Minnesota fishing report

Alexandria area: Walleye action has been slow in recent days but anglers are catching a few on Reno, Mary, Miltona or Ida, using primary a jig and minnow or a leech at about 15-20 feet. Bass are taking jigs or plastic baits on most area lakes near weed lines. Panfish are being caught at 8-10 feet.

Brainerd area: The walleye bite on North Long Lake has been productive during the afternoon hours at 18-20 feet using shiners or chub minnows on Lindy Rigs. The early evening bite on Gull Lake has been good using Rapalas, Lindy Rigs or chub minnows. Bass are being caught on most area lakes at shallow depths using spinner baits with a pike sucker minnow or rubber worms.

Ely area: Walleye action has continued on an upward swing on lakes such as Shagawa or Basswood, pulling crankbaits or a spinner and a minnow with a bottom bouncer at depths ranging from 6-26 feet. Smallmouth bass are taking spinner baits, topwater plugs and plastic baits in less than six feet of water on Burntside. Northerns are active on most area lakes, using spoons, spinners or crankbaits. Crappies are taking smaller minnows or crankbaits near their spawning beds.

Faribault area: Anglers are catching a few walleyes at shallow depths or at 20-30 feet on French Lake using fathead minnows or leeches. Cedar Lake is the best for panfish action near weed lines using crappie minnows or worms. Cedar Lake is producing some good northern action. Shields Lake is providing the best bass action.

Lake Waconia: The best walleye action has been in the early morning at about 12 feet with a jig or slip bobber, or early evenings at about 14-20 feet using fathead minnows. Bass are taking leeches and nightcrawlers or plastic baits such as spinner baits or topwater baits near weed lines or reefs. Crappies and sunfish are biting around Coney Island at about 4-10 feet.

Lake of the Woods: The south shore and reefs are providing the best walleye action using a jig and a minnow at 18-28 feet. In the evening, anglers are trolling crankbaits at shallow depths. Garden Island, Little Oak and Pine Island have provided exceptional walleye action. Up in the Northwest Angle, anglers are finding walleyes at 20 feet or less, pulling a crawler harness or ¼ ounce jigs.