Thursday, July 28, 2011

Minnesota Fishing Report.


Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing Report
July 29, 2011
Big Six
LAKE MILLE LACS
East - The day bite is slower, but fish can be had with live-bait rigs and leeches on the tops and edges of the mud or deep gravel. The best option for a keeping-sized fish is at night with slip bobbers and leeches on the rocks. Muskie reports have improved on the weedlines of most bays and smallmouth bass can be had on the shorelines and mid-depth rocks.
Johnson's Portside (320) 676-3811
West - Walleyes continue to bite best at night off the mud flats in 33 to 35 feet with slip bobbers and leeches producing most fish. During the day, hop around the various flats and work the tops and edges with spinner rigs and live bait. Northern pike are hitting crankbaits on the weed edges in most bays and muskie action has improved in Vineland Bay and the north-end sand. Smallmouth bass continue to hit live bait and artificial baits on the weedlines or rocks.
Terry's Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430
LAKE OF THE WOODS
Crawlers, leeches, and minnows are turning walleyes in 15 to 25 feet near Garden Island, the Bridges area, and Little Oak in recent days. A few more saugers have started to be caught and kept on the deep, main-lake basin areas. At the Northwest Angle, anglers continue to hook a mixed bag of fish on live bait around the islands in 16 to 24 feet.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau
(800) 382-FISH
LEECH LAKE
Spinners and crawlers are triggering a few walleyes during the day on the 12- to 16-foot main-lake rock reefs and north of Goose Island in 15 to 17 feet. At night, crankbaits are producing fish in shallower water on the flats, Sand Point, and Pine Point. Muskie reports have heated up with bucktails and jerkbaits turning fish on the weeds in Sucker Bay and Portage Bay. The rice beds in Steamboat Bay and Boy Bay are holding bass.
Reed's Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505
LAKE MINNETONKA
Look for walleyes along the deep weed edges or 30 feet or more in Wayzata Bay, Brown's Bay, and Crystal Bay. Diamond Reef and Brown's Bay are giving up crappies, most of which are over 20 feet. Bass are hanging tight to the milfoil in areas with a hard bottom. Spinnerbaits and small sucker minnows are turning pike on the weedlines and muskie reports have been limited. Sunfish are hitting in the channels and 16- to 18-foot weedlines.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227
RAINY LAKE
Look for walleyes at the mouth of the Brule in 10 to 12 feet and around Fox Island in 28 to 30. The Three Sisters area in Sand Bay is giving up walleyes in 22 to 28 feet. Black Bay is producing crappies and walleyes in 12 to 14 feet. The mouth of the Little Fork on the Rainy River is worth noting for walleyes. Pike are hitting crankbaits on weedlines in Lost Bay.
Loon's Nest (218) 286-5850
LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
Walleye action has been "on and off" with crawlers and leeches producing most fish on bars and north-end humps in 18 to 22 feet. Big Muskie Bar, Long Bar, and Eelpout Bar have been best, but it depends on the wind. Perch are hitting on the north-end rocks in 12 to 14 feet and you'll find pike on the weed edges.
Nodak Lodge (218) 665-2226
Twin Cities Metro
NORTHEAST METRO
Minnows and leeches are turning walleyes on the St. Croix River, north of Hudson in 15 feet. The weedlines of Silver Lake are producing pike and panfish. Dream Catchers thrown on the north-end weedlines of Bald Eagle Lake have triggered muskies. Hit Demonterville Lake for consistent bass action and channel catfish are hitting in the Prescott area of the St. Croix.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421
WEST METRO
Lake Auburn, Lake Minnewashta, and Lake Bavaria are producing sunfish along the 12- to 18- foot weedlines. Look to Steiger Lake for largemouth bass, while Whaletail Lake and Pierson Lake are safe bets for northern pike with sucker minnows.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022
LAKE WACONIA
A few more muskies are being taken with CowGirls near the swimming beach, North Reef, and Center Reef – weeds are holding most fish. Sunfish are hitting during the morning along the weed edges of most reefs in 12 to 14 feet. Bass fishing is strong in deep and shallow water with topwater baits or plastics. Walleye reports have slowed.
Mases In Towne Marina (952) 442-2096
Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA
A few walleyes are being plucked from the deep weedlines on Lake Darling and Lake Le Homme Dieu. Lindy Rigs and leeches are producing walleyes along the weedlines at Lake Carlos, Lake Miltona, and Lake Ida early and late in the day. Small jigs and minnows are producing a few crappies in nine to 16 feet throughout the Le Homme Dieu Chain. The flats and slop are holding plenty of bass and muskie reports have been better on Miltona with BullDawgs.
