This is the Explore Minnesota Fishing Report as of Friday, October 23, with information provided courtesy of community organizations throughout Minnesota. For lodging, attractions and other travel information, please check out Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing DNR License Sales.
Water temperatures have dropped considerably. Fishing remains steady, and the walleyes are feeding heavily in many areas of the state.
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Northeast Minnesota
International Falls
For information on where the fish are biting and what techniques are working best, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org
Kabetogama
Water temperatures have dipped into the low to mid 40’s, and freeze-up is only a few weeks away on lakes Kabetogama and Namakan. Recent cool temperatures have not kept anglers off the water, with anglers finding lots of fish in their fall hang-outs. The best locations have been the reefs and shorelines in roughly 35 feet of water. For the most fish, use a jig and minnow combination, however slip sinker rigs, deep-running lures, and vertically jigging with a piece of minnow are also working well. Anglers with a bit of patience are taking limits of 14-plus inch fish under the 17 inch slot. An occasional crappie is being taken by walleye anglers so a good crappie bite might be right around the corner. For further information, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com
Cook & Tower/Lake Vermilion
The fall walleye bite on Lake Vermilion has started in earnest, with fish having moved to deeper waters and hungry for jigs tipped with minnows. Anglers having the most success are fishing depths of 28-40 feet. Lake temperatures are in the mid 40’s, and muskie fishing is fair at best – the classic troll bite has yet to begin. The green weeds may also be holding fish. Whitefish netting is open, and this may be a good kick-off for the troll bite. For more information, check out www.lakevermilionresorts.com
Ely
Fishing has been slow this week, mostly due to the recent cold, windy, and wet weather. Some scattered walleyes have been reported on Shagawa and White Iron lakes, but fish have been few and far between. Once the weather systems stabilize and the colder temperatures take hold there should be a resurgence in action. With the colder temperatures, higher wind gusts, and rough water conditions it is very important that you always keep your life jackets on. To learn more, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org
Duluth/Lake Superior & inland lakes
To locate charter boats and guide services, and to find out where the fish are biting, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or visit www.visitduluth.com
Northwest Minnesota
Baudette/Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River
On Lake of the Woods, weather has turned more stable and this should result in a more consistent shiner minnow run. Water temperatures have dipped to the lower 40’s, which is perfect for a shiner run. Expect the walleyes to soon be chasing them up the river. Charter boats are heading west beyond Zippel Bay, and anchoring and jigging for walleyes and saugers. Those having the most success are fishing in 17-24 feet of water. The Lighthouse Gap and Pine Island areas are also producing fish. Walleyes are coming from the more shallow depths, and the saugers are slightly deeper, which is typical of this time of year. The saugers are very abundant. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
Cass Lake/Deer River/Lake Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux
To learn of the best locations and methods for fishing area lakes, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit www.casslake.com
Bemidji
Area lake water temperatures are in the low 40s. Anglers are still venturing out, however the timing of their outings is based on weather conditions. Walleye anglers are catching fish along the steep breaks with access to deep water. Walleyes like to be near their food in cold water, so anglers should watch their sonar for baitfish and larger fish. Most walleye anglers are using a jig and minnow combination – for the most fish, stay vertical over the fish, and consider down-sizing to a smaller jig and minnow with lighter line if the fish are reluctant to bite. Tulibees and whitefish are fall spawning species and they will begin to spawn soon, typically where the walleyes spawn in the spring. Muskies and large northern pike often hunt for tulibees and whitefish, and this can concentrate the larger fish into these areas late in the fall. Most of the docks will be removed from the public accesses soon, so anglers should be prepared to launch their boats without the aid of a dock. For more information, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com
Park Rapids
Water temperatures are currently in the high 40’s, and anglers are having lots of success. While fall fishing has been great, unstable weather has resulted in less-than-favorable fishing conditions. Walleyes are being pulled from 18-24 feet of water, but some are coming from very shallow waters on some of the larger lakes that are more than 30 feet deep. Redtails, creek chubs and shiners have all been productive, with the larger baitfish working best. Northern pike have been very active in the shallow to mid-depth weed flats, and are responding to both live bait and artificial lures such as spinnerbaits. Bluegill and crappie activity has slowed substantially, but when an active school is located expect some monster panfish. Crappie minnows and small jigs have been best – stay on the move and explore the weedlines until fish are located. Muskie action has been good, especially after dark. The most successful anglers are trolling large muskie plugs, with some anglers taking some when casting. Largemouth bass are active and situated in the shallow lilypads and reeds. For the most action, use a 3/8-ounce northland jungle jig. For further information, dial 1-800-247-0054, or visit www.ParkRapids.com
