Report from the Dock
Crappies and bluegills have kept anglers busy in many areas this week. Generally, Panfish are starting to spawn or are staging just outside of spawning areas; it just depends on water temperatures and where you’re at in the state. There were a lot of reports that indicated crappies and bluegills were being caught along docks, shorelines, and in bulrushes, which means the spawn is getting under way. There should be excellent catching opportunities this weekend. The majority of good walleye bites remain shallow as well. Minnows are turning fish but leeched, crawlers, crankbaits, and Jiggin’ Rap-type baits also started to produce more walleyes during the past week. There’s a lot of 6- to 12-foot walleye fishing action taking place, and in many areas along points, shoreline breaks, and emerging weed beds. Bass are also shallow and active, while pike seem to be an easy catch with minnows or crankbaits along any emerging weed lines.
Leech Lake Report
A jig and minnow or small jig tipped with a leech or piece of crawler under a float are producing walleyes in 8 to 12 feet. Some fish are showing up as deep as 14 feet as well. Goose Island Flats, west side of Trader’s Bay, Brevik Narrows, and Little Hardwoods have been most productive. Crappies are being caught in the 7- to 9-foot weeds, and bluegills are showing up in the rice beds throughout most bays.