Fish are moving out of the shallows and transitioning to early summer patterns. While walleye anglers continue to have success using minnows, leeches and crawlers have become nearly as productive.
Please note that flooding remains an issue at Voyageurs National Park. Anyone traveling to the park should call ahead for the most current conditions.
NORTHEAST REGION
The walleye bite is in full swing in Grand Rapids area lakes, with a jig and minnow producing lots of fish on the shallow flats. The inland reservoirs north of Duluth have been very good to anglers as fish transition to early summer patterns. Live bait remains very effective for walleye, but stickbaits and soft plastics will soon be just as productive. Anglers fishing Ely area lakes are finding walleye in 15-20 feet of water when using spinner rigs tipped with crawlers, leeches or minnows during the day. During evening hours, anglers are pulling fish from the shallow flats along shorelines on a slip bobber and leech in 4-7 feet of water. Water levels have dropped considerably on Lake Kabetogama where fishing is spectacular, especially at the emerging weedlines. Some anglers feel it is the best fishing they’ve experienced in years. Please note that flooding continues within Voyageurs National Park.
NORTHWEST REGION
The walleye bite remains good in Detroit Lakes area lakes. Jigs tipped with minnows or plastics continue to produce in the shallows, but fish are transitioning to deeper waters where rigs and jigs with leeches or crawlers are now producing as many fish as minnows. On Leech Lake, walleye are moving to their early summer locations, and responding well 1/4-ounce jigs tipped with a shiner or half of a nightcrawler. Slip bobber fishing with a leech on a 1/8-ounce jig over the rocks is another great way to connect with walleye. Anglers fishing Bemidji area lakes are having success using jigs with minnows, and live bait rigs with crawlers or leeches. On Lake of the Woods, anglers report excellent fishing up at the Northwest Angle, with a mix of walleye, sauger, northern pike, smallmouth bass, crappies and jumbo perch being taken. A jig and minnow combination worked in 18-30 feet of water remains the most productive presentation.
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