Report from the Dock
With bright, warm, and calm conditions, it wasn’t exactly ideal walleye-catching weather for Saturday’s fishing opener. While the number of people on the water was noticeably high, the number of walleyes boated wasn’t in most areas. Most lakes also remain extremely clear so that played a role in the lack of success. Some much-needed rain would help stir up the lakes and that might get walleyes more active, but early this week, they were spread out and tough to make bite in many locations. The best reports came from water less than 15 feet deep on minnows or leeches, but some walleyes were found deep as well. Crappies saved opening weekend for many groups as they made a serious push into shallow water areas such as bulrushes, sucken wood, docks and shoreline spots. The crappie spawn has started in some parts of the state, just about to start in others, and even wrapping up in some southern lakes. Look for sunfish to move into their spawning areas as well since water temperatures will spike this week.
Leech Lake Report
It hasn’t been the best start to the walleye season, although calm and bright conditions likely played a part in that. Hit the points and shoreline breaks in 8 to 12 feet with a jig and minnow, any deep weed you can find, and mid-depth rocks early and late or when the wind is blowing. There are some quality perch showing up with the walleyes and crappies have started hitting in most bays over 6 to 10 feet.