Central Minnesota
Miltona
The water temperatures have fallen into the 40’s on Lake Miltona, and fishing remains steady. Walleyes have moved to deeper waters and can be found in depths of 25-35 feet. Most fish are being caught using jig and minnow combinations, but some fish are coming in on bottom bouncers and spinners. The most productive colors have been chartreuse and orange. Crappie action has slowed somewhat due to the cold water temperatures, but a few fish continue to be pulled from the green weeds. Try pink or orange jigs tipped with a crappie minnow for the most fish. Muskie fishing has slowed dramatically. To learn more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit www.VisitLakeMiltona.com
Pine River Area Lakes
Lake water temperatures have fallen into the high 40s. Walleyes continue to feed heavily, and are being taken from shallow waters at night, and from 50-60 foot depths during the day. Jig and minnow combinations have been best, but slowly trolled live bait rigs are also producing fish. Northern pike remain active along the green weedlines. Largemouth bass action has slowed as the water has cooled, but bass are still being taken by walleye anglers using jig and minnow combinations. Panfish are active, but responding more to slower presentations. Use the smallest possible crappie minnow on 1/16-ounce jig head. Look for crappies and sunnies to be suspended off the deep edge of the live weedbeds. This week’s tip is to use the most vertical jig presentation possible during cool water periods. Slowly worked jig and minnow combinations will out-perform any other presentation at this time of year. And, be sure to wear your life vest and stay out of the water since hypothermia sets in rapidly late in the fall season. To find out more, dial 1-800-728-6926, or check out www.pinerivermn.com
Brainerd/Nisswa Area Lakes
Fall fishing action is heating up, and walleye anglers are taking more fish. The Whitefish Chain has been the most productive body of water over the last few weeks, with lots of 14- to 20-inch fish being taken. The walleyes are responding more to live bait, however some anglers are taking a few fish on spinner rigs and nightcrawlers. The most active fish have been hanging out in depths of 18-24 feet. Some nice reports are also coming from Pelican and Gull lakes. In a few more days the fish should turn more active and begin hitting on a regular basis. A few boats are still venturing out in search of bass and northern pike, and reports have been good. Spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and jig and minnow combinations all seem to be working well when used at the weedlines. The panfish bite is fair, with a few crappies now coming in during evening hours. To find out more, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit www.explorebrainerdlakes.com
Isle/Onamia/Lake Mille Lacs
For information on where the fish are biting, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out www.millelacs.com
Willmar Lakes Area
To learn where and when the fish are biting, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit www.seeyouinwillmar.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area
Fishing is great between Big and Little Green lakes where anglers are pulling walleyes from 4-12 feet of water. Slip bobbers and minnows are working best. Sunnies and crappies are being pulled from Chisago Lake, as well as in front of the swimming beach on South Lindstrom Lake – depths of 8-12 feet are giving up the majority of fish. Sunrise Lake is giving up lots of bass and northern pike. To find out more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit www.chisagolakeschamber.com
White Bear Lake
To learn about which species are biting and where they can be located, dial 651/653-5122, or visit www.ExploreWhiteBear.org
Waconia
For information on where to locate fish on Lake Waconia, dial 952/442-5812, or check out www.destinationwaconia.org
Southern Minnesota
Ortonville
Once again, the weather has made it a challenge to access Big Stone Lake. Rain and much cooler daytime temperatures have kept anglers off the water. For those that have ventured out, there is the typical fall bite at the foot of the lake near Ortonville, with reports of anglers getting a lot of small walleyes. There have also been a few reports of large walleyes in the 6- to 8-pound range. Most techniques, from slip bobbers to pitching jigs to crappie rigs, are producing fish – still, timing and patience have been key. Hopefully temperatures will become more moderate and anglers will be able to set the hook on the open water before hard water sets in. For more information, check out www.bigstonelake.com, or dial 1-800-568-5722
Albert Lea
Walleye anglers are taking quite a few fish from Fountain Lake near the Blackmer Bridge during evening hours. Crappies are also being reported. For the most fish, use a jig and minnow combination. To learn more, visit www.albertleatourism.org, or dial 507/373-2316
Lake City
To find out about which species are biting and where they can be located in Lake Pepin, on the Mississippi River, dial 1-877-525-3248, or check out www.lakecitymn.org
Cannon Falls
For information on which species of fish are biting and how to find them, dial 507/263-2289, or visit www.cannonfalls.org
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