December 1st, 2021

***Ice Report***

This week will be a poor week for ice making as daytime temps call for above freezing temps and even some rain in the forecast. Non the less, we have walkable ice on the majority of area lakes!  Small lakes are where anglers are mainly fishing right now, as that is where they are finding the thickest ice up to 5 to 7 inches. Anglers are starting to venture out onto medium size lakes, in search of walleyes. On the medium size lake, anglers are finding the biggest range in ice thickness, from 2 to 6 inches of ice. Here angling activity is still limited to near shore spots as the further you get from shore the thinner the ice gets. Large and deep lake in the area are still trying to make safe, walkable ice. In fact many are wide open, just 100 feet off shore. 

***Fishing Report***

Pike - Anglers have targeting pike back in shallow bays or inside weedbeds on small area lakes with dead smelt and dead suckers under a tip up. Many anglers have been reporting good numbers of pike, with a few big fish sprinkled in.  

Walleye - Walleye reports have been largely limited to smaller lakes in the area as they have good amounts of ice. Anglers have been finding good action, but size has been on the smaller side. A few anglers have begun to venture out onto medium size lakes, as they are now finding 4 inches of ice over deep enough water for walleyes. These anglers have been having mixed results, but they have been catching good quality size eyes.  

September 8th, 2021

Walleye - Here today, gone tomorrow, has been the story for walleye anglers this last week. Anglers reported having great success one day, in shallow water or deep water, then return the next day to find nothing. Walleyes are clearly on the move, but are biting in you can get your bait in front of them. Anglers are finding many walleyes in shallow, 10 ft or less, during the early morning or evening hours. There also remains a few reports of cabin owners catching walleyes right off their dock. Here, jigs tipped with crawlers or spinner rigs tipped with crawlers has been most effective. Deep water trolling and leadcoring has maybe been the most effective way to catch walleyes this last week. Anglers have been trolling large crankbaits 20-40ft down over 20-60 feet of water. During the day, walleyes are relating close to the bottom and can be found near points and shallow mud basins, but during the evening hours they will move out and suspend over deep water, chasing ciscos.

Smallmouth Bass - Bass anglers have been finding more and more bass sliding out to sunken islands and more and more reports of big minnows working better and better have been coming in. Falling water temps have the Bass getting ready for winter, so anglers looking to catch some of the biggest smallies in the lake, now is the time! Smaller smallies continue to be found shallow in bays or around islands. They continue to hit spinnerbaits, in-line spinners, soft plastics and topwater, but bite is quickly cooling off.

Pike - Pike are enjoying the recent drop in water temps and have started to return the shallows. Cabins owners have begun catching quality pike right off their docks again, with large suckers fished under a bobber. Anglers looking to target them should start focusing on rocky points and mouths of shallow bays. Large spoons, large spinnerbaits, topwater and large suckers are all very effective on pike this time of the year. Early morning is typically best for bigger pike right now.

Lake Trout - Lake trout anglers continue to report good fishing for them this last week. Trolling spoons behind down riggers has been the best technique, but leadcoring deep diving crankbaits has also been very effective. Anglers fishing from a canoe have been jigging heavy 1 1/2 to 2oz bucktails, tipped with either a gulp minnow or sucker minnow, over 30-80 feet of water. Anglers should focus more and more on rocky shorelines.

August 28th, 2021

Walleye - Walleye fishing has been good to excellent for many anglers this last week. Reports continue to come in, of anglers catching nice walleyes right off their docks during the evening hours, on many area lakes. Here jigs tipped with either half a crawler or with a minnow has been most effective when fished in 10 feet of water or less. Other anglers have reported catching good numbers of walleyes jigging with jigs tipped with pike suckers around sunken islands in 25-30 feet of water. Trolling large crankbaits, with leadcore, over large, deep water flats, in 25-30 feet of water has also been very effective for anglers.

Smallmouth Bass - Bass anglers continue to find more and more smallies setting up, out on deep mid-lake humps. Here anglers are, more often then not, catching them while looking for walleyes. These smallies have been hammering larger minnows like big pike suckers, tipped on a jig. For the rest of the smallies that haven’t moved out, they are hitting hitting spinnerbaits, beetle spins, crankbaits and even some topwater bait, yet. Anglers should expect the topwater bite to really cool off as water temps continue to drop.

