Minnesota Outdoor News Fishing Report – July 27, 2021

Report from the Dock

The number of people fishing continues to be somewhat light as hot weather and humidity persists across the state. Midday fishing activity has been especially limited, as most people have been opting to fish early and late each day when air temperatures are slightly cooler. There was a lot of talk about weed flats, weed edges, and weed pockets in this week’s reports, and it doesn’t seem to matter if the weeds are shallow or deep, they’re all holding a mixed bag of fish. While some bigger walleyes are being caught on deep, main-lake structure in some areas, weedy spots seem to be holding better numbers of fish. Bluegills and crappies also remain weed-related and active in most areas – crappie reports were noticebaly better this week than last. They tend to be suspended on the weed edges or tops and most aggressive during the last hour or so of daylight. Northern pike and bass are mixed in along the weeds and continue to be an easy catch, while muskie anglers continue to put minimal pressure on through the heat.

Great Eight

LAKE MILLE LACS        

East – Walleyes continue to be caught from most areas of the lake. Mud flats, basin areas, mid-depth structure, and shallower rocks and points are all giving up fish at different times of the day and on a wide range of presentations. Smallmouth bass are scattered, but continue to be caught on most rock and shoreline breaks with plastics or live bait, while the bays have been kicking out decent numbers of northern pike.

Johnson’s Portside (320) 676-3811

West – The mud flats continue to produce walleyes and some good-size perch. Work the tops early and late and slide deeper during midday hours with live bait. Smallmouth bass are being caught with leeches or crawlers in 7 to 19 feet on the rock points and reefs. A few pike are being caught on the weedlines in Vineland Bay, St. Alban’s Bay, and Wigwam Bay, while muskie activity remains slow.

Terry’s Boat Harbor (320) 692-4430

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Most anglers are targeting walleyes in 30 to 34 feet of water over deep mud, but the scattered reefs are holding fish as well. Spinners and crawlers or trolling crankbaits are key to covering water. Anglers are getting crankbaits deep in a number of ways – lead core line, a 4-ounce bottom bouncer with a 6-foot leader, snap weights or down riggers are all viable options. The Rainy River is a great option on windy days for walleyes, sauger, smallmouth bass, pike and sturgeon. If targeting walleyes, work holes, current breaks, rock piles, and weed edges with spinners or troll crankbaits. At the Northwest Angle, walleyes are coming off the mud, sunken islands, underwater points, and rocky areas. Most anglers are drifting spinners with crawlers or minnows and pulling crankbaits. Northern pike continue to be active in the weedy bays and hitting crankbaits or bucktails.

Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau
    (800) 382-FISH
   

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA    

There hasn’t been a lot of people fishing mainly due to the heat, but bass remain active on the deep rocks and weedlines of Lake Minnetonka. Look for sunfish in 8 to 10 feet on Minnetonka, Lake Sarah, Medicine Lake, and Long Lake. Muskie action remains slow, but northern pike are being taken on spinnerbaits or minnows in 15 to 20 feet on Minnetonka.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

LAKE VERMILION

On the west end, walleyes are being taken on live-bait rigs tipped with leeches or crawlers on the sand bars in 11 to 15 feet. Northern pike and muskie reports are strong off the weed beds, while others are being found suspended and roaming over deep water. On the east basin, the main lake rock structure and points are producing walleyes in 12 to 20 feet on slip bobbers and crawlers or minnows and live-bait rigs. Muskie action has been very good on the rocks in Big Bay with bucktails or rubber baits, pike remain active on the weedlines in most bays, and smallies are hitting on both ends of the lake in less than 10 feet.

Pike Bay Lodge (218) 753-2430

Vermilion Dam Lodge (218) 666-5418

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

Spinner rigs with minnows or crawlers are producing walleyes during the day on top of the bars and flats in 10 to 15 feet. Crankbaits are turning walleyes each evening on the bars or 12- to 15-foot weed edges. A jig and minnow is producing walleyes and perch in the Duck Pass area over 3 to 5 feet and other pods of perch are being caught from the weed beds. Walleyes and pike also can be had with crankbaits along the 12- to 15-foot shoreline breaks.

