Baudette – Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
A strong walleye bite is being reported in 20-30 feet of water on the south end of Lake of the Woods. Anchored up and vertically jigging a jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner has been very successful. The top colors include gold, pink and orange. The south end water temperatures are warmer than the north end temperatures. Most fish are post-spawn to the south, while fish continue to spawn to the north. Expect a nice mix of eating- and trophy-size fish. Some very large northern pike continue to be caught as well.
On the Rainy River, nice walleye are coming from depths of 12-24 feet of water on jigs and minnows. Some fish continue to be pulled from the Four Mile Bay and Bostic Bay areas. Most fish are post-spawn.
Up at the Northwest Angle, the US/Canada border remains closed, but guests can stay in Minnesota and travel across the lake to fish. Some resorts are offering transport service across the lake to the Northwest Angle, and various south shore resorts are offering parking for guests of Northwest Angle resorts. Anglers fishing the Angle are catching good numbers of walleye when jigging the rocky points and reefs near islands in 8-25 feet of water. Some good fish are also coming in on crank baits worked in 8-12 feet of water. 800-382-FISH; www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Walker – Leech Lake
Fishing has really picked up on Leech Lake. The water temperature is creeping up into the low- to mid-50s and the fish are becoming more aggressive. There are walleye on both the rocks and sand, but more walleye are now relating to the rock. Fish are being caught on jigs and minnows, and lindy rigs and leeches worked in 8-14 feet of water. Large perch are also being taken using these presentations. During low light or windy conditions, work slightly shallower waters. The windblown shorelines and points are holding the most active fish right now. Pine Point, Grand Vu Flats and Stony Point are good places to start your search. Crappies and sunnies are active in the very shallow, warm waters of the lake extremities.
Many area lakes are also giving up walleye. Crawlers, leeches, minnows, plastics and jigging raps are all putting fish in the boat. As the water warms, the bite should continually improve. Rigs and jigs with bait seem to work best in 8-12 feet of water. Casting plastics into waters as shallow as 3 feet is also effective. If you don’t get a bite, cast a bit deeper around the rocks. For crappies, live bait is still out-producing plastics. Anglers should cast live bait into 6-8 feet of water near green weeds for the most action. Largemouth bass are moving into the shallows, while smallmouth bass are holding near the rock piles.
Please note that Minnesota fishing guides are available to take groups of two anglers out for a day of fishing! 800-833-1118; www.leech-lake.com
Central Region
Otter Tail Area Lakes
Lakes are producing good numbers of fish near the river mouths and areas with warmer waters. Even slightly warmer waters will increase your odds of catching fish. Most fish seem to be holding in 8-10 foot depths with emerging weeds. Northland fireball jigs tipped with shiner minnows have been the most productive combination. Rigged shiners are also working well, especially in deeper waters. 800-423-4571; www.ottertailcountry.com
Pine River Area Lakes
Panfish action continues to improve in the shallows as the days get longer and temperatures get warmer. A simple presentation is best for spring crappies and sunnies. A small bobber dangling a small 1/16-ounce jig and live bait will quickly entice the hungry panfish to bite. Many anglers prefer plastics tipped with a small power bait for added attraction. Ideal colors are chartreuse and blue, but bubble-gum and white often work as well. Micro-size imitation minnow lures will also turn fish.
Walleye anglers report an increase in action on many area lakes. Fish can still be found in the shallows during low light hours and breezy conditions; on calm days, deeper waters are best. Anglers are finding walleye in depths of 20-plus feet in the clearer lakes, and in waters as deep as 32 feet in the colder lakes. Deep-diving baits, live minnows on lindy-style rigs, and small jigs tipped with a fathead minnow are all turning fish. Use a slower, smaller offering this time of year since waters remain cold.
Northern pike are eager to hit artificial bait and live minnows on the deep side of the weed beds and in the open pockets. Also look for them on the inside of the bars or points where weeds are beginning to grow toward the surface. Walleye and northern pike are frequently found at the same structure this time of year. Please be sure to wear your life jackets and use caution since the water remains very cold. And please be patient and practice social distancing at the public accesses. 800-728-6926; www.pinerivermn.com
Brainerd Area Lakes
Inconsistent weather patterns and high winds have caused walleye to scatter a bit. To locate and catch fish, use a 1/16-ounce jig tipped with a sucker minnow or rainbow chub at the weed beds. A slow and methodic presentation is best. The night bite remains very good just after sunset.
Crappies continue to stage for their spawn, and the bite should be very good by the weekend. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are active and readily hitting a variety of presentations. Northern pike anglers are doing well when trolling jerk baits and smaller muskie plastics. 218-825-0410; www.visitbrainerd.com
Isle/Onamia – Lake Mille Lacs
Fishing on Lake Mille Lacs remains fantastic. Anglers are heading out daily and catching lots of great walleye, despite recent high winds. A wide array of presentations are producing walleye, especially at the sand and rocks. Water temperatures are currently in the low- to mid-50s. 888-350-2692; www.millelacs.com
Willmar
Anglers have been taking lots of walleye from shore near the fairgrounds on Foot Lake, and off the new pier on Robbins Island. Crappie minnows have worked best. Other lakes offering anglers great walleye action include Long, Big Kandiyohi, West Norway, Ringo and Green lakes. Use spot tail shiners when crappie minnows stop producing. Walleye have been the most more eager to bite at sunrise and sunset. Panfish, including crappies and sunfish, continue to be pulled from Foot, Calhoun, Nest and Elkhorn lakes. 800-845-8747; www.willmarlakesarea.com
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