Report from the Dock
“Fall” arrived in late August last weekend, with cool air and strong winds moving through the state. That meant a little bump in the road with many walleye bites as water temperatures took a tumble. Generally, there was a period of inactivity and fewer anglers out chasing walleyes with last weekend’s weather, but the spots that produced fish before the front should light up again with some stable weather; this weekend looks excellent for fishing. Bluegills and crappies have been biting more consistently and seem to have been less affected by the sudden change in weather. Bigger panfish seem to be relating to deep weedlines, deep weed flats, or deep rock on most lakes. Bass fishing, both for largemouth and smallmouth bass, remains excellent across the state. Again, deep rocks and weedlines are holding bigger fish, and plastics continue to dominate for both species. Muskie anglers are seeing more fish than they’re hooking.
Leech Lake Fishing Report
A spinner and crawler, slip bobber rigs, or crankbaits are turning walleyes in Portage Bay over 13 to 16 feet. There have also been fish being caught around Bear Island, Annex, and Stoney Point in 14 to 18 feet. Bucktails remain the best option for muskies on the 8- to 12-foot rocks and sand. Largemouth bass and panfish remain active in the 6- to 9-foot cabbage and rice bed edges in most bays.