Lake Winnie Resort Association                   

LEECH LAKE

Walleyes continue to be pulled off Sand Point during the mornings and evenings with leeches in 8 to 13 feet. Trolling crankbaits or spinners and crawlers around Goose Island in 8 to 15 feet has produced a few walleyes as well. Muskie activity has picked up on the main lake rocks with small bucktails in 6 to 10 feet. Hit the rice and cabbage beds in Steamboat Bay or Boy Bay for largemouth bass.

Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505

Shriver’s Bait Company

(218) 547-2250

RAINY LAKE     

Walleyes are being caught in 23 to 30 feet of water with leeches and crawlers. Smallmouth bass are being caught very shallow on shoreline structure with topwater baits. Northern pike are cruising mid-lake structure and can be caught by trolling big crankbaits, while crappies are beginning to school up and being caught in 8-to 12 feet. 

RainyDaze Guide Service

(218) 290-6102

RED LAKE

Walleye action has been limited and pressure has been down. The early morning and evening hours continue to be the best options with spinners and leeches or crawlers in 11 to 13 feet. 

West Wind Resort (218) 647-8998

Twin Cities Metro

NORTHEAST METRO

Minnows or spinnerbaits are turning pike on the weedlines of Tanner’s Lake, Powers Lake, and Lake Owasso. Walleye reports have been limited to a few fish coming off Bald Eagle Lake with crawlers in 15 to 25 feet. Largemouth bass remain active on most lakes and bucktails continue to raise muskies on the St. Croix River and White Bear Lake.

Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle

(651) 777-2421

WEST METRO

Spoons or minnows are producing pike along the 15- to 17-foot weeds on Auburn Lake, Lake Wasserman, and Pierson Lake. The south end of Lake Minnewashta continues to produce sunfish in 15 to 20 feet and largemouth bass action remains strong with plastics at Minnewashta, Lake Auburn, and Steiger Lake.

Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

LAKE WACONIA

The 10- to 15-foot weeds continue to produce a mixed bag of panfish on North Reef, Anderson’s Reef, and behind Coney Island. Bucktails or topwater baits are triggering muskies in the swimming beach area and a few walleyes can be had during low-light periods with jigs and minnows in 12 to 15 feet on Keg’s Reef and North Reef. Largemouth bass are hitting in shallow water early and late or on the deep weedlines during midday hours on most reefs.

Mases In Towne Marina

(952) 442-2096

Statewide

ALEXANDRIA AREA

Bass are hitting jigs and plastics on the deep weedlines of Lake Ida, Miltona Lake, and Lake Le Homme Dieu. Nightcrawlers are turning a few walleyes on Reno Lake in 25 to 30 feet and sunfish are going in 14 to 18 feet on Lake Darling, north side of Lake Carlos, Lake Victoria, and Lake Mary.

Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle

(320) 763-3255

ANNANDALE AREA

Bigger sunfish continue to be found on the 10- to 15-foot weedlines of Sugar Lake, Lake Sylvia, Clearwater Lake, Indian Lake, and Pleasant Lake. Bass are being caught in the weeds, both shallow and deep, on most lakes with plastics or topwater baits. Northern pike remain active on the deep weed lines of Maple Lake, French Lake, and Clearwater. A few walleyes are being taken with spinners and leeches or jigs and minnows at Clearwater and Sugar.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE AREA

Walleyes are hitting leeches or crawlers during the day in 15 to 20 feet or crankbaits at night in 10 feet on Otter Tail Lake, West Battle Lake, and Rush Lake. Look for crappies and sunfish in 10 to 15 feet on West Battle, Rush, and Stalker Lake. Bass are hitting spinnerbaits along the 10- to 15-foot weedlines of Bass Lake, Elbow Lake, and South Turtle Lake. Spoons or sucker minnows are turning pike in 12 to 15 feet at Otter Tail, West Battle, and Donald Lake. Muskies are hitting Bucher Tails and Double CowGirls in 15 to 20 feet on West Battle.

Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA

Walleye fishing remains quite good on Lake Bemidji, Lake Plantagenet, and Lake Andrusia. Live-bait rigs and crawlers have been the ticket along deep weed edges and sharp breaks in 12 to 18 feet. You’ll find some nice perch in those same areas hitting jigs and minnows. Bass fishing remains excellent with plastics on the deep weed edges or by throwing spinnerbaits across the top of the grass. You’ll find your best crappie and bluegill action off the deep cabbage as well. Low water levels on some lakes is making it difficult to load and unload boats.

