Minnesota fishing report: Kabetogama bite improves; action on Willmar-area lakes

Lake Kabetogama: The fishing has improved lately, according to Cooper's Gateway General Store. Anglers are finding northern pike and smallmouth bass active over weed beds and near shallow reefs. Walleyes are in depths of 18 to 24 feet, especially early and late in the day.

Chisago City area: Anglers are finding bass and walleyes near weed lines on South Center, Chisago and North Lindstrom lakes, Frankie's Live Bait and Marine in Chisago City reported. Panfish are biting on Chisago and South Lindstrom lakes.

Lake Mille Lacs: After a two-week closure, catch-and-release walleye fishing resumes Friday and continues through Sept. 15. Anglers are finding northern pike on bays at the south end of the lake. Smallmouth bass are biting, especially near the deeper rocks. A few anglers are also finding some muskies.

Southeast Minnesota bluff country: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stream flow report, as of Monday, showed good water clarity on area streams and low stream flow on most area streams. The report said fishing has been good in the area. Small grasshoppers have been observed in some areas, with some caddis in the streamside vegetation.

Willmar area: Anglers are catching crappies and sunfish on Games and Norway lakes. Northern pike are active on South Long Lake, especially during evening hours along weed lines. Bass and northern pike have been very active on the Crow River. Overall, fishing is good, especially in early morning and evening hours.

Lake Winnibigoshish: Walleye fishing is slow but has picked up recently, especially in the early evening and in depths of 12 to 18 feet. The walleyes getting caught during the day have been in deeper water off main lake structure. Northern pike are active, but anglers haven't found many big ones.