Minnesota fishing report

Battle Lake area: Anglers are pitching jigs with shiners or using nightcrawlers or leeches on spinners for walleyes at 8-15 feet near weed lines on lakes such as West Battle, Ottertail and Rush. Sucker minnows or spoons are producing good walleye action near weed lines on Donald Lake, West Battle and Ottertail. Jigs with crappie minnows or wax worms is the way to go for good sunfish or crappie action on most area lakes.

Big Stone Lake: Recent windy conditions have hampered anglers somewhat, but a few walleyes are being caught on the south end of the lake around the islands area using spinners or bottom bouncers or nightcrawlers and crankbaits. White bass, bluegills and perch are also being caught.

Grand Rapids area: The best walleye action has been at shallow depths using a jig and a minnow or leeches with Lindy Rigs on lakes such as Bowstring, Pokegama and Deer lakes. Anglers can also try spinners along weed lines for good walleye action. Pokegama and Bass are producing good bass action near weed lines.

Leech Lake: Walleye anglers are working rock piles, humps and break lines at about 10-14 feet using rigs with leeches or nightcrawlers. The southeast part of the main lake and the north end of Walker Bay have been good spots for walleye action, or anglers can troll with crankbaits near Submarine Island, Big Rock Reef or the west side of Bear Island. Northerns are taking spinners or spoons on Sucker Bay or Miller Bay along weed lines.

Lake Minnetonka: The best walleye action has been during the evenings on the western bays at 7-12 feet using Lindy Rigs or jigs and minnows. Bass are hitting on plastic baits or spinners on the top of flats. Anglers are working the channels to catch northerns using medium sucker minnows or trolling Rapalas. Panfish are at 4-5 feet, using little leeches or wax worms.

Lake Mille Lacs: The best walleye action during the daytime is at deeper depths such as mud flats and the deep edges of shorelines, using leeches or nightcrawlers on spinner baits. 7-Mile, Sherman's and Myr-Mar flats have been some of the better spots for walleyes. Smallmouth bass are being caught at less than six feet of water in the mornings using plastic baits.