Dick Beardsley Guide Service

(218) 556-7172

BLACKDUCK AREA

Eating-size walleyes are being caught on the bars in 10 to 15 feet at Island Lake, Blackduck Lake, and Round Lake with Lindy Rigs and crawlers. Bluegill action remains strong on the 10- to 13-foot weedlines of Pimushe Lake, Turtle River Lake, Gull Lake, and Gilstead Lake – there’s been a few crappies mixed in as well. The weedlines on most

Timberline Sports and Tackle

(218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Walleyes are being taken in the 12- to 18-foot weeds on slip bobbers with leeches, crawlers, or chubs at Gull Lake, Lake Edwards, and Pelican Lake. Look for pike in 18 to 26 feet to hit sucker minnows under a bobber on Edwards, North Long Lake, and Cullen Lake. Largemouth bass are an easy catch in the 8- to 12-foot weeds or docks on Gull, Pelican,and Cullen. Crappie reports are limited, but sunfish remain active in 6 to 10 feet on  most lakes, especially the north end of Gull, Nisswa Lake, Roy Lake, and Lake Margaret.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/

Nisswa Guide League  (218) 829-7010

CASS LAKE AREA

Perch continue to be caught along the bulrushes or the 10- to 15-foot weeds throughout Cass Lake, Pike Bay Lake, Lake Andrusia, and Wolf Lake. Trolling crankbaits on Cass in 6 to 8 feet during the evening hours has produced plenty of walleyes. Bluegills and crappies are being found along the 12- to 15-foot weedlines on Kitchi Lake or Dick’s Bay and Allen’s Bay on Cass. Muskie activity continues to be limited. 

Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831              

CHISAGO AREA   

Crappies and sunfish continue to be caught along the 12- to 15-foot weedlines on North Center Lake, South Center Lake, Chisago Lake, and North Lindstrom Lake. There’s some evening walleye action in 12 to 15 feet on Green Lake, Chisago, and North Center with crawlers or leeches. Look for bass shallow early and late and on the deep weeds during midday hours on most lakes.

Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA

There’s some evening crappie and sunfish action along the 12- to 17-foot weedlines on Big Mahnomen Lake, Black Hoof Lake, Nokay Lake, and the Crooked Lake Chain. Largemouth bass remain active on the weedlines or deep structure of Bay Lake, Ross Lake, and Serpent Lake, while Clearwater Lake and Serpent are producing smallmouth bass. Northern pike are hitting jerkbaits on Cedar Lake, and anglers running down riggers with spoons on the Pennington Pit Chain are catching rainbow trout at 60 to 70 feet.

Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle

(218) 546-6912

DETROIT LAKES AREA

Walleyes are being caught with crawlers or minnows in 20 to 25 feet on Lake Melissa, Lake Sallie, and Big Detroit Lake. Look for smallmouth bass in 18 to 24 feet on Big Cormorant Lake and Island Lake – plastics and live bait are both working. Northern pike and bass remain active on the deep weedlines of most lakes, while the 10- to 12-foot weedlines on Tamarack Lake, Cotton Lake, Sallie, and Melissa are kicking out sunfish and a few crappies.

Quality Bait and Tackle

(218) 844-2248

DULUTH AREA   

Boulder Lake is kicking out walleyes on crawlers and spinners in 15 to 17 feet, as is Island Lake in 20 to 25 feet. On Lake Superior, lake trout are hitting best north of Two Harbors, primarily being taken about 75 feet down with spoons. The shorelines and rock on Island continue to hold smallies.

Chalstrom’s Bait (218) 726-0094

EAST CENTRAL MN

Spinnerbaits are turning pike and bass on the deep weedlines of Blue Lake, Fremont Lake, and Eagle Lake. Look for crappies on Eagle and Green Lake in 14 feet and a few sunfish off Blue and Mitchell Lake in 7 feet. 