Crappies - Crappie fishing is where the best fishing is being found right now. Anglers fishing all over have been reporting excellent crappie bites happening. Schools of crappies are being found in and around just about anything they can relate too. Downed trees, lily pads and cabbage beds have all been holding good numbers of crappies. Small jig, tipped with a minnow, jig and twister and small beetle spins have been very effective.

Lake Trout - With cooler water temps, there has been a sudden jump in lake trout reports. Angler have been catching quality lakers trolling deep diving crankbaits or trolling, trolling spoons with either leadcore or down riggers. Anglers have been finding them anywhere from 35-50 feet down in 40-90 feet of water. Look for schools of bait and you will find lakers!

August 3rd, 2021

Walleye - Walleyes seem to have slid out a little deeper this last week. Best reports continue to be fairly shallow for this time of the year. 10-13 feet of water has been where the best and most consistent bite has been. Anglers catching walleyes here have been doing so with spinner rigs, jigs tipped with leech or crawler and even slip bobber and a leech. Anglers looking for trophy walleyes have been trolling deep diving crankbaits during the evening hours, 20-30 feet down, over 35-70 feet of water.

Bass - Bass anglers continue to report excellent bass fishing on many area lakes.  Early morning topwater bite remains excellent for both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Here whopper ploppers, pop-r and torpedoes have been very effective on smallmouth, but for largemouth bass anglers have been having better luck fishing frogs in thick cover.  As the sun gets up, throwing in-line spinners, spinnerbaits and soft plastics keep anglers busy catching fish.

Panfish - Sunfish and crappie fishing continues to be very good for many anglers. Anglers report finding both in either on weedlines or in thick stands to weeds. Anglers have been catching fish with jig and twisters, casted around weedlines and lily pads. If the bite slows, simply switching to jigs tipped with a piece of a crawler or wax worms have help get the picky biters to bite. Crappie minnows have been more effective for crappies.

July 27, 2021

Walleye - Walleye anglers are continuing to find active walleyes in 4-6 feet of water, working weedlines.  Leeches, fished under a bobber, has been the best way to catch walleyes up here. Anglers have also been reporting a excellent deep water trolling bite, during the evening hours on many of the area lakes.  Here anglers are trolling deep diving crankbaits over 30+ feet of water, behind leadcore or planner boards. Anglers trolling, have been catching quality eyes!

Bass - Both smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing has been excellent on area lakes. Both have been aggressively hitting topwater early in the morning. Largemouth are being found in shallow weedbeds, wild rice beds, lilly pads or downed trees. Weedless, floating frogs have been the go to baits in these locations. Smallmouth Bass have been located on shallow boulder flats, around islands and sunken islands. For smallmouth bass whopper ploppers, torpedoes, and pop-r’s have been very hard to beat during the early morning topwater bite. As the sun gets up both bass switch over to spinnerbaits and soft plastics.

Panfish - Sunfish anglers have been reporting a excellent bite on area lakes. Small leeches fished under a bobber, inside weedbeds or around downed trees has been very effective.  Crappie anglers have been reporting a excellent bite inside cabbage beds during the evening hours. Anglers have been catching crappies with minnows under a bobber or jig and twisters, fished close to thick stands of cabbage.

July 21, 2021

Walleye - Walleye fishing remained steady this last week.  Anglers continue to find walleyes fairly shallow in 10 feet of water or less, in most area lakes. Here anglers are either finding walleyes on shallow boulder flats with night crawlers or on shallow weedlines with leeches.  There are a handful of lakes where anglers have been catching big walleyes out in sunken islands in 20-25 feet of water, with jigging raps, during the evening hours. 

Smallmouth Bass - Bass remains excellent on many area lakes, as the shallow water, early morning, topwater bite continues to be excellent for many anglers. Here, whopper ploppers, pop-r’s and torpedoes have been hard to beat.  As the sun gets up, the topwater bite cools off, so anglers switching to wacky worm or senkos and continue to catch good numbers of bass.  Large boulder flats on points and around islands have been areas to check for active bass.

