State fishing report

Brainerd Lakes/Gull Lake: The Gull Lake chain of lakes, particularly Upper Gull and Margaret Lake, are producing better walleye action than the main lake when using shiner or redtail minnows. Walleye action on Pelican, Gull, Long and North Long lakes is said to be spotty with the inconsistent water temperatures, but should improve soon. Northern action is solid on just about any area lake using sucker minnows or spinner baits at 10 to 14 feet.

Detroit Lakes area: Anglers are catching walleyes near shoreline breaks or areas with cabbage weed using jigs and minnows or using slip bobbers with leeches. Crappies are hitting on jigs and plastics or minnows at shallow depths. Northerns are active at shallow depths using large minnows. Big Detroit Lake and Pelican are the best lakes for good muskie action near weed lines or flats with sharp breaks.

Duluth area: Island Lake has produced the best walleye action on the west side of the lake at 12 to 15 feet using leeches. There has been good panfish, crappie and bluegill action out of Fish Lake at 6 to 8 feet or near weed beds. On Lake Superior, anglers are catching trout and salmon at 15 to 35 feet using pink and purple combo spoons or Rapalas.

Ely area: According to Babes Bait & Tackle Shop, the walleye bite continues to be good, with a large number of fish being caught on the shallow flats at about 10 feet using minnows, leeches or crawlers. Crappie and sunfish action is starting to improve using small minnows and panfish worms. Northerns are taking spoons or spinner baits on most area lakes.

Lake Minnetonka: Most anglers are chasing walleyes in the evenings on the main bay at 18 to 24 feet, using leeches with a Lindy floater. Maxwell, Crystal and Lafayette bays have produced the best bass action on the flats using jig and pig combos at 6 to 12 feet. Northerns are hitting on Rapalas or Johnson Silver Minnows along weed lines or using a slip bobber with small sucker minnows in the channels. Panfish action is best at 6 to 8 feet using leeches. Crappie action still is good at 6 to 12 feet and at 18 to 20 feet in the main bay.