Tales and Trails Sport Shop 

(763) 856-3985

ELY AREA

Trolling crankbaits over 25 to 30 feet is producing walleyes on Bear Island Lake, White Iron Lake, and Snowbank Lake – look for suspended fish. Smallmouth bass action remains strong during the mornings with topwater baits at Newfound Lake, Fall Lake, and South Kawishiwi River. Look to the cabbage beds for bluegills during the day and crappies each evening at Low Lake, Armstrong Lake, and Grassy Lake. Troll small spoons or minnow baits for rainbow trout and a few splake at Tofte Lake, Miner’s Lake, and Norway Lake 

Arrowhead Outdoors (218) 365-5358

EMILY AREA 

Largemouth bass are hitting spinnerbaits on Ruth Lake in 6 to 8 feet and West Fox Lake started giving up crappies in 10 to 15 feet. On Stark Lake, northern pike are being caught on spoons during the evening hours in 8 to 10 feet. Work the south end of Roosevelt Lake with plastics in 6 to 8 feet for smallmouth bass.

Redding Sports and Spirits      

(218) 763-2191

FAIRMONT AREA

Fishing pressure remains light, but yellow bass are being caught along the shorelines of Budd Lake and Lake Sisseton. A few crappies can be had in 8 to 15 feet with minnows on Hall Lake, Budd and Sisseto. Hit Lura Lake and Big Twin Lake with spinnerbaits or plastics for largemouth bass.

Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

FARIBAULT/SHIELDSVILLE AREA

Walleyes are being caught at Shields Lake on spinners and crawlers along the 10- to 15-foot weedlines. The 8- to 12-foot weed edges are giving up sunfish on Shields and Lake Mazaska, while the weedlines on Cedar Lake continue to produce sunfish and crappies during the evening hours. 

John’s Bait & Tackle (507) 332-6787

Lake Country Convenience & Bait

(507) 334-9711

GRAND RAPIDS/DEER RIVER AREA 

Bluegills and a few crappies are coming off the thick weed edges at Big Ball Club Lake and Little Cutfoot Sioux Lake. Smallmouth bass continue to be caught on the rocks at Deer Lake, Moose Lake, and Turtle Lake, while the weedlines on Lake Pokegama and Johnson Lake are producing largemouths. Live bait is turning walleyes on the deep weedlines of Bowstring Lake and Big Cutfoot Sioux Lake or the rock points on Big Trout Lake. Muskies are hitting bucktails at night on North Star Lake, Moose Lake, and Deer Lake. 

Fred’s Live Bait (218) 246-8710

GREY EAGLE AREA

Kings Lake is producing crappies, sunfish and a few walleyes, pike, and bass in 6 to 8 feet. You’ll find sunfish in 12 to 15 feet and crappies in 15 to 18 feet on Big Birch Lake and Little Birch Lake. Crankbaits are turning walleyes in 12 to 20 feet on Swan Lake, Big Birch, and Little Birch, while pike seem to be active along the weedlines.

Nancy’s Bait & Tackle (320) 285-2405

HACKENSACK AREA 

You’ll find bluegills in the shallow weeds or lily pads on Birch Lake and Moccasin Lake or the deep weeds in Broadwater Bay on Woman Lake. Work the tops of the deep cabbage beds early and late each day for crappies on Stoney Lake, Ten Mile Lake, Birch, and Webb Lake. Crawlers and spinners are turning a few walleyes on Woman in 20 to 22 feet, as are crankbaits at night for suspended walleyes over deep water on Ten Mile. Largemouth bass are being found in the shallow and deep weeds on most lakes and smallmouth bass are hitting topwater baits early and late on Woman, Ten Mile, Baby Lake, Mule Lake, and Stoney. 

Swanson’s Bait and Tackle

(218) 675-6176

LANESBORO AREA 

Stream conditions remain excellent and trout fishing is consistently good. Avoid streams with warmer water temperatures if you plan on releasing fish – they get stressed easily. The best reports continue to come off the small streams with cool water. Try Hopper Dropper’s, nymph patterns, and grasshopper, beetle, and ant patterns.

Root River Rod Company

(507) 467-2101

LONGVILLE AREA

Crappie action has picked up along the 9- to 15-foot weed edges on Woman Lake, Wabedo Lake, Lake Inguadona, and Boy Lake. Lindy Rigs and crawlers are producing walleyes on the deep rocks of Big Boy and Woman, while smallmouth bass continue to hit live bait or plastics on Woman and Wabedo in 4 to 6 feet or 14 to 18 feet. 

