Report from the Dock
There was a nice push of cool air into the state this week, which has finally started to drop water temperatures. In most locations, water temps were in the mid-50-degree range early this week, and they should continue to drop given weather conditions heading into the weekend. Walleyes seem to be responding well, with good reports in many areas that indicated shallow-water fish being taken on jigs and minnows. Muskie action also improved since last week, and with bait shops now carrying large sucker minnows, they have become the go-to presentation for muskie anglers. panfish are more spread out, but transitioning to fall locations, meaning some are still weed-related and others are now suspending over deep basin areas. Deer seem to be more active, grouse hunters are experiencing the best hunting they have in years, and waterfowl hunters are waiting for new ducks and geese to move into the state.
Leech Lake Report
A jig tipped with a minnow or piece of crawler is producing walleyes during the day in Sucker Bay, Pine Point, the Annex, and Hardwoods in 8 to 12 feet. At night, troll crankbaits along Sand Point, Cedar Point, and Goose Island for walleyes in 8 to 12 feet. Muskie action is slow, but perch continue to hit in 6 to 9 feet around Sand Point, Agency Bay, and the Narrows. Duck numbers seem to have dwindled, and now that much of the cover is gone, grouse hunters are shooting more birds.