Panfish - Panfish anglers have been reporting a excellent bite going on. Sunfish anglers have been reporting the best luck as of late, with these anglers finding gills working weedbeds and weedlines.  Small leeches, fished under a bobber, has been very effective on them.  Crappie anglers have been reporting that they are finding crappies out over deeper water, 15+ feet, during the day, but as the sun goes down crappies work their way into cabbage beds to feed.  Here is where anglers are having the best luck catching quality crappies with crappie minnows or small jig and twisters. 

Pike - Pike anglers continue to report catching lots of pike, but the majority of them have been on the smaller side.  Anglers continue to find active pike in classic summer time locations like weedlines and river mouths.  Spoons, spinnerbaits and large minnow baits have been very consistent producers for anglers. 

July 13, 2021

Walleye - Anglers have noticed that the walleye bite continues to improve, exspecially the shallow water bite. Anglers fishing for panfish on weedlines, ended up catching more walleyes then panfish. Leech under a bobber was the best technique here. Anglers found nice walleyes here in 4-6 feet of water. Best colors continue to be orange, chartreuse and gold.

Smallmouth - Smallmouth bass fishing continues to be excellent on many area lakes.  Anglers have been reporting that Bass have been spitting up crawfish as they bring them in, so anglers should be fishing soft plastics that look similar to crawfish. Topwater bite continues to be excellent early in the mornings with whopper ploppers, torpedos and pop-r have been the go to baits. 

Pike - Pike anglers continue to catch quality pike in shallow weedy bays and river mouths. Early mornings continue to best a high water temps send bigger pike deep as the sun gets up. Angler have been catching pike with large spooks, large spinnerbaits and large sucker minnows under a bobber.

July 6, 2021

Walleye - Many anglers struggled finding walleyes this last week, but several groups had no issue, not only catching good numbers, but catching several trophy walleye’s. These groups found walleyes in 7-12 feet of water, over large boulder flats, very early in the morning. Leeches and crawlers, fished on a spinner rig or tipped on a jig, was very effective. Orange, gold and chartreuse have been hot colors this last week. Trolling bite has started on several lakes. This has largely been a evening bite where anglers are using a deep diving crankbaits trolled over deep water, during the evening hours. 

Smallmouth Bass - Bass fishing has remained excellent for bass anglers this last week.  Topwater and soft plastics continue to be the way to go and early morning or late in the evening has been the best time to fish. Anglers have been finding Bass on large boulder flats in 10 feet of water or less.  

Pike - Pike anglers have been reporting a increase in the average size of pike they have been catching.  Anglers have been having success throwing larger spoons, spinnerbaits and in-line spinners around weedbeds and river mouths.

Panfish - Panfish anglers have been finding good numbers and size sunfish in shallow weedbeds.  Here anglers are using small leeches or wax worms under a bobber.  Crappie anglers have been finding crappies hanging out over deep water next to weedbeds.  Anglers here have been using jigs and twisters or crappie minnows.

June 29, 2021

Walleye - There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel for struggling walleye anglers.  As mayflies begin wrapping up on many area lakes, the bite has begun to improve on those lakes. Depths anglers are catching walleye varies lake to lake, but technique and locations have been very similar.  Many anglers have reported catching good numbers of walleyes in 8-12 feet of water, while others have reported catching walleyes in 18-23 feet of water.  Locations, anglers have been finding walleyes, have been main lake points and sunken islands. Spinner rigs tipped with a leech has been accounting for the majority of walleyes caught, but crawlers and even minnows have been effective on walleyes. Orange, gold and green have been hot colors. (Anglers coming up fishing should contact a resort, on the lake they plan on fishing, for current status of the may fly hatch on that lake.)

Smallmouth - Smallmouth bass fishing continues to be outstanding on many area lakes.  Anglers have been catching lots of bass early in the morning with topwater baits like hulla poppers, jitter bugs and whopper ploppers.  As the sun get up the topwater bite cools off.  Anglers switching over to wacky worms, senkos and ned rigs continue catching bass for the majority of the day.  Areas to fish have been large, shallow boulder flats. Great colors for soft plastics has been watermelon pumpkin and orange. 

