AROUND THE STATE
Mille Lacs: The Red Door Resort reported that anglers on the north shore did well just after midnight trolling Rapalas in 7 to 9 feet, some catching limits of keepers under the 17-to-28-inch protected slot and catching many in the slot. Daytime anglers found fair action. The biggest walleye reported was 29.5 inches. Daytime anglers caught them in many areas, from deep shoreline sand and rock to the mudflats midlake. The various live-bait combos worked, from leeches to minnows to crawlers, on Lindy Rigs, bobber rigs and spinner rigs.
Lake Vermilion: Joe Kruchowski of Northwoods Bait and Tackle in Cook reported that extremely windy conditions hampered opening day but said those who were catching walleyes were using Lindy Rigs tipped with a rainbow or chub minnow at 17-22 feet. Some anglers were also catching walleyes by jigging vertically in 42-50 feet. Northern action was outstanding in the calmer bays in about 1-4 feet on bass spinners or Daredevle spoons. Crappie action has started to pick up in the past 72 hours; they're hitting bare hooks or jigs with a crappie minnow.
Alexandria area: According to Christopherson's Bait and Tackle in Alexandria, Lake Mary and Reno produced solid walleye action in about 10-15 feet on Lindy Rigs in the morning. There were also reports of good walleye action on Lake Darling and Lake Le Homme Dieu. Some nice-sized northerns were caught on Lake Darling near the weedlines at 10-12 feet on large sucker minnows or Daredevles.
Lake Minnetonka: Tim Sonenstahl, owner of Wayzata Bait and Tackle, said anglers who went out late last night caught walleyes until about 3 a.m. in about 2-5 feet, casting Rapalas close to shore. As the sun came up, anglers worked deeper, to 12-15 feet, on bays such as Brown, Smith, Wayzata and Big Island. On the west side of the lake, Crystal and Maxwell bays also were productive. Those seeking crappies and sunfish did best on smaller bays such as Black, Seton and Maxwell at about 2-3 feet using jigs and crappie minnows.
Lake Winnibigoshish: Walleye action on the east end of the lake was consistent, according to Rick Leonhardt, owner of the High Banks Resort. Most of the walleyes were being caught at about 18 feet on a jig and shiner. Perch and northern action was also good, Leonhardt said.
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