Minnesota fishing report: Hot weather affected bite on some waters

June 25, 2021 at 12:56AM

Alexandria area: The walleye fishing has picked up on area lakes. Anglers are finding walleyes just outside the weed edges in depths of 18 to 25 feet, especially during the hours of low sunlight. The bass and panfish bite has been great throughout the area.

Bemidji area: The walleye bite on area lakes has slowed because of recent temperature swings. Some area lakes have seen another mayfly hatch, which also has affected the walleye bite. Northern pike have remained active, especially along weed edges.

East metro area: The recent hot weather caused water temperatures on the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers to reach historic levels for June. Despite that, the walleye bite is strong. Anglers are finding walleyes (bass, too) in depths of 10 to 25 feet.

Lake Kabetogama: Walleye fishing has been inconsistent, with the walleyes scattered in depths up to 40 feet. The fishing has been better in early morning and late evening. Anglers are having success finding smallmouth bass and northerns in shallow bays and along shorelines.

Lake of the Woods: Walleye fishing is good on the south end of the lake and near the Northwest Angle. Most walleyes are caught in depths around 30 feet. Anglers have found good numbers of smallmouth bass. Northern pike are in bays and near current breaks and at river mouths. Sturgeon season, the second, opens July 1.

Southeast Minnesota bluff country: The Department of Natural Resources stream flow report, as of Tuesday, showed mostly normal water levels for area streams and rivers. Fisheries staff and local anglers reported hatches of light Hendricksons, little yellow stones, blue-winged olives and scattered caddis earlier in the month.

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