Panfish - Anglers have been having success targeting crappies in classic summertime haunts.  Crappie have been hanging out over deep water during the day, near weedbeds, then sliding into the weedbeds as the sun sets.  Angler have been catching them with small jig and twisters or minnow under a bobber. Anglers fishing for sunnies have been finding them in weedbeds, downed trees and rock piles. Anglers have been catching them with angleworms and wax worms fished under a bobber. 

Lake Trout - Lake trout anglers have been having success targeting lakers this last week. Anglers have been finding them trolling large, deep divers, with leadcore over deep water. Anglers are catching trout 30 feet down, over deep water. Lakers are being seen on depthfinders chasing ciscos and smelt.

June 16, 2021

Walleye - Walleye fishing remains challenging for many, as walleye remain very scattered.  Large mayfly hatches on many area lakes only adds to the already tough walleye bite. Anglers having the best luck have been pulling lindy rigs, tipped with a leech or crawler or using a slip bobber and a leech during the early morning and evening hours.  Many of the angler using lindy rigs reported marking good numbers of fish, but often failed to catch more then one from a school walleyes, so these successful anglers stayed on the move to stay successful.  Key depths was 12-14 feet of water during the day and 6 feet of water or less during the early morning or evening.

Smallmouth Bass - Smallmouth bass fishing continues to be excellent for bass anglers. Smallmouth Bass are either on their beds now or have wrapped up spawning and are now hitting topwater or soft plastics in shallow water.  Anglers should focus on sand and gravel transition area in 6 feet of water or less.  

Pike - Pike anglers continue to report catching lots of average size pike on area lakes. Thanks to sky rocketing water temps, weedbeds are already established in area lakes.  Anglers have been finding pike in these weedbeds with spoons, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and large suckers fished under a bobber. 

Lake Trout - Lake trout anglers continue to catch good numbers of lake trout and lots of quality lakers. Trolling deep divers or down rigging trolling spoons, 20-40 feet down, has been the way to catch lakers.  Anglers fishing in the BWCA have been reporting good luck with heavy bucktails and heavy casting spoons. These anglers have been jigging the bucktails or drifting the heavy spoons over deep water. 

June 8, 2021

Walleye - Walleye fished slowed way down as the record heat wave moved in.  Anglers fishing during the day really struggled to find active walleyes.  Early risers and night owls often reported a very different story.  Both of these anglers reported similar locations, techniques and times to be out for success.  Early risers often caught walleyes in 6 feet of water or less, using a slip bobber and a leech.  Often times right off their docks or campsite, before 8am. Night owls also reported catching walleye shallow, in 6 feet of water or less, with slip bobber and a leech or search baits (paddle tails or minnow baits), but this time after 8pm. 

Smallmouth Bass - Smallmouth bass are either building spawning beds, spawning or have wrapped spawning, depending on what lake your on.  Regardless of where they are with the spawn, they are shallow and very easy to catch right now.  Ned rigs, tubes and even top water lures have all been very effective on bass right now. 

Stream Trout - Stream trout fishing has cooled off for the shore angler, on many of the area stream trout lakes. Warm water temps are largely to blame for this.  Boat/canoe anglers have been catching some very respectable trout in some of the smaller, less fished trout lakes.  Jigs and twisters jigged over deeper water, small crankbaits trolled over deep water and night crawlers floated off the bottom have all been very effective was to catch trout. 

Lake Trout - Lake trout has remained stead this last week, but there are more and more reports of the trout being caught out in deeper water.  Trolling spoons fished behind down riggers, or three colors of leadcore and stick bait have both been the predominant way anglers are catching lakers.  Anglers fishing from a canoe have been reporting good success jigging heavy 1 1/2 to 2oz bucktails over deep water. 

Pike - Pike anglers continue to catch good numbers of pike.  Pike over the 30” mark have become few and far between as raising water temps push the out into deeper water.  Anglers have been catching pike with buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, spoons and large suckers.  Due to the heat, best success has been very early in the day in shallow weedy bays. 

