Minnesota fishing report

Detroit Lakes area: Cool, rainy weather last week dropped water temperatures 5 degrees and slowed the bite. Warmer weather this week should improve the fishing. Northern pike are biting on the deeper weed edges, and bass have been hitting in shallow areas close to cover.

International Falls area: Anglers on Rainy Lake last week found walleyes in 15-20 feet of water. On the Rainy River, walleyes continue to gather in about 12 feet of water below areas with current. The sturgeon tag season opened July 1. With a tag, anglers can keep one sturgeon per year — as long as it is 45-50 inches or over 75 inches (a trophy fish.).

Leech Lake: The walleye bite has been very good, but the recent mayfly hatches have made walleyes somewhat selective in some areas. Some anglers are taking large fish when trolling crankbaits through 20-25 feet of water. The usual hot spots have been very popular, so anglers are encouraged to move away from the crowds.

Mankato area: The weedlines on Lake Elysian (north of Janesville) are producing northern pike and walleye. Some walleyes and bluegills are being found on the 10- to 12-foot weedlines on Second and Third Point on Lake Washington (northeast of Mankato). Bass are being caught on plastics along the weedlines of Lake Francis (near Elysian).

Park Rapids area: Despite the cool, rainy weather last week, fishing remained consistent throughout the area. The largemouth bass bite has been solid, especially in thick cover. Crank baits trolled along weedlines at dawn and dusk are producing nice walleye catches. Rapala Flicker Shads trolled through 10-14-foot depths are also very productive.

White Bear Lake area: Fishing has been good on neighboring White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes. Northern pike are being taken from the shallows — especially in the area north of the weeds near Manitou Island. Walleyes can be found on the north end of White Bear Lake near the Yacht Club. Panfish are being taken close to the reeds.