Walleye, bass and panfish action remains strong in lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota. Morning and evening hours are the most productive.
Skies should be mostly sunny this Friday through Sunday, with highs in the low to upper 80s. Enjoy your weekend!
Before dropping a line, brush up on Minnesota’s rules, regulations and other helpful information for fishing.
FISHING CONDITIONS IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA
BAUDETTE – LAKE OF THE WOODS & THE RAINY RIVER
The south shore of Lake of the Woods continues to give up nice numbers of walleye. While fish can be found in a variety of areas, most anglers are having success when targeting the deep mud in 30-34 feet of water. Spinners with crawlers or leeches, and trolled crank baits account for the majority of fish.
On the Rainy River, walleye anglers are concentrating on the holes, current breaks, rock piles and weed edges. For the most fish, pull spinners or troll crank baits.
Up at the Northwest Angle, anglers are taking lots of walleye over the mud and at the structure. Some walleye are also coming from the shallow rocks as they search for crayfish. The most consistent technique is to anchor and jig with a minnow or leech on the structure. When fishing the deep mud, drift spinners and crawlers. Trolling crank baits has also been effective. The border with Canada remains closed but anglers can reach the Angle through the LOW Passenger Service, charter boat shuttle services from the south, and float plane service out of Baudette and other locations.
Contact Baudette – Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce for more information.
FARGO/MOORHEAD – RED RIVER
Red River water levels are the lowest they’ve been in a very long time so catfish are searching for any area with current. These areas are usually found above the dams. If you find current, you should be rewarded with fish. Some anglers are having success with large catfish when tossing out bait out waiting for a catfish to swim by. There seems to be a change in preference this week, with catfish responding better to frozen bait than fresh bait. The key is to make sure the bait isn’t old and doesn’t have freezer-burn. Also, remember that the scent of frozen bait takes more time to disperse when in warm water. Catfish anglers will want to check out the fishing tournament in East Grand Forks, July 30 and 31.
Contact the Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information.
BEMIDJI
Anglers report that fishing remains strong in the Bemidji Lakes area. Walleye anglers are having the most success at the edge of the sharp breaks, with jigs and minnows, spinners and crawlers, and live bait rigs all working well. Some of the better lakes to fish for walleye are Bemidji, Plantagenet and Andrusia. Northern pike fishing has been excellent for those using jigs and minnows or live bait rigs. Bass are hitting plastics off the weed edges. Crappies and bluegills are being pulled from the weedlines.
FISHING CONDITIONS IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA
ALEXANDRIA AREA LAKES
Walleye fishing remains strong in some of the larger area lakes. Anglers are finding fish outside the weedlines in 22-26 feet of water. Morning and evenings are the most productive, although some fish are biting in the middle of the day when wind is present. Spinners with crawlers, and live bait rigs with minnows or crawlers are producing well. Bass anglers report a good bite at the deep weedlines, with crank baits, spinner baits, bladed jigs and a variety of soft plastics all producing fish. Panfish remain active at the weedlines where they are susceptible to small plastic baits.
Contact Explore Alexandria Tourism for more information.
ISLE/ONAMIA – LAKE MILLE LACS
Lots of large smallmouth bass are being pulled from Lake Mille Lacs. Please note that the Mille Lacs catch-and-release walleye fishing season resumes on Friday, July 16 and continues through Wednesday, Sept. 15 when the harvest season reopens.
Learn more about fishing regulations on Lake Mille Lacs(opens in new window). And check out the the Mille Lacs Web Cam webpage(opens in new window) for current conditions.
Contact the Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council for more information.
WILLMAR
Anglers have been pulling good numbers of sunnies and crappies from Norway and Games lakes when using wax worms and power bait, especially during early morning and evening hours. South Long Lake is giving up northern pike in the evenings along the weedlines. For the most action, use crank baits, soft plastics and nightcrawlers. Bass and northern pike have been very active on the Crow River. The walleye have moved to deeper waters where anglers are taking fish when jigging, live bait rigging or pulling bottom bouncers and spinners.
Northeast RegionWhile surface water temperatures are very warm, fishing has been consistent for a number of species. For the most walleye, use leeches, especially during lowlight hours. In some areas, panfish anglers are actually taking more walleye than panfish! Get more details about fishing conditions in Northeast Minnesota. |
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Northwest RegionWalleye anglers are having success at the edges of the sharp breaks, with some fish also found at the weeds. On Lake of the Woods, walleye are coming from the deep mud. Large catfish are being pulled from areas with current in the Red River. Get more details about fishing conditions in Northwest Minnesota. |
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