Metro & Statewide MN Fishing Reports - July 3rd

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Statewide Minnesota Fishing Report - July 3rd, 2015
Posted on July 2, 2015

ALEXANDRIA AREA

Walleyes are hitting spinner rigs and crawlers in 18 to 22 feet on Lake Reno, Lake Ida, and Lake Miltona. Crappies and a few sunfish are being pulled from the 10- to 12- foot weedlines on Lake Carlos, Lake Darling, Lake Le Homme Dieu, and Reno. Bass fishing remains strong with some fish now showing up on the deep weeds or bars, and Miltona continues to provide the area’s best muskie action.

Christopherson’s Bait and Tackle (320) 763-3255

ANNANDALE AREA

Walleyes continue to hit crawlers or leeches on spinners in 15 to 24 feet on Clearwater Lake and Cedar Lake. Look for crappies and sunfish on the 6- to 10- foot weedlines of Lake John, Lake Sylvia, Lake Marie, French Lake, and Clearwater. The weedlines on most lakes are safe bets for bass and pike with spinnerbaits.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

BATTLE LAKE AREA

A jig and minnow or Lindy Rig and leech is turning walleyes on the 13- to 16-foot weedlines of Otter Tail Lake, Silver Lake, and Walker Lake. Bass are hitting spinnerbaits in the 8- to 12-foot weed on Clitherall Lake, Ten Mile Lake, and Pickeral Lake, while pike are taking spoons or minnows in 10 to 15 feet on lakes Donald, Otter Tail, and West Battle. Look for suspended crappies over 8 to 15 feet on Stalker Lake, Silver, or West Battle and sunfish in the 5- to 8-foot weeds of West Battle, Stalker, and Clitherall. A few muskies have been caught accidentally on West Battle in the 10- to 15-foot weeds.

Ben’s Bait Shop (218) 864-5596

BEMIDJI AREA

Muskies continue to be taken along the 10- to 14-foot weedlines with small bucktails at Big Lake, Lake Plantagenet, and Lake Bemidji. Walleye action has been best with crawlers or leeches on Bemidji in less than 12 feet and on Turtle River Lake in 10 to 14 feet. Crappies, bass, and sunfish are now being found in the 8- to 15-foot weeds of most lakes.

Taber’s Bait (218) 751-5781

BLACKDUCK AREA

Work the 8- to 12- foot weeds with small minnows or tubes for crappies at Gilstead Lake and Blackduck Lake. Gull Lake and Pimushe Lake are producing sunfish in 8 to 14 feet, while walleyes continue to hit leeches or crawlers in 12 to 14 feet on Island Lake and Blackduck.

Timberline Sports and Tackle (218) 835-4636

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Northern pike and bass are being caught with spinnerbaits along the 10- to 14-foot weeds of North Long Lake, Whitefish Lake, and Gull Lake. Leeches, crawlers, and minnows are all producing a few walleyes in 15 to 30 feet on Whitefish and North Long; the bite has been best early and late each day. Sunfish have started moving onto the weedlines at Nisswa Lake, Roy Lake, Upper Gull Lake, and North Long.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

CASS LAKE AREA

Spinners and live bait are producing walleyes on the main-lake bars of Cass Lake and Center Bar on Pike Bay Lake in 10 to 15 feet. Perch action remains strong in 4 to 6 feet on Cass and Pike Bay, while the majority of muskies caught continue to run small. Look for bluegills on the 12-foot weedlines of Kitchi Lake.

Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831

CHISAGO AREA

Slip bobbers and leeches are working best for walleyes in 6 to 15 feet on Green Lake, and the 10- to 12-foot weedlines on North Center Lake are holding bass and pike. Work the weedlines on North Lindstrom Lake and Chisago Lake for panfish.

Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

CROSBY AREA

Crankbaits are turning walleyes and northern pike on Serpent Lake and Rabbit Lake, and sucker minnows are producing pike on Nokay Lake in 8 to 12 feet. Hit the 14- to 17-foot weeds on Lower Mission Lake for bluegills and the weed edges of Portage Lake for crappies and bluegills. Smallmouth bass are hitting throughout the Pennington Chain, largemouth and smallmouth bass are biting on Serpent, and the Mississippi River is kicking out walleyes and catfish on crawlers. Power Bait or crawlers hung on the bottom of Huntington Pit and Manuel Pit are producing rainbow trout.

Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

DETROIT LAKES AREA

Look for walleyes on the weedlines of Big Detroit Lake and Pelican Lake or in 18 to 20 feet on lakes Sallie, Upper Cormorant, and Melissa. The weedlines of lakes Floyd, Severson, Deadshot Bay, Little Detroit, and Sour are kicking out panfish. Bucktails and topwater baits are triggering muskies on the shallow weeds of Big Detroit and Pelican.

