Last week’s rain resulted in a rise in water levels, allowing easier access at some of the public boat launches. Anglers continue to report lots of bass, panfish and northern pike action. Walleye can be found using jigs and live bait rigs tipped with minnows or plastics. As water temperatures continue to drop, the walleye bite will heat up.
Happy fishing!
Before dropping a line, brush up on Minnesota’s rules, regulations and other helpful information for fishing.
BAUDETTE – LAKE OF THE WOODS & THE RAINY RIVER
Anglers report another strong week of walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods, especially at the deep mud in 28-34 feet of water. The larger walleye are feeding heavily on the tullibees (ciscoes) who live primarily in the basin. Other schools can be found in shallower waters over the rocks and sand. And the reefs continue to hold fish, especially on the sides and at the base where rock meets mud. Drifting or trolling spinners with crawlers, and trolling crank baits remain very effective. As we move into the middle of September, expect the jig bite to heat up.
Walleye can be found hanging out in some of the deeper holes of the Rainy River. Some anglers are having success when trolling crank baits to cover water. Bass and northern pike are plentiful at the structure, docks and weed edges. The sturgeon “keep one” season continues through Sept. 30 when the season becomes catch-and-release until April 23, 2022.
Up at the Northwest Angle, walleye fishing has been great in 28-33 feet of water at the deep mud of Little Traverse Bay. Gold, white and orange spinners with a crawler have been very effective. The underwater points, sunken islands and neck-down areas with a bit of current are also producing fish. For the most action, jig in 18-27 feet of water. Northern pike and muskie anglers continue to pull fish from the weedy points on jerk baits and topwater lures. Anglers may travel by vehicle through Canada to the Angle, and boating into Canadian waters is also now allowed.
Contact Baudette – Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce for more information.
FARGO-MOORHEAD – RED RIVER
Recent rainfall has nearly doubled the water flow levels in the Red River since last week. The result has been very positively with anglers reporting a much more consistent catfish bite. Most of the fish are still lined up on the back of inside corners. Similar to previous weeks, if you can find current you will find fish. Frogs should produce the most fish, especially since the recent rainfall has allowed dew to form which leads to more frog movement at night.
Anglers have observed that catfish measuring roughly 26-inches and less are looking healthy, but those above 30-inches still look very thin. This could explain why they are resting on the inside corners of the riverbanks.
Contact the Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information.
BEMIDJI
As of late last week, the walleye bite was tough, but persistent anglers took fish from depths of 18-24 feet of water, especially on Bemidji and Plantagenet lakes. Bass fishing remained excellent for those using plastics along the deeper weed edges. Crappie and bluegill action was best at the deeper edges off the cabbage. Learn more at the Bemidji area lakes fishing video(opens in new window).
Contact Visit Bemidji for more information.
DETROIT LAKES AREA LAKES
Last week’s rain resulted in a rise in water levels, allowing easier access at some of the public boat launches. Other launches, however, remain difficult for launching and loading.
Water temperatures have dropped roughly 5-degrees this last week and should continue to fall with shorter daylight hours, cooler nights and more seasonable daytime temperatures. Expect fish to start moving into more shallow waters and shoreline break areas as temperatures cool further. Walleye are responding to the usual walleye presentations, but will soon prefer larger minnows.
Contact the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce for more information.
FISHING CONDITIONS IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA
ALEXANDRIA AREA LAKES
As of late last week, anglers reported consistent bass, northern pike, and panfish action at the deep weedlines of Alexandria area lakes. Bass were responding best to jig n’ pig combinations and Texas rigs. Topwater lures worked best early and late in the day. Northern pike were slamming crank baits and spinner baits. Small plastics on jigs remained the best bet for crappies and sunnies.
Contact Explore Alexandria Tourism for more information.
ISLE/ONAMIA – LAKE MILLE LACS
Extreme drought has resulted in low water levels on Lake Mille Lacs. Anglers with larger boats may have difficulty launching and loading at some of the accesses. On a more positive note, the lower water levels should result in an increase in weeds which will help support smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and a variety of panfish.
Learn 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.
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