Big Six

LAKE MILLE LACS

Crankbaits continue to produce walleyes after dark on the
shallow rocks. Work the points and reefs in six to 10 feet of water
from sunset, late into the night. There are quite a few reports of
nice perch being caught in shallow water. The Malone Island and
Isle Bay areas are your best bets right now in less than 10 feet of
water. Muskie and northern pike action has slowed. The few fish
being caught are coming from the north end rocks and the bays on
the west side of the lake.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

www.johnsonsportside.com

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Water temperatures have taken a major plunge, so the walleyes
and sauger have put on the feedbags. There’s an excellent jig and
minnow bite near the Gap, Church, Wilson Bay, and Wheeler’s Point
in 17 to 19 feet of water. The evening hours are providing good
action just west of Zippel Bay in nine feet of water as well.
Walleye action also remains strong at the Northwest Angle/Islands
area. Muskie anglers also report a very good bite here with
numerous fish in the 46- to 52-inch class being boated. Walleyes,
northern pike, and sturgeon remain very active in the Rainy
River.

Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau

(800) 382-FISH

LEECH LAKE

The rock piles, reeds, points, and weeds all are producing
muskies right now. The fish are scattered but active so the key is
to stay on the move. Jerkbaits and glide baits seem to be the best
way to cover a lot of water. Anglers trolling crankbaits along the
rock shorelines and points are hitting walleyes in eight to 11 feet
of water. There’s also a deep bite taking place on the Walker Bay
humps in 40 feet of water. Perch fishing has been excellent on the
east side of Bear Island, Boy Bay, and Partridge Point in 10 feet
of water.

Leech Lake Guide Coalition (218) 547-3212

LAKE MINNETONKA

The deep weed edges of the bigger bays are producing a few
walleyes during the day. Minnows are now turning the majority of
fish off the weeds. During the evening hours, work the channels
with crankbaits for decent walleye action. Panfish have been tough
to locate, but the muskie and northern pike action remains strong
on top of the milfoil and on the milfoil edges. Bass continue to be
caught deep during the day and up shallower during low-light
periods.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

RAINY LAKE

The main lake reefs are providing the best walleye action in 24
to 26 feet of water. Jigs tipped with a minnow are producing the
best catches. There’s also a shallow water bite taking place early
and late in the day near the Brule River. Look for suspended
crappies over deep water in Sand Bay. Numbers of northern pike have
been tough to find, but the fish being caught continue to be
good-sized in the Rainy Lake City area. Grouse reports haven’t
changed much, as the people with dogs continue to find the most
birds.

Loon’s Nest (218) 286-5850

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

The points along the west side of the lake still are your best
bet for numbers of walleyes. Sugar Point, Mallard Point, Raven’s
Point, and up to Stoney Point are all areas worth checking out in
seven to nine feet of water. Expect plenty of perch and northern
pike to be mixed in with the walleyes. Duck hunters are doing
pretty well in this area, and there have been a few grouse
taken.

Pines Resort and Campground (218) 246-8546