Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing Report – October 21st, 2016

Great Eight

LAKE MILLE LACS        

Smallmouth bass are showing no sign of slowing down. The bite continues to be consistently good with plastics or crankbaits on the shallow and deep rock reefs and points. Muskie and northern pike reports have varied, but the big fish should start hitting as soon as the water cools and tullibees move shallow to spawn.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

www.johnsonsportside.com

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

www.terrysboatharbor.com

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Consistent walleye action continues with a jig and minnow in 15 to 25 feet along the south shore. Sauger and jumbo perch are mixed in, and the bays are giving up big northern pike. The best walleye action on the Rainy River is happening from Four Mile Bay to Birchdale in 15 to 25 feet. At the Northwest Angle, walleyes are hitting in 18 to 30 feet between Oak and Flag islands or the south side of Oak and Hay islands. On the Ontario side, crappies are being taken on the 30-foot points, walleyes are hitting minnows in 15 to 25 feet, and muskies are chasing large crankbaits.

Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau
(800) 382-FISH
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA    

Minnows are producing walleyes on the 20-foot weedlines during the day and in the channels at night on Lake Minnetonka. Muskie action also has picked up on Minnetonka with sucker minnows in 14 to 18 feet, and you’ll find suspended crappies along the 18-foot milfoil. Look for sunfish and crappies on Lake Sarah and Medicine Lake in 9 feet.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

LAKE VERMILION

Minnows continue to trigger walleyes on the 15- to 20-foot rock reefs and breaks off most islands. Muskies have bit best in shallow water during low-light periods, off the islands and reefs. Crappies and smallmouth bass also are relating to deep, rock structure and islands. Grouse reports remain favorable for those willing to get off the main trails and walking paths.

Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

A jig and minnow combo is producing walleyes on the 8- to 10-foot shoreline breaks and points. You’ll find perch and northern pike mixed in – the bite is much like it is in the spring here, with everything being caught in the same areas.

Lake Winnie Resort Association                    www.lakewinnie.net

LEECH LAKE

Work the wind-driven shoreline points and breaks with a jig and minnow for walleyes. Bigger pods of fish are being found on rocky structure in 6 to 8 feet, especially if it’s windy, and bigger minnows seem to be working best. At night, troll crankbaits in less than 12 feet around the points and breaks for walleyes. Perch continue to be pulled from the narrows, Sand Point, and GrandVu Flats area in 6 to 8 feet, and muskie anglers continue to find bigger fish on the rocks. Grouse hunting has improved, but there hasn’t been a push of new ducks into the area.

Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

Shriver’s Bait Company

(218) 547-2250

RAINY LAKE     

A jig and minnow combo continues to produce walleyes on the deep structure such as reefs or sharp breaks off most islands. Smallmouth bass remain active on the shallow to mid-depth rock reefs, but crappie reports have been limited. Hunters are reporting some good grouse success, and the birds have started to break away from their large groups.

International Falls CVB

(800) 325-5766

www.rainylake.org

RED LAKE

Fishing pressure remains limited with most outdoor enthusiasts now focusing on hunting seasons. Minnows will turn walleyes on the 6- to 12-foot rocks and shoreline breaks. Grouse are being shot more regularly now that the cover is gone, while waterfowl hunters are shooting more geese than ducks, but some divers are starting to move through.

Mort’s Dock (218) 647-8128

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO

Muskies are inhaling large sucker minnows on the remaining weedlines of Bald Eagle Lake and White Bear Lake. Tanners Lake, Lake Phalen, and Bald Eagle also are producing northern pike in 8 to 12 feet. On the St. Croix River, 15 to 30 feet is key for walleyes, panfish, smallmouth bass, and sauger. Lake Jane and Demontreville Lake remain safe bets for panfish in 8 to 12 feet.

Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle

(651) 777-2421

WEST METRO

Look to Lake Zumbra in 12 to 14 feet and Lake Waconia in 14 to 18 feet for crappies. Waconia also is giving up muskies on large sucker minnows along the reefs in 12 to 14 feet. Sunfish continue to be pulled from Hydes Lake and Lake Parley in 8 to 10 feet, while Whaletail Lake and Lake Auburn remain safe bets for largemouth bass. Pheasant, deer, and waterfowl reports have been poor.

Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA

Minnows continue to produce walleyes on Lake Miltona and Lake Ida in 50 to 70 feet. On Lake Le Homme Dieu, Lake Carlos, and Lake Darling a jig and minnow is turning walleyes on the 20- to 25-foot weedlines. Look to Miltona with large sucker minnows or Double CowGirls for muskies along the mid-depth weeds. Ducks have been tough to find, but pheasant hunters are shooting and seeing more birds than expected.

Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle

(320) 763-3255

ANNANDALE AREA

Minnows continue to turn a few walleyes in 10 to 16 feet on Clearwater Lake and Sugar Lake during midday hours. Work the 8- to 12-foot weeds on Lake John, Pleasant Lake, Granite Lake, and Clearwater for panfish and northern pike. Sucker minnows have produced a few muskies on Sugar as well. There were a few roosters shot opening weekend, but this area also has a lot of standing corn. Waterfowl hunters are shooting geese in the fields and a few puddle ducks over water.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE AREA

Walleye action has improved with jigs and minnows in 11 to 15 feet or with crankbaits in less than 5 feet at Otter Tail Lake, Rush Lake, and West Battle Lake. Look for sunfish and crappies in 10 to 20 feet at Stalker Lake, Bass Lake by Underwood, Rush, and West Battle. Bass continue to be found in the 10- to 15-foot weeds at Donald Lake, Fiske Lake, Fish Lake, and East Battle Lake. Northern pike remain active on Otter Tail and Donald in 10 to 15 feet, while muskies have really started hitting large sucker minnows on West Battle in 20 feet. There have been a few more geese moving into the area, and pheasant hunters are doing best just south of the area.

Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BLACKDUCK AREA

A jig and minnow continues to produce walleyes in 10 to 20 feet on Island Lake, Gull Lake, and Blackduck Lake. Crappies are being found suspended over deep water at Turtle River Lake and Pimushe Lake. Duck numbers remain stagnant, grouse hunting has improved, and deer have become noticeably more active.

Timberline Sports and Tackle

(218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Shiners and rainbow minnows are working best for walleyes in 28 to 40 feet at Gull Lake, Pelican Lake, North Long Lake, and Whitefish Lake. Crappies continue to be found suspended over 30 feet or more on Gull, North Long, and Whitefish. Northern pike are taking sucker minnows over 16 to 24 feet on North Long and Whitefish.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/

Nisswa Guide League  (218) 829-7010

CHISAGO AREA   

Walleyes continue to be caught on the mid-depth bars and breaks of Green Lake and Comfort Lake. Bluegills are hitting in 5 to 8 feet on Chisago Lake, North Center Lake, and South Center Lake, while Kroon Lake North Lindstrom Lake, and North Center have been best for crappies. Pheasant hunters have been limited by standing corn and duck hunter participation has dropped off.

Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA

Smallmouth bass and walleyes continue to be taken with a jig and minnow on the Mississippi River. Minnows also will produce walleyes on Rabbit Lake, Serpent Lake, and Clearwater Lake in 28 to 35 feet. Crappies are being found suspended over deep water on Serpent, Rabbit, and Nokay Lake. Hit the shorelines with big bucktails for northern pike on the Portsmouth and Sagamore pits. Grouse hunters have been more noticeable and most seem to be shooting a few birds just north of the area, but duck numbers have dropped, with a few more ringbills and geese in the mix.

Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle

(218) 546-6912

DETROIT LAKES AREA

Muskies remain active, hitting sucker minnows in 8 to 12 feet at Big Detroit Lake, Pelican Lake, and Lake Sallie. A few walleyes are being taken with minnows in 12 to 15 feet on Big Detroit and Upper Cormorant Lake. Look for crappies and bluegills in the 10- to 12-foot weeds on Height of Land Lake and Lake Melissa. Duck hunting reports have been limited, but deer have started to move.

Quality Bait and Tackle

(218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA   

You’ll find crappies from the dam to the narrows area on Fish Lake in 14 to 16 feet. Hit Boulder Lake with minnows in 12 feet for crappies or 8 to 10 feet for walleyes. Large sucker minnows are turning muskies on Island Lake in 8 to 10 feet and Kamloops have started moving closer to shore on Lake Superior. The woods is thinning and grouse are spreading out so hunter success has improved, and one or two deer are brought in daily by archery hunters.

Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

FARIBAULT AREA

A few walleyes and perch continue to be caught along Highway 12 on Cannon Lake. Hit Lake Mazaska for crappies in 12 to 15 feet and Lake Roberds is giving up a few walleyes around the docks in 4 to 8 feet. Hunting action continues to be limited.

Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341

GRAND RAPIDS AREA 

Pitch a jig and minnow on the points and deep holes of the Mississippi River for walleyes. You’ll also hook walleyes on minnows at Lake Jessie and Trout Lake in 12 to 17 feet or Big Splithand Lake in 7 feet. Hill Lake, Trout, Big Splithand, Lake Wabana, Lake Pokegama, Big and Little Cutfoot, Sand Lake, and Bowstring Lake are all producing crappies from the shorelines out to deep holes. Hit Deer Lake, North Star Lake, and Moose Lake with large sucker minnows for muskies along the shoreline breaks. Duck hunting has been poor, grouse action is better, and woodcock hunting has been excellent.

Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281

GREY EAGLE AREA

The 30- to 40-foot humps on Big Birch Lake are producing walleyes on minnows and jigs. Look to Moose Lake with shiner minnows for walleyes in 12 to 18 feet and Long Lake by the Hub Supper Club is giving up sunfish in 12 to 18 feet. Look to Pillsbury Lake for sunfish, and Cedar Lake is kicking out sunfish in 12 to 15 feet. Moose Lake and Big Swan Lake are safe bets for crappies, most of which are suspended.