Christopherson's Bait and Tackle
(320) 763-3255
ANNANDALE AREA
A few walleyes are being taken with leeches and crawlers on Clearwater Lake in 18 to 28 feet. Look for sunfish on Lake Sylvia, Pleasant Lake, Lake John, and Clearwater along the weedlines out to 20 feet. Bass fishing has been best with spinnerbaits or topwater baits on most lakes and Sugar Lake has produced a couple muskies this week during low-light periods. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on the weedlines of John, Sugar, Clearwater, Pleasant, and Cedar Lake.
Little Jim's Bait (320) 274-5297
BATTLE LAKE
Lindy Rigs and crawlers worked in 15 to 30 feet or Shad Raps trolled in five to 10 feet have produced walleyes at Walker Lake, Otter Tail Lake, and West Battle Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on the weedlines of Otter Tail, West Battle, Clitherall Lake, and Fiske Lake. Crappies are being found suspended over deep water at West Battle and Clitherall, while sunfish are hitting in the cabbage of lakes Blanche, Stalker, West Battle, and Clitherall. Blade baits have turned muskies at West Battle in 20 to 25 feet and bass seem to be hitting on all lakes.
Ben's Bait Shop (218) 864-5596
BEMIDJI AREA
Look for walleyes in 18 to 25 feet on Lake Bemidji and Lake Plantagenet. Panfish remain active in 10 to 14 feet at Lake Beltrami, Grace Lake, and Grant Lake. Muskie anglers are seeing more fish this week with CowGirls and Jackpots raising fish at Plantagenet. Bass are hitting plastics and spinnerbaits along the weedlines of Grace and Bemidji is the area's best option for northern pike.
Bluewater Outdoors
(218) 444-BAIT (2248)
BLACKDUCK AREA
Walleyes continue to hit leeches and crawlers on Blackduck Lake along the seven- to 10-foot weeds and at Island Lake in 10 to 14 feet. Panfish action remains strong in the deep cabbage of Lake Pimushe and Gull Lake. Bass and northern pike are an easy catch along the weedlines of most weeds.
Timberline Sports and Tackle
(218) 835-4636
CASS LAKE AREA
Walleye fishing remains spotty at Cass Lake with a few fish coming off live bait in 20 to 25 feet. Jumbo perch are holding on the main-lake flats of Cass and Pike Bay Lake in six to eight feet. Panfish are "going crazy" at Cass, Pike Bay, and Kitchi Lake around the bulrushes and cabbage areas in four to six feet. Muskie fishing remains excellent on all area lakes.
Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831
CHISAGO AREA
You'll find crappies and sunfish in six to 12 feet at North Center Lake and South Center Lake. On Chisago Lake, crappies are hitting in nine to 12 feet and bass remain active along the shorelines. Leeches and crawlers are turning walleyes during the evening hours at Green Lake in 15 to 17 feet and at Chisago in 15 to 19 feet.
Frankie's Bait (651) 257-6334
CROSBY AREA
Walleyes continue to hit crawlers and leeches in 15 to 17 feet at Serpent Lake and Rabbit Lake. The Mississippi River is kicking out walleyes as well. The 10- to 15-foot weedlines of Lake Emily, Bay Lake, Little Rabbit Lake, and Rabbit are producing northern pike. Look for panfish in 10 to 15 feet at Serpent, Nokay Lake, Black Hoof Lake, and Cedar Lake. Rainbow trout are being found suspended at 20 to 30 feet at the Portsmouth Pit and Pennington Pit.
Oars 'n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912
DETROIT LAKES
Walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers at Big Detroit Lake, Lake Melissa, Pelican Lake, Big Cormorant Lake, and Island Lake from the weedlines out to 20 feet. Panfish action is consistent in the 10-foot cabbage of Big Detroit, Floyd Lake, Severson Lake, and Melissa. Muskie anglers are finding a few fish on the weedlines and deep breaks of Big Detroit and Lake Sallie. Northern pike and bass remain active on the weedlines and shoreline breaks of most lakes.
Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248
DULUTH AREA
Walleyes are hitting leeches and crawlers at Island Lake in 25 to 30 feet and at Boulder Lake in 15 feet. Fish Lake is giving up a few bluegills along the deeper weedbeds and smallmouth bass action has picked up on the structure at Island. On the St. Louis River and Island, topwater baits are raising muskies during low-light periods. Salmon and lake trout reports off Lake Superior have been best north of Two Harbors about 10 miles off shore. Find clean, cooler water and troll spoons at least 50 feet down.
