Walleye Bite is Starting to Change!
The Leech Lake area fishing has been on fire for all species! The walleye have been active in a variety of depths as they are entering yet another transitionary period all too soon it seems. We have been finding our best luck for active fish in 9’-14’ of water, focusing primarily on the weed flats or off of the wind-blown rocky points. Although you are still able to catch a few on a standard shiner and jig, the walleye have seemed to favor lately lindy rigs, slip bobbers, or harnesses with either a leech or crawler. The key to success lately, especially in fishing shallow or extremely clear water is the use of electronics. We utilize our side-imaging on our Raymarine Axiom to find the schools of fish. This prevents unnecessary “troll-overs” spooking the fish. We then focus on either “pitching jigs” or using slip-bobbers to these surrounding schools. If you don’t get a hit, move on to the next school, and come back later (different schools feed at different times, especially depending on lake, time of day, structure (etc.)).
Panfish Action is Still Prime!
You will find, fishing several lakes in the Leech Lake area that the Crappies and Bluegills are still on the beds! And very active!
The are easy to target this time of year, but remember not to “over-harvest” these beauts as they are protecting the eggs on their spawning beds. For a majority of lakes in the area the panfish action is on fire! And more than a few are producing trophy-class fish. Plastics, crappie minnow, or angle worms on a tungsten jig under a float are great options for these fish during this time.
Bass Outlook is Looking Spectacular!
With just a few days away from bass opener the Largemouth and Smallmouth bite has been absolutely incredible! We have been finding them rather shallow, guarding beds on gravel bars, rocky points, or outside of the reeds and in the “frog water” (back water). Tossing a simple plastic like a “wacky-worm” or “ned-rig” has proven to be the best for targeting both!
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We hope you are all 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
