Report from the Dock
Water temperatures haven’t changed much since last week, but it has cooled enough to start triggering better muskie activity. In many areas, raising and hooking small muskies has not been an issue with bucktails or crankbaits. The majority of bigger muskies that have been caught over the past week seem to be going on large sucker minnows. These bigger minnows have been tough to find in some areas, but they seem to be the ticket for larger fish and should be moving forward. Walleye action continues to improve as the fall fishing season moves forward. Minnows, crankbaits, and glide baits all seem to be producing, although minnows have been the best option in shallow and deep water – just depends on the lake. There seems to be a lot less people chasing panfish this week as muskies and walleyes become more of a focal point. Look for suspended crappies over deep water or bluegills around any remaining green weed.
Leech Lake
A jig and minnow or spinner and crawler is producing good walleye action around Battle Point, Sugar Point, Bear Island, Second Duck Point, and west of Goose Island in 9 to 12 feet – crankbaits are also producing fish in these areas during the evening hours. You have to do some sorting, but the narrows and Sand Point area are producing perch in 4 to 9 feet. Grouse reports have been light, but duck hunters are shooting a mixed bag of birds, including a few divers this week.