Quality Bait and Tackle (218) 844-2248

ELY AREA

Jigs continue to work best for lake trout over 30 to 40 feet at Burntside Lake and Snowbank Lake. Walleyes are hitting crawlers or leeches in 8 to 10 feet on Lake One, 8 to 12 feet on the White Iron Chain, 8 to 10 feet on Bald Eagle Lake, and in 6 feet on Lake Shagawa. Smallmouth bass are hitting on most lakes with Burntside producing bigger fish.

The Great Outdoors (218) 365-4744

FAIRMONT AREA

Panfish continue to be caught in 4 to 8 feet on lakes Hall, Budd, George, and Sissiton. Crankbaits are producing walleyes in 8 to 12 feet on Budd and Hall and in 4 feet on Tuttle Lake. Catfish action is strong on the shorelines of Hall, as well.

Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

FARIBAULT AREA

Work the weedlines of Shields Lake for walleyes, pike, and sunfish in 8 to 12 feet. A few walleyes can be had near the bridge on Cannon Lake with leeches or crawlers, and Cedar Lake is producing sunfish in 6 to 10 feet.

Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341

GRAND MARAIS AREA

Crawlers or fly fishing has been the ticket for brook trout at Carrot Lake in 10 to 15 feet and Loft Lake in 15 to 20 feet. Rainbow trout are hitting crawlers in 8 to 12 feet on Leo Lake and 12 to 15 feet at Trout Lake, while lakes Saganaga, Greenwood, and Seagull are giving up lake trout on spoons or ciscoes over 25 to 45 feet. Look for walleyes in 8 to 12 feet at Two Island Lake, 6 feet on Elbow Lake, and 15 feet at Caribou Lake. Smallmouth bass are an easy catch on the rocky shorelines of most lakes.

Buck’s Hardware (218) 387-2280

GRAND RAPIDS AREA

Sunfish have moved to the weedlines but continue to bite on Big Splithand Lake, Grave Lake, and Bass Lake. The sandy shorelines of lakes Pokegama, Deer, North Star, and Trout are holding smallmouth bass. Walleyes are being taken with crawlers or leeches on the weedlines of Trout, Big Splithand, Pokegama, and Lake Wabana. Lakes such as Bowstring, Island, and Round are giving up walleyes in 8 to 10 feet during low-light periods.

Ben’s Bait and Tackle (218) 326-8281

HACKENSACK AREA

Leeches and crawlers are turning walleyes on the weedlines of Woman Lake and Ten Mile Lake. Crappies and sunfish are hitting in 6 to 10 feet on Birch Lake, Portage Lake, and Pleasant Lake. The smallmouth and largemouth bass bite has been consistent throughout the area.

Swanson’s Bait and Tackle (218) 675-6176

MANKATO AREA

Hit Lake Washington with leeches or crankbaits for walleyes in 12 to 15 feet and sunfish in 6 to 8 feet. The slack-water areas and creek mouths on the Minnesota and Blue Earth rivers continue to give up walleyes on jigs with minnows or plastics.

The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228

McGREGOR AREA

A few walleyes can be had during the evening hours in 12 to 14 feet on Big Sandy Lake, while Lake Minnewawa and Big Sandy are producing panfish in 6 to 8 feet. Look to Round Lake for smallmouth bass and sunfish in 6 to 12 feet.

Willey’s Sport Shop & Spirits (218) 426-3382

MORA AREA

Nightcrawlers are turning a few walleyes during low-light periods on Knife Lake in 7 to 10 feet. Look for sunfish in 5 to 8 feet on Knife and Fish Lake, but pike action has been slow.

Jerry’s Sport & Bait Shop (320) 679-2151

ORTONVILLE AREA

Spinners and crawlers continue to produce walleyes on Big Stone Lake at the Peninsula area in 10 to 12 feet. There’s some evening walleye action on Big Stone during the evening hours in the Rocky Ledge area in slightly shallower water. The Minnesota River continues to produce an occasional walleye and northern pike.

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

PARK RAPIDS AREA

Walleyes are hitting crawlers or leeches early and late at Potato Lake and Fish Hook Lake in 18 to 24 feet. Big Mantrap Lake is producing pike in 12 feet and some muskies on bucktails in less than 10 feet. The 10- to 12-foot weedlines on Straight Lake and the Crow Wing Chain are holding bluegills and some crappies.