Panfish - Sunfish and Crappies have begun to setup and spawn in many area lakes. Anglers have been catching them in shallow bays with small jigs tipped with either a small angle worm or wax worm for sunnies.  Crappie minnows fished under a bobber has been very effective on crappies.

June 1, 2021

Walleye - Walleye fishing has steadily improved as anglers work out what walleyes are doing on their favorite lake. More and more anglers reported excellent early morning fishing and even better evening fishing for walleyes. Anglers have been finding walleyes shallow in 6 feet of water or less over gravel or rock. Leeches fished under a bobber or on a jig pitched shallow has been very effective.  Many cabin owners/resort goers also reported catching walleye right off the dock during the evening. Trolling minnow baits in 8-12 feet of water has also been effective during the evenings.  There were also a few reports of crawlers working well over the weekend.  

Pike - Pike anglers have been having a great time catching lots of pike in the 30” range this last week.  Majority of these anglers were using large suckers fished under a large bobber, right off their docks or in shallow bays in about 10 feet of water or less. Spinnerbaits, spoons and large minnow baits have were also effective on pike, this last week. 

Smallmouth Bass - Smallmouth bass have begun setting up on their beds looking to spawn on many area lakes. Anglers have been catching some real giants with tubes, Ned rigs or wacky worms.  Anglers should be looking for bass in shallow bays with sand/gravel bottoms. 

Lake Trout - Some good lake trout reports have been coming in as of late. Anglers have been catching lakers trolling three colors of leadcore with medium size stick baits or trolling spoons with down riggers. Regardless of the lake, anglers have been reporting trout are about 20 feet down.

Stream Trout - Stream Trout fishing report have been few and far between, but reports have been good with some very big brookies caught.  Anglers have been catching big brookies with 1/16oz jig, with a 2” white twister. Early in the day trout have been shallow, but as water temps rise trout go deeper in search of cooler water. Slip bobber and crawler about 10 feet down has also been very effective on rainbows as of late too.

Crappie - Crappies were being caught in shallow bays as they were looking to spawn very soon, but after the cold snap, anglers lost track of them. Warm stable weather this next week will get them back on track. Sunfish were also being caught in good numbers too, up shallow, before the cold snap. Angleworms fished under a bobber was the ticket before the bite cooled off. Again, warm stable weather will get them back on track, before they start setting up to spawn after the crappies. 

May 25, 2021

Walleye - Walleye anglers continue to report mixed results on area lakes.  Most anglers are catching good numbers of walleyes, but they are only averaging 9-13” on many any lakes. Anglers catching bigger walleyes have been finding them in shallow water, 8 feet or less.  Anglers are having success catching them on slip bobbers and leech during the evening hours or fishing a little deeper, 8-12 feet of water, with a jig and minnow during the day. 

Pike - Pike fishing has cooled off as water temps continue to rise well above average for this time of year.  Trophy pike have become few and far between, but good numbers of pike continue to be caught in shallow water bays.  Large suckers, fished under a bobber, continues to account for most of the big pike caught right now.  Spoons, spinnerbaits and large spinners remain very effective on smaller pike.

Stream Trout - Stream Trout anglers have been having good success trolling small crankbaits for stream trout.  Night crawlers fished under a bobber or floated off the bottom also has been very effective on trout in area lakes. 

Smallmouth Bass - Smallmouth anglers have been finding smallies up in shallow bays. Suspending jerkbaits has been very effective.  On some area lakes smallies are spawning right now and anglers have been sight fishing them with tubes, senko worms and Ned rigs. 

Panfish - Reports of crappies spawning on some area lakes have been coming in. Anglers catching these fish have been finding them in shallow bays over sand and around pencil reeds.  Hair jigs, tipped with crappie minnows, under a bobber, has been very effective.  Sunfish have not started to spawn, but anglers are starting to catch good numbers of them in emerging weedbeds.  Angleworms or wax worms fished under a bobber has been very effective.  

Lake Trout - Lake trout anglers have been few and far between, so far this year, so reports are few and far between.  The few reports we have gotten have been good.  Anglers are reporting catching lakers 20-30 feet down over deep water.  Large trolling spoons fished behind down riggers has been very effective on lakers.  Anglers fishing out of a canoe, have been having great luck fishing heavy tube baits and bucktails jigged over deep water. 

