Here is your Fishing Report for the Minnesota Northland! For the areas of Walker, Longville, Grand Rapids Minnesota Fishing Opener never ceases to amaze us. Years past we are all too familiar with cold air temps, generally ugly precipitation, marginal surface temperature, high winds and frozen fingers. Wow! Was this opener a surprise or what? The early ice out set stage for an early spawn; however, water temps still lingered a little less than ideal for several days, nonetheless, our opener was a successful one and we have been on them since.
What has been happening since last weekends opener?
We started our season on Leech Lake. The walleye are not in their typical transitions this year compared to most. Especially with the recent calm and high-sun days which has made the bite a little tough. Be prepared to work for them. We have been finding the Walleye scattered in the shallow weeds in 6’ to 8’ of water, as well as out deeper along the rocky bottom areas in 9’ to 14’. Low light conditions (early morning/evenings) have proved to be best. And still a simple jig like the Drop Tg Tungsten by Clam Pro Tackle, and a Shiner has still been our “go-to” method, and leeches have also been producing numbers. Upcoming forecast of clouds, precipitation and wind is looking promising, and the bite is sure to increase!
When it comes to Crappies, the bite is on and so is the spawn!
We have been finding them in the pencil reeds or along the shallow shorelines. Remember, surface structure can be just as beneficial as submerged, so look for areas around docks or fallen trees. Our best set-ups have been 1/16th oz jigs and plastics, or a small feathered jig like the Northland Fire-Fly Jig and Crappie Minnow under a float. Giving your rod a “twitch” every so often will provide action to your jig and maximize your chances of enticing even the stubborn ones.
It’s up to us!
Again, we stress the fact, as these fish are on the beds it is important to be selective in your harvest, the 9” to 11” are going to be your best eaters, while releasing the larger ones. Although, several lakes in our area it seems to be difficult to find any under 12” right now, so it is best to limit your harvest on those. As well as not pressure them too much. If you caught a few in a “honey-hole” move on to the next.
The season is shaping up to be nothing short of spectacular! Click here for professional assistance in your fishing endeavors! Follow our page for up-to-date Minnesota Fishing Reports!
We all hope you are enjoying Minnesota’s favorite pastime! Remember to be kind to others as well as nature!
Get out there and “Break the Chain of Routine!”
*Toasts!
-Captain Justin and Alice Wiese