Chalstrom's Bait (218) 726-0094
ELY AREA
Leeches are producing big walleyes in 24 to 30 feet during the morning hours on Burntside Lake and you'll hit smaller fish in the bays. The 12- to 20-foot reefs of Basswood Lake, Snowbank Lake, and Lake Shagawa also are giving up a few walleyes. Smallmouth bass are hitting in shallow and deep water on most lakes. Spoons continue to work best for suspended lake trout over 50 to 60 feet at Snowbank and Trout Lake.
The Great Outdoors (218) 365-4744
FAIRMONT AREA
Bluegills and crappies remain shallow, five to seven feet, at Hall Lake, Budd Lake, and Lake Sissiton. Look to North Silver Lake for perch in three to six feet. A few walleyes are coming off Tuttle Lake with crankbaits in three to five feet. The weedlines of Fox Lake are giving up a few muskies early and late in the day.
Hall Lake Cabins Bait & Tackle (507) 235-5225
FARIBAULT AREA
Crappies and sunfish are hitting on Lake Mazaska in 10 to 12 feet. Look to French Lake for sunfish in 12 to 14 feet and an occasional muskie along the weedlines. The weedlines of Kelley Dudley Lake are worth hitting for northern pike and panfish. On Cedar Lake, you'll find plenty of sunfish along the shallow weedline and Circle Lake produces a few walleyes during the evening in nine feet.
Nagel's Live Bait (507) 334-8341
GRAND MARAIS AREA
Crawlers are producing walleyes at Seagull Lake in 12 to 15 feet or 25 to 28 feet. On Lake Saganaga, slip bobbers and leeches are best in 25 to 30 feet. You'll find lake trout suspended over 60 to 80 on these lakes as well. Smallmouth bass are an easy catch with live and artificial bait at Hungry Jack Lake, Northern Lights Lake, Poplar Lake, and Devil's Fish Lake. On Lake Superior, you have to hit 180 to 200 feet for lake trout and salmon are suspended over 40 feet.
Buck's Hardware (218) 387-2280
GRAND RAPIDS AREA
Leeches are producing walleyes at Trout Lake in 25 to 30 feet, on the 18- to 22-foot weedlines of Lake Pokegama, and in 20 to 30 feet at Sugar Lake, Lake Wabana, and Deer Lake. Trolling Rapalas at night in shallower water also has triggered walleyes at Pokegama, Sugar, Trout, and Moose Lake. There's some evening crappie action in the deep cabbage of lakes Pokegama, Little Splithand, Spider, and Jessie. Work the deep weedlines of most lakes for northern pike, while muskie action has noticeably improved at Deer and Star lakes. Safe bets for sunfish include the weedlines of Bass Lake, Graves Lake, Big Splithand, and Little Splithand.
Ben's Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281
HACKENSACK AREA
Crawlers and leeches are turning a few walleyes at Woman Lake on the 18- to 24-foot breaks. Look to the deeper weedlines of Pleasant Lake and Birch Lake for suspended panfish. Bass fishing has been consistent for smallmouth and largemouth on most lakes, highlighted by a few bigger fish at Portage Lake and Baby Lake.
Swanson's Bait and Tackle (218) 675-6176
LAKE VERMILION
The walleye bite has been inconsistent with a few active fish being found in 12 to 23 feet. There seems to be plenty of walleyes sitting in deeper water, but they don't want to eat. Live-bait rigs with crawlers or a slip bobber and leech has worked best. There have been some fish taken on spinners and a half of a nightcrawler on the 16- to 18-foot areas adjacent to rock piles. Smallmouth bass and a few walleyes also have been pulled from six to 15 feet on the east end.
Lake Vermilion Guides League
www.lakevermilionguidesleague.com
ORTONVILLE AREA
Perch action has picked up with waxworms in 12 to 14 feet in the Rocky Ledge, Hartford Beach, and Sodak areas of Big Stone Lake. A few walleyes are being caught on spinners and crawlers in these locations as well. The Highway 75 dam area on the Minnesota River is producing walleyes and consistent catfish action. Look to the east side of Lake Oliver for walleyes in 18 feet.
