Blackduck area: Anglers on Blackduck and Island lakes are seeing walleye activity in depths of 10 feet. Beltrami and Gilstad lakes, southwest of Blackduck, and Gull Lake, near Tenstrike, are producing good panfish numbers. Anglers are finding them near the bays and shorelines.
Minnesota fishing report
Brainerd area: Anglers looking for walleyes are reporting a shallow day bite on North Long and Round lakes. On Gull Lake, walleyes are biting, especially for those fishing early and late in the day. Bass, bluegills, crappies and northerns have been active as well. Anglers are finding crappies in the cabbage weeds, while northerns are being found at the drop-offs.
Ely area: Walleye fishing in the area has improved, especially in the early morning and evening. Many northerns in the 30-inch range are being reported. Anglers are finding lake trout in depths of 20 feet. Stream trout fishing has been good, with most of the trout shallow early in the day before moving deeper as the water warms.
Moorhead area: The catfish bite on the Red River in the Moorhead/Fargo area has been spectacular. Catfish are feeding in the faster waters of the river, especially when being lured by fresh-cut bait. Water levels are extremely low on the river so boaters are being cautioned, especially below the dams.
Red Wing area: The Mississippi River in the Red Wing area is running low for this time of year — it was at 2.97 feet on Thursday afternoon. But the fishing has been very good on the river according to 4 Season Sports in Red Wing. Anglers are finding good numbers of sauger and walleye. Pike have been active in bays, and back channels and bays are producing good numbers of panfish.
Willmar area: Anglers have been enjoying walleye success on Big Kandiyohi, Willmar, Long, Norway and Ringo lakes. Foot Lake and South Long Lake are producing crappies. Panfish are being caught near the weed lines on Lake Calhoun, especially during morning hours. Diamond and Eagles lakes are enjoying northern pike activity.
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None of the boat’s occupants, two adults and two juveniles, were wearing life jackets, officials said.