May 18, 2021

Walleye - Opener was excellent for some, tough for many.  Sunny, calm and warmer then usual water temps meant walleyes were not going to be located in there usual opener locations.  Anglers looking for walleyes in their usual opener locations were disappointed.  Successful anglers found walleyes in locations they normally would find them around memorial day.  15-20 feet of water was the key depth where walleyes were located during the day.  Quarter ounce jig tipped with a minnow, has been the best producing technique for successful anglers. 

Pike - Pike anglers have been catching good numbers of very large pike so far.  Anglers fishing large suckers under a bobber, over large shallow flats/weedbeds, have been reporting excellent catches.  Anglers fishing off the dock have also been experiencing this excellent bite. 

Smallmouth - Smallmouth anglers have been finding bass up in shallow water, later in the day when the water temps warm up.  These smallies have been hitting suspending jerk baits or tube baits fished slow. Bass are being found near downed trees, shallow sand flats, where they are looking to spawn soon.

Stream Trout - Stream trout anglers found good fishing this weekend. Simple night crawler fished under a bobber accounted for most of the trout caught over the weekend. Anglers fishing from shore also caught trout with small spoons, jig and twisters. 

March 2, 2021

Eelpout - Eelpout fishing was excellent for many anglers this last weekend, with the peak of the spawn happening right now. Anglers have been finding them between 15-40 feet of water, right on top of sunken islands. Heavy pout pounders, loaded up with minnow pieces and pounded on the bottom has been very effective.

Lake Trout - Lake Trout fishing has been very hit or miss this last week. Anglers lucky enough to find active trout reported it being very easy to catch them. Same spot the next day was often the dead sea and made anglers question why they even bother. Active trout happily ran down red and white tubes, vibratos and jigging raps in 25-40 feet of water.

Crappie - Interest in crappies is growing as warmer temps come to the area.  Anglers have been having very mixed results yet.  Majority of anglers are still finding crappies largely scattered, still over 20-30 feet of water and largely inactive. Wax worms and small crappie minnows, tipped on small jigs have been most effective on these neutral to negative fish.  

Feb. 23, 2021

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing improved as anglers returned to the area and were able to move around and find fish.  Key this week was to find fresh spots and unpressured trout.  Bucktails and tube jigs in 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz was the most popular sizes and baits in pink, blue and red/white. Anglers found the most active trout in 30-45 feet of water and main lake points, sunken islands and large flats.

Eelpout - Eelpout continue to show up in people’s daily catches as they become more and more active with their spawn approaching. Anglers targeting them are having their best luck fishing them after dark. Heavy pout pounders loaded with minnow chunks and pounded on the bottom continues to be the best technique to catch them. Anglers have been mainly catching them around sunken islands in depths ranging from 20-50 feet. Depths seem to change nightly so be sure to check different depths until eelpout are located.

Walleye - Walleye fishing improved a little this last week with a few anglers reporting success.  Deadsticking a minnow was the top producer.  Many anglers reported buckshot spoons called fish in but often failed to trigger a bite, while deadsticking often picked up those fish. Key depths ranged from 25-35 feet of water. 

Pike - Pike anglers continue to report a very steady pike bite happening on many area lakes. Lively suckers fished under a tip up has been very consistent for many anglers.  Key areas to find pike has been river mouths and large weedbeds in 4-10 feet of water.

Feb. 16, 2021

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing was slow overall last week as cold temps kept many anglers at home or limited them to their permanent house.  Many anglers reported marking several trout a day, but trout would only give a half hearted chase, if they would chase at all. Smaller buckshot spoons or tingler spoons, tipped with a minnow head or smelt chunk, were top producers. Red and white, blue and white and pink and white were top producing colors. Key depth was 40-50 feet of water. 

Eelpout - Eelpout activity has been steadily increasing as we draw closer to their spawn.  Eelpout are being caught day and night, around sunken islands in 15-40 feet of water with large spoons or pout pounders, loaded with minnow head or smelt chunks. Pounding the bottom with your jig has been the best technique to call them in. 

