State fishing report
Kabetogama-Namakan: Hot weather has caused unpredictable fishing patterns, but walleye anglers are having some success presenting minnows and jigs at 30 to 35 feet, or by using slip-sinker rigs with nightcrawlers or leeches at 9 to 12 feet in the early morning. Northerns are biting along the weed edges and shorelines, and anglers are also catching a few smallmouth bass. The east end of Kabetogama and into Namakan is producing the best fishing action.
St. Croix River: According to guide Turk Gierke, walleyes still are biting well for late August, but the recent heat wave might change things quickly. Anglers have been catching bass using soft plastic lures, and some catfish are also being caught.
Lake of the Woods: Walleyes are being taken by anglers trolling crankbaits at 32 to 35 feet over the mud in Big Traverse Bay, at 26 to 28 feet near Morris Gap, or along the U.S.-Canada border 10 miles north of Lighthouse Gap. Sturgeon are biting on the Rainy River in deep holes, and the catch-and-keep season is open until Sept. 30. Smallmouth bass are taking white spinner baits and crankbaits.
Ely area: Fishing remains good despite the hot weather, with anglers bringing in nice stringers of fish on most area lakes. Crawlers and minnows are landing walleyes near sunset and afterward. Northerns pushing 40 inches are being taken by fishing chunky baits near rocky points and islands, or even by fishing suckers under a bobber. Crappies are hitting minnows fished in 5 to 15 feet.
