STATE FISHING REPORT
Detroit Lakes area: The early morning or late evening are the best times for walleye action using spinners or crankbaits on lakes such as Big Detroit Lake, Pines, Pelican, Island and White Earth lakes at about 18-25 feet. Northerns have been caught on Sallie, Melissa, McDonald and Otter Tail lakes. Most area lakes are producing good panfish action using small leeches or crawlers. The best bass action has been on Floyd, Melissa, McDonald, Cotton and both Long lakes at shallow depths.
Ely area: Walleye action has slowed a bit but those catching them are using Lindy Rigs with crawlers and leeches. Smallmouth bass are being caught on Cedar, One Pine and Fall lakes using spinners or other soft baits in about 5-10 feet. Northerns are hitting on spinner baits, spoons or live sucker minnows on most area lakes. Lake Trout are being caught on Burntside and Snowbank lakes using spoons or large crankbaits in about 50-60 feet while Miners and Toft lakes are the best spots to catch rainbow trout using crawlers in about 20-25 feet.
Leech Lake: The best way to catch walleyes during the daytime is using Lindy Rigs with crawlers or leeches on the humps in Walker Bay and the main-lake structure. Sand Point and Cedar Point have also produced walleye action during the evenings at 10-15 feet. Northerns are very active on most weedlines. Panfish action has slowed, but bass are hitting around Minnesota Island.
Lake Waconia: For walleyes, anglers are primarily using a jig with a minnow or leech or a Lindy Rig with a leech on Kegs Reef and North Reef around sunrise and sunset. Wagener's Bay, or Pillsbury and Center reefs are producing some nice bass action using spinner baits or worms. Crappies and sunfish action has been best on Pillsbury and Kegs Reefs along the weedlines.
Willmar area: Walleye action is still producing despite the recent hot weather on lakes such as Eagle, Diamond and Green. Northern, bass and panfish have been good on most area lakes, with the best being Eagle, Green, North Long Lake and Diamond Lake.
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