Report from the Dock
With a shot of cool air last week and another significant cold front moving through the state this week, water temperatures have started to dip. While we’re nowhere near full fall fishing patterns, some signs have started to develop. Minnows, especially large minnows, are now producing more walleyes, and slower presentations seem to be most productive; it doesn’t matter if you’re working minnows, crawlers, or glide baits such as Jiggin’ Raps. There were quite a few reports also indicating that crappies are starting to pull off the weeds and be suspended over deep basin areas, which they typically do during the fall. Bluegills, bass, and pike all remain weed-related, but like last week, deep weeds are, in most cases, producing bigger fish. Muskie reports have amped up a bit, but there have been more anglers targeting them with the cooler weather. Once the front moves through mid-week, fishing should only get better.
Leech Lake Fishing Report
A jig and crawler or crankbaits are producing walleyes in the Snake Pit over 9 to 11 feet and on the Annex in 13 to 16 feet. Throw bucktails around the 5- to 9-foot weeds in Portage Bay for muskies, while the 6- to 9-foot cabbage in Boy Bay and Sucker Bay has been best for panfish and largemouth bass.