Brainerd area: Anglers are having success finding walleyes on Alexander, Gull, North Long, Pelican and Round lakes. The walleyes are especially near cabbage weeds. Northern pike are being found on the weed lines. Bass, bluegills and crappies are in full summer patterns, but crappies are being found during lowlight hours.
State fishing report: Brainerd area bite is solid; crappie are active at Minnetonka
July 1, 2021 at 8:06PM
Duluth area: The lake trout bite has been very good on the north and south shores of Lake Superior. Anglers fishing the St. Louis River have been struggling with the walleye, but trolling crankbaits is producing a few walleye, as well as northern pike and bass. Catfish action on the river has remained solid with large cats coming off the channel edges. Anglers fishing for bass on inland lakes are having the most success in shaded waters in early morning or late afternoon hours.
Ely area: With the mayfly hatch coming to an end, the walleye bite has started to improve. Some anglers are having success catching walleyes in depths of 8 to 12 feet, while others are finding walleyes in depths of 18 to 23. The most popular locations have been near main lake points and sunken islands. Smallmouth bass have been active, especially near the large, shallow boulder flats. Anglers are having success finding trout over deep water.
Grand Rapids area: Anglers are finding walleye success on area lakes such as Big Splithand, Bowstring, Jessie, Pokegama, Sugar and Trout. Pokegama and Trout lakes are among the area lakes that have seen good bass fishing, especially near thick weed beds on calm mornings and evenings.
Lake Mille Lacs: Smallmouth bass are being found in depths up to 30 feet, while some anglers are finding northern pike in the bays in depths up to 13 feet. A two-week walleye fishing closure — enacted to reduce hooking mortality, which is the percentage of fish that die after being caught and released — began Thursday and runs through July 15.
Otter Tail Lakes area: Bass, crappies and walleyes are on area lakes at the deep weed edges. Walleyes are also being found at inside turns, humps and points.
West metro: On Lake Minnetonka anglers are finding walleyes in depths of 20 feet and bass in depths of 6 feet, according to Wayzata Bait and Tackle. Crappies are biting on Lake Minnetonka in depths of 6 feet, especially near bays and channels. Independence, Medicine and Sarah lakes are also seeing a good crappie bite.
None of the boat’s occupants, two adults and two juveniles, were wearing life jackets, officials said.