The One Stop (218) 363-2252

MADISON LAKE AREA

Live-bait rigs are turning some walleyes in 18 to 20 feet between Second and Third points on Lake Washington. The 13- to 15-foot weedlines on Madison Lake are holding panfish, pike, and bass, while Baker’s Bay on Washington remains a safe bet for panfish in deeper water. The Squirrel’s Nest area on Lake Francis is worth hitting for walleyes with crankbaits in 8 to 15 feet.

Corner Bait (507) 243-4464

MORA AREA

Sunfish action has picked up along the 5- to 7-foot weed edges on Knife Lake and Ann Lake. Bass also are hitting on the weeds of Fish Lake, Ann, and Knife – throw plastics during the day and topwater baits early and late.

Jerry’s Sport & Bait Shop 

(320) 679-2151

ORTONVILLE AREA

Perch and sunfish continue to be caught on the northern two thirds of Big Stone Lake in 10 to 12 feet. Work from Rocky Ledge and Mallard Point all the way up the north end. Walleyes have been tough to locate on Big Stone, but there hasn’t been much pressure.

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

PARK RAPIDS AREA

Walleyes remain active, hitting spinners and crawlers or large minnows in 18 to 24 feet at Long Lake, Fish Hook Lake, and Toad Lake. Bluegills are being found along the points and cabbage beds in 10 to 12 feet on the Crow Wing Chain and Boulder Lake. Bass are an easy catch on the deep weedlines or slop throughout Lake Belle Taine, and smallies continue to hit on Belle Taine and Big Sand Lake. Muskies are chasing bucktails on the deep humps on Big Mantrap Lake.

Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

Smokey Hills Outdoors 

(218) 237-5099

PERHAM AREA

Rush Lake and Big Pine Lake are producing walleyes on spinners and crawlers along the 8- to 15-foot weedlines. Look for bluegills and crappies in and around the 12- to 15-foot cabbage on Big Pine, Star Lake, Rush, and Lake Marion. Largemouth bass and pike are active on the deep cabbage of most lakes, but look to Star for a few bigger fish.

Gene’s Sport Shop (218) 346-3355

RED WING AREA

Crankbaits are turning walleyes in the Lake City and Maiden Rock areas of Lake Pepin in 18 to 20 feet. The deep holes up and down the Mississippi River are producing catfish, while northern pike are hitting sucker minnows or spoons at the mouths of the streams. The shallow rocks on Pepin and the river are holding panfish.

Four Seasons Sports (651) 388-4334

RICHMOND/ST. CLOUD AREA

Rice Lake is kicking out sunfish and walleyes in 12 to 24 feet, while the 25- to 30-foot breaks on Lake Koronis are giving up a few walleyes during the evening hours. Sunfish are hitting in 10 to 15 feet and crappies are being found suspended over 12 to 18 feet on Horseshoe Lake, Long Lake, Becker Lake, and Cedar Island Lake. Look for walleyes along the weedlines out to 25 feet on Horseshoe Lake and lakes such as Grand and Pearl continue to produce sunfish in 8 to 12 feet.

Channel Marine and Sports

(320) 597-5975

SAUK CENTRE AREA

Sunfish remain active along the  inside or outside weed edges on Maple Lake, Lake Levin, Little Birch Lake, and Lake Osakis. Look for crappies along deeper weeds at Little Sauk Lake or the 20- to 24-foot bars and humps on the north end of Osakis. A few walleyes are coming off Sauk during the evenings or the 20- to 24-humps on Osakis early and late each day. 

Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155

STAPLES/LITTLE FALLS AREA

Minnows or crawlers are producing walleyes in the deeper holes above Blanchard Dam on the Mississippi River. On Lake Alexander, slip bobbers and leeches are turning walleyes late in the day along the 18- foot weedlines. Crappies are going late in the day on Coal Lake, while Green Prairie Lake and Beauty Lake are kicking out sunfish – they are weed-related as well.

Da Fishin’ Hole (320) 631-0056

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

Fishing pressure continues to be minimal through the continued heat wave. There’s also been some significant algae blooms on certain lakes, which seems to have kept anglers off them. There’s some catfish action in the deep holes of the Redwood River with crawlers, but walleye and bass reports have been nonexistent.

Borch’s Sporting Goods 

(507) 532-4880