Delaney’s (218) 732-4281

Smokey Hills Outdoors (218) 237-5099

PERHAM AREA

Spinners or live-bait rigs tipped with leeches and crawlers are producing walleyes in 14 to 20 feet on Big Pine and Little Pine lakes. Bucktails and other blade baits are turning muskies on the shallow weeds and rock piles of Beers Lake. Look to the 10- to 15-foot weedlines on Star Lake, Dead Lake, and Lake Marion for panfish.

Gene’s Sport Shop (218) 346-3355

ROCHESTER AREA

Willow Creek Reservoir, Lake Zumbro, and Chesterwoods Pond continue to produce panfish in less than 10 feet. Hit Foster Arend Pond for rainbow trout and panfish, while Bass Camp Lake is giving up pike on sucker minnows in 8 to 10 feet.

Hooked On Fishing (507) 282-4982

ST. CLOUD/EDEN VALLEY AREA

A few walleyes are being caught in 16 to 20 feet on crawlers and leeches on Lake Koronis and Rice Lake. Crankbaits are turning fish in shallower water on these lakes during the evening hours as well. Lakes such as Cedar Island, Long, Horseshoe, Rice, and Koronis are giving up sunfish in 4 to 8 feet. Look to Grand Lake and Pearl Lake for bass and pike in 12 to 14 feet.

Mike’s Bait and Tackle (320) 453-2248

SAUK CENTRE AREA

Hit Lake Osakis or Big Birch Lake with leeches or crawlers for walleyes in 25 to 35 feet during the day and on the shallower structure during low-light periods. Crappies and some sunfish are being taken on the weedlines of Osakis, Long Bridge Lake, and Sauk Lake. Bass and pike remain aggressive along the weedlines on all lakes.

Fletcher’s Bait Shop (320) 352-2155

STAPLES/LITTLE FALLS AREA

Look for sunfish in 3 to 6 feet on Beauty Lake and Green Prairie Lake or for crappies on the weedlines of lakes Shamineau and Fish Trap. Catfish and walleyes continue to be taken below the dams and current breaks on the Mississippi River, but muskies remain sluggish on area lakes.

Da Fishin’ Hole (320) 631-0056

WATERVILLE AREA

Jigs or slip-bobber rigs tipped with leeches or crawlers are producing bass, pike, and walleyes along the 14- to 17-foot weedlines of lakes Tetonka, German, Sakatah, and Big Jefferson. Work the swimming beach area for sunfish and Antil’s Bay for crappies on Tetonka.

Axel’s Tackle Box (507) 362-4444

WILLMAR AREA

Drift leeches or crawlers along the 10- to 15- foot weedlines for walleyes at Eagle Lake, Diamond Lake, Lake Andrew, and Lake Florida. Green Lake is producing walleyes on crawlers in 25 to 35 feet as well. Sunfish are being caught from the docks out to the first weedline on lakes such as Eagle, Florida, Andrew, and Elkhorn, while the weeds off Salisbury Beach on Green are giving up crappies.

Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

Hit the shallow weeds on East Twin Lake for bass or 6 feet of water on Cottonwood Lake for pike. Crankbaits remain the best option for walleyes in less than 8 feet on Lake Benton, Lake Yankton, and Lady Slipper Lake.

Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880


Metro Area Fishing Report - July 3rd, 2015
Posted on July 2, 2015

NORTHEAST METRO

The 8-foot weeds on Clear Lake, White Bear Lake, and Centerville Lake are holding crappies and sunfish. Walleyes are being caught with crankbaits on the Mississippi River and St. Croix River and with leeches in 18 to 22 feet and on Bald Eagle Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows in 10 to 12 feet at Big Marine Lake, Lake Owasso, and Long Lake. Bass fishing remains strong in the shallow weeds of most lakes, and bucktails continue to raise muskies on the 8- to 10-foot weedlines of White Bear.

Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO

Look for sunfish along the shallow weedlines of Lake Minnewashta and Steiger Lake, while crappies and sunfish continue to be caught on Lake Parley in 8 to 10 feet. Pitch plastics during the day and topwater in the evenings for bass on Lake Zumbra, Lake Bavaria, and Pierson Lake. Anglers fishing off the piers on Steiger Lake and Ann Lake continue to catch northern pike, and a few walleyes can be had with minnows on the Minnesota River.

Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

LAKE WACONIA

The weedlines on most reefs are now holding sunfish and crappies in 6 to 10 feet, but there are fish to be had in Waconia Bay over 6 to 8 feet as well. A jig and minnow or slip bobber and minnow is producing walleyes during low-light periods in 15 to 20 feet on Kegg’s Reef, Center Reef, and North Reef. Spinnerbaits and bucktails are turning muskies around the island and along the most established weedlines you find in 8 to 12 feet.

Mases In Towne Marina (952) 442-2096