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FeedNorth Central Minnesota Fishing Report - October 26th, 2012
LAKE MILLE LACS
East - Trolling crankbaits from sunset well into the night has produced the most walleyes. Hit the six- to 12-foot rocks around Big Point, Liberty Beach, or Hunter’s Point and don’t be afraid to run big baits. The few muskies being taken have been good-sized and coming off the rocks, but there hasn’t been many people chasing them. Perch reports have been limited, although anglers have started looking for them in the bays.
Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811
West - The shoreline breaks in the bays and main rock reefs are producing walleyes during low-light periods via crankbaits. This bite will continue to improve as water temperatures drop. The edges of these areas will give up walleyes during the day on minnows and jigs. Muskie angler numbers have been limited and good-sized perch have been tough to find.
Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430
LAKE OF THE WOODS
Walleye action is slowly picking up on the Rainy River, but is not near its peak as shiner minnows are taking their time migrating into it. Areas worth looking at once the shiner run shifts into high gear include the airport to Baudette to the Vidas Landing, Frontier, and Birchdale. On the main lake, hit Pine Island in 16 to 19 feet, Archie’s in 26 to 33 feet, Long Point, Twin Rocks, west of Garden Island, Knight, Bridges, and between Morris Point Gap and the “pine tree.” At the Northwest Angle, walleyes are being found on the points in shallow bays over 24 to 40 feet, muskie trolling has been productive, and crappies are hitting on the 30-foot mud spots.
Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau (800) 382-FISH
LEECH LAKE
Work the wind-driven points and flats with a jig and minnow in six to 10 feet for walleyes during the day. These areas also produce fish at night via crankbaits. Perch are being found in their usual fall spots, including the Narrows, Sand Point, and Cedar Point in less than eight feet. Muskie reports have been spotty with the best activity taking place on the rocks. A few more northern ducks have shown up on the lake and grouse hunting has been best for those willing to get off the main trails.
Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505
RAINY LAKE
Walleyes have started hitting a jig and minnow in Sand Bay over 25 to 30 feet. The Birchdale area of the Rainy River is kicking out walleyes as well. Duck hunting has been poor and grouse hunters are finding birds to be more scattered. You’ll see more birds if you get off the main paths.
Loon’s Nest (218) 286-5850
LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH
Look to the points and shoreline breaks on the west side in six to 12 feet for walleyes and perch. You’ll also find pods of perch on the mid-depth rocks – a jig and minnow is working best in both locations.
Nodak Lodge (218) 665-2226
BEMIDJI AREA
Walleyes are hitting a jig and minnow in 15 to 18 feet at Lake Plantagenet and Lake Bemidji. Work the rock points with large sucker minnows for muskies on Bemidji, Plantagenet, and Cass Lake. Grouse reports are favorable, although you’ll do best getting off the main trails. A few more ducks and geese have moved into the area.
Bluewater Outdoors
(218) 444-BAIT (2248)
BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA
Minnows are producing walleyes on North Long Lake in 20 to 35 feet, on Round Lake in 14 to 18 feet, and on the north and south ends of Gull Lake in 15 to 45 feet. You’ll find suspended crappies over 20 to 30 feet on the south end of Gull, Cullen Lake, and Clear Lake. Northern pike and bass can be had on the weedlines of most lakes.
S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010
EMILY AREA
Pike are hitting Shad Raps on Mitchell Lake in 15 feet, while sunfish are hitting at Fox Lake in 18 to 20 feet. Waterfowl hunters are shooting teal, wood ducks, mallards, and geese. Grouse are being seen with consistency and the bigger bucks have become active.
Redding Sports and Spirits (218) 763-2191
GRAND RAPIDS AREA
Panfish are suspended over 18 to 22 feet on lakes such as Big Splithand, Little Cutfoot Sioux, and Little Splithand. Shiner minnows are turning walleyes in 15 to 20 feet at Lake Wabana or in 20 to 35 feet on Lake Pokegama and Trout Lake. Muskies are hitting big sucker minnows at Deer Lake and North Star Lake during the morning and evening. A few ringnecks have moved into the area and grouse hunting has been spotty with some good reports and others that are less than favorable.
Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281
RED LAKE
Wind and low water continue to keep most anglers off the lake. But with a few consecutive days of nice weather, walleyes are hitting minnows along the shorelines in five to eight feet. Grouse hunters are doing best along the less traveled forest roads and walking trails.
Mort’s Dock (218) 647-8128
ST. CLOUD/EDEN VALLEY AREA
Crappies are being found suspended on Rice Lake and Lake Koronis over 16 to 22 feet. Walleyes are hitting Rapalas at night on the shorelines of Koronis or a jig and minnow during the day on Horseshoe Lake in 12 to 15 feet. The guys who put in their time are finding a few pheasants and duck hunting has been best on the bigger bodies of water and there are some divers in the area.
Mike’s Bait and Tackle (320) 453-2248
SAUK CENTRE AREA
Jigs and shiner minnows are producing walleyes in six to 12 feet at Big Sauk Lake, 30 to 40 feet on Big Birch Lake, and on the bars and flats in 12 to 60 feet on Lake Osakis. The north end of Osakis is producing panfish in eight to 15 feet. Duck numbers are strong with divers and puddle ducks noticeable in the area, but hunting pressure is minimal.
Fletcher’s Bait (320) 352-2155