Bud's Bait (320) 839-2480
PARK RAPIDS AREA
Walleyes are hitting crawlers and leeches during low-light periods at Big Sand Lake in 18 to 28 feet. Pike remain active on Fifth and Sixth Crow Wing lakes in 14 to 16 feet. Big Mantrap Lake continues to kick out plenty of pike and a few muskies on the 14-foot cabbage. Look for sunfish on Lake Belle Taine in 10 to 14 feet and crappies on Big Mantrap in 12 to 14 feet during the evening hours. You'll find rainbow trout suspended over deep water at Bad Medicine Lake and Long Lake.
Delaney's (218) 732-4281
PERHAM AREA
Shad Raps are turning numbers of walleyes and northern pike in four to eight feet at Big Pine Lake, Little Pine Lake, and Rush Lake. Leeches also are producing walleyes in 18 feet during the day at Big and Little Pine. Work the deep cabbage on Big Pine, Big McDonald Lake, Little McDonald Lake, and Lake Marion for panfish.
Gene's Sport Shop (218) 346-3355
PINE CITY AREA
You'll find sunfish in eight to 10 feet and crappies suspended over 16 to 22 feet at Lake Pokegama and Cross Lake. Shad Raps are producing a few walleyes on the northwest side of Cross in 14 to 18 feet and both lakes are giving up northern pike near weedlines. Work the east side of Knife Lake for panfish, crawlers are producing walleyes in eight to 11 feet, and bass can be had here in the bays. A few walleyes also can be had on the 12- to 16-foot gravel of East and West Rush lakes. Both lakes are giving up crappies as well over 20 feet.
Red's Bait & Tackle (320) 629-1154
RED LAKE
The hot temperatures and strong winds have slowed the walleye bite in shallower water this week. There is a decent walleye bite with spinners and leeches on the rock humps and bars in 12 to 17 feet. Pike action, at least for big fish, also has slowed this week.
Dr. Tackle Sports (218) 647-8657
Mort's Dock (218) 647-8128
RED RIVER
High water continues to limit boat access to the Grand Forks area and anyone using the river should exercise caution. Most catfish are being pulled from shallow snags, confluences of drainage ditches, and near slack water areas. These fish are spread out so stay on the move with sucker minnows and frogs and it takes at least a five-ounce weight to keep your bait down in the current areas.
Brad Durick Outdoors (701) 739-5808
RED WING AREA
The walleye bite has been a bit tough this week. Pulling crankbaits in the Maiden Rock Flats area at the mouth of Lake Pepin has produced some fish. Jigging the back channels of the Mississippi River has turned fish as well. Catfish action has improved in the deep holes below the dam on the river.
Ike's Bait and Tackle (651) 388-2111
Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334
ST. CLOUD/EDEN VALLEY AREA
Sunfish reports vary with Brown's Lake, Cedar Island Lake, Long Lake, and Horseshoe Lake producing fish in six to 12 feet. Look to Lake Koronis and Rice Lake for walleyes, which are scattered between five and 25 feet depending on the time of day. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows along the weedlines of most lakes.
Mike's Bait and Tackle (320) 453-2248
SAUK CENTRE AREA
Sunfish are hitting on Long Lake in eight to 10 feet and Lilly Lake in 12 to 14 feet. Maple Lake is kicking out sunfish along the 12-foot weeds. On Big Birch Lake, you'll find sunfish and a few walleyes piled up in 12 to 18 feet. Look for crappies on the north end of Sauk Lake in four to six feet and Long Bridge Lake in four to seven feet. The inlet on Sauk is holding a few walleyes, most of which are hitting redtails and crawlers. The flats on Lake Osakis are giving up walleyes during low-light periods in 16 to 32 feet.
Fletcher's Bait (320) 352-2155
WATERVILLE AREA
Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows, spinnerbaits, or spoon plugs on the weedlines of Lake Tetonka and Lake Sakatah. A few walleyes are being taken with leeches on Tetonka in 15 feet or more during low-light periods. Panfish reports have been slow, but bass fishing remains consistent on area lakes.
Axel's Tackle Box (507) 362-4444
www.axelstacklebox.blogspot.com
WILLMAR AREA
A few walleyes can be had on the 30- to 40-foot main-lake structure of Green Lake with crawlers or leeches. Look for panfish on the weedlines of lakes Florida, Andrew, Games, Diamond, and North Long by Hawick. Bass are hitting on the weedlines during the day and up shallower during low-light periods. Pitch a jig and leech in 10 feet or less on Big Kandi Lake and Lake Solomon for walleyes.
Brad's 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097


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