Leech Lake
Fish are starting to move and transition more towards some of the fall patterns. Fishing sand flats with weed clumps is producing jumbo perch as well as walleyes using jigs and minnows. Walleyes are still being found on the humps in 25-30 feet of water as well or along points and shoreline structure. Pulling lindy rigs with big minnows or crawlers are both walleyes as well.
Still hearing mixed results with the crankbait bite on the main lake. Some of the best fishing is to be had on Leech Lake as we get into late Sept and early Oct. But right now be sure to have minnows, crawlers and leeches if you can find them as each day will present different conditions until we see the waters temps drop from the mid 60s they are in right now to the upper 50s and when that happens that is when things can get good!
Winnie Fishing Report
Water temps are cooling fairly quick on the big lake, averaging 65 or so in the mornings and warming a little as the day goes on. With that you can expect the fish to start moving shallower, either on shoreline points or larger bars of the lake. Rigging crawlers and minnows in 10-12 ft of water worked best for the holiday weekend.
If you have side scan on your sonar that will help you to find the larger schools of nice jumbo perch and walleyes. Simple spinner rig set up with either a copper or silver blade were the ticket for target fish, but orange and chartreuse also produced some nice pike. The jig and minnow bite will also be getting better as these cooler temps set in so be sure to mix that in with your rigging spread. Fall bite is upon us and will only get better out there as the season set in.
Mille Lacs:
Fall fishing is almost here, and that means hungry fish! From now until freeze up, big minnows will become the bait of choice for all species on most days. Fish the deeper rocks during the day for multi species action.
Brainerd Lakes Area
We are just coming out of the slowest month of the year for Walleyes in the Brainerd Lakes Area and the stage is being set for the anticipated fall bite. Walleyes are beginning to push out of the shallows and can be found in 14-25 feet. Use your electronics and cover water until you find fish. Once your on them rigging a redtail or creek chub, jigging a rainbow, or ripping a jigging rap are three options to get them in the boat. There is an abundance of forage in the lake right now so I prefer to cover water and pick off active fish versus trying to sit on fish and wait them out. Good news is it’s only going to get better in the coming days.
Until next week
Leisure Outdoor Adventures Guide Team
1-855-LOA-HOOK
