

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

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