Nancy’s Bait & Tackle (320) 285-2405

LAKE KABETOGAMA

Minnows and nightcrawlers continue to turn walleyes in 29 to 32 feet or along the 12- to 15-foot weed edges. Although crappies continue to be tough to find, sauger, northern pike, and jumbo perch are mixed with the walleyes. Grouse hunting has improved a lot now that the foliage is just about gone.

Gateway Store (218) 875-2121

www.gatewaygeneral.com

LONGVILLE AREA

Hit Woman Lake with a Lindy rig and minnow in 14 to 18 feet or in less than 10 feet with a jig and minnow for walleyes. A few crappies continue to be caught from Lake Inguadona and Boy Lake, most of which are suspended in 10 to 14 feet. Duck hunting has been decent if you’re willing to scout and find those pockets of birds that exist on ponds and small lakes with some wild rice.

The One Stop (218) 363-2252

MADISON LAKE AREA

Crappies and sunfish are hitting throughout Baker’s Bay on Lake Washington, and minnows are producing walleyes in 10 to 15 feet here. Hit Big Jefferson Lake for crappies in 10 to 12 feet and Little Jefferson Lake for a mixed bag of panfish in 10 to 14 feet. The fishing pier on Little Jefferson is giving up walleyes as well. Hunting reports have been limited.

Corner Bait (507) 243-4464

MORA AREA

Knife Lake, Ann Lake, and Mud Lake continue to kick out panfish in 5 to 7 feet. Walleyes are being caught with minnows in 6 to 8 feet at Knife, while northern pike and bass action has improved on most lakes since last week in less than 8 feet. Duck, pheasant, and grouse hunters haven’t offered much for reports.

Jerry’s Sport & Bait Shop

(320) 679-2151

ORTONVILLE AREA

The Big Stone Lake perch bite continues to be very good in 11 to 13 feet near Rocky Ledge, Mallard Point, and Schmidt’s Landing. Walleyes have bit best after dark along the shorelines and docks on a jig and minnow. The pheasant opener was more productive than it has been in several years, and there have been more ducks moving into the area as well.

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

PARK RAPIDS AREA

A jig and minnow is producing walleyes in 12 to 18 feet on Lake Belle Taine, Potato Lake, and Fish Hook Lake or in 25 to 30 feet on Big Sand Lake. Fishing pressure for other species has been limited, duck numbers have not improved, and there are some pockets of grouse being found.

Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

Smokey Hills Outdoors

(218) 237-5099

RICHMOND/
ST. CLOUD AREA

Walleye action has slowed on the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes, but Rice Lake is producing sunfish in less than 12 feet and Eden Lake is kicking out crappies and sunfish in 6 feet. Look to Lake Koronis for walleyes in 30 to 40 feet and smallmouth bass on shallow structure. Standing corn has limited pheasant success, and a few migrant ducks have shown up in the area.

Channel Marine and Sports

(320) 597-5975

SAUK CENTRE AREA

Crappies continue to hit on the north end of Lake Osakis in 24 to 26 feet. Walleye activity has improved throughout Big Sauk Lake in 6 to 8 feet, with the north end providing some of the most consistent action. Long Bridge Lake and Guernsey Lake also are giving up walleyes on minnows in 6 to 10 feet. Hunting reports have been limited as hunting pressure remains light.

Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155

STAPLES/LITTLE FALLS AREA

Smallmouth bass and walleyes continue to hit minnows on the Mississippi River. Crappies and walleyes have started biting on Lake Alexander in shallow and deep water. Pheasant hunters have found some birds during the early stages of the season even though the corn harvest is behind schedule.

Da Fishin’ Hole (320) 631-0056

STARBUCK AREA

Walleye action continues to improve on Lake Minnewaska in 20 to 22 feet during the day or along the points in 14 feet with minnows. After dark, shallow-running crankbaits are working in less than 8 feet. Anglers fishing from shore on Lake Emily are catching walleyes on minnows, and those in boats are catching fish on shallow-running crankbaits. Anglers fishing from shore with crawlers at Lake Malmadahl are hooking walleyes as well. Pheasant hunters are finding limited success, but there’s still a lot of standing corn to deal with.

Minnewaska Bait and Tackle

(320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA

Angling pressure has been limited with a few anglers fishing from shore at Willmar/Foot Lake for panfish and walleyes, or at Ringo Lake, South Long Lake, Lake Minnetoga, and the west side of Diamond Lake for walleyes – success has been poor. Pheasant hunters are shooting a few roosters early and late each day, but there hasn’t been much corn removed.

Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports

(320) 235-4097

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

Crankbaits or minnows are producing walleyes in 6 to 8 feet on Dead Coon Lake, Lake Sarah, Lake Benton, and Lake Shaokotan. Look to Sarah, East Twin Lake, and Rock Lake for perch in 4 to 6 feet. There have been some pheasants shot, but corn has limited early season success. There are birds in this area so the hunting should only improve as the crops are harvested.

Borch’s Sporting Goods

(507) 532-4880