Pike - There has been a few pike anglers reporting a excellent shallow water pike bite with tip ups.  These anglers are finding active pike in water as shallow as 4 feet just outside of river mouths. Medium sized sucker minnows have been best.  

Feb. 2, 2021

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing picked up late last week and continued to improve throughout the weekend. Anglers reported catching lakers in 20-40 feet of water with blue and white bucktail jigs tipped with a minnow or gulp minnow as the most successful technique.  Dead bait laid on the bottom, accounted for almost half of the lakers caught over the weekend, so be sure to set out tip ups!

Stream Trout - Stream trout fishing was a little slow, but steady for anglers. Anglers focused their time early and late in the day, as they are finding trout are most active during those times.  Small panfish jigs tipped with soft plastics produced the most consistent bite, but spoons tipped with wax worms also accounted for their far share of trout caught also.

Panfish - Panfish was very slow last weekend. Anglers are struggling to find active crappies during the day and had very limited luck catching them after dark.  Anglers targeting sunfish reported better luck, but also said it was slow overall.  These anglers caught sunnies along weedlines in 10-15 feet of water with small jigs tipped with wax worms. 

Eelpout - Eelpout have begun popping up in anglers fishing reports.  Anglers have been finding them deep in 30-50 feet of water right now and the bite largely remains after dark.  Anglers have been using heavy glowing eelpout jigs, loaded up with smelt or sucker minnow chunks and pounded on the bottom.  

Walleye - Walleye anglers have remained few and far between, and the painfully slow bite is likely to blame.  Anglers have been struggling to find one or to walleyes a night on their favorite spots.  Deep mud in 23-28 feet of water has been just about the only place producing fish.  Deadsticking a minnow about a foot off the bottom has been the only technique worth noting.

Jan. 26, 2021

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing was slow overall last week. Anglers that had good success, caught fish in 25-35 feet of water on 3/8 to 1/2 oz bucktails, tipped with a gulp minnow or minnow. Tip ups also accounted for a good number of lakers caught.  Dead suckers or dead smelt laid right on the bottom accounted for just about all the lakers caught with tip ups.

Stream Trout - Stream trout fishing has remained good on many of the stream trout lakes in the area. Angling pressure continues to be high, but anglers that have down sized their baits and tipped them with just a minnow head or wax worm, have continued to catch trout. 

Pike - While pike anglers have been few and far between, they have been reporting good to excellent fishing this last week.  Medium to large suckers fished under a tip up, on weedlines, has been very effective for anglers. 

Panfish - Crappies and sunnies continue to found in 20-30 feet of water, on many of the area lakes.  Anglers should be looking for soft mud bottoms, where panfish are eating bugs coming up out of the mud. Popular colors this last week, were green and pink jigs tipped with a small wax worm or crappie minnows.

Walleye - Walleye fishing has remained slow overall as several fronts went through the area last week. Anglers are reporting that they are seeing walleyes on their cameras, but the walleyes have showed little interest in biting.  Deadsticking a minnow in 20-25 feet of water, during the evening hours, has accounted for just about all the walleyes caught last week.  

Jan. 12, 2021

Walleye - Walleye fishing has remained slow overall this last week. Seems fish are there one night then gone the next.  Anglers continue to find them in 18-25 feet of water, off points, sunken islands and transition areas.  Deadsticking a lively minnow was the top producer last week, but loud buckshot spoons and rippin raps are calling them in.

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing was a little slow overall, but there were stories of some excellent fishing happening out there.  Anglers caught trout along weedlines to 40 feet of water, but the 40 foot range was the most productive. Tubes jigs were the most popular way to catch trout, but laying dead baits on the bottom was also very productive. Deep water close to shallow flats seemed to be the most productive areas to find active lakers.

Pike - Pike remained fairly active again this last week, with a few well over 40 inches being reported.  Large suckers or smelt fished under a tip up, along weedlines or rocky points was very productive for anglers. Depths ranged from 10-25 feet of water..

Panfish - Crappie and sunfish anglers reported a consistent bite this last week. Anglers found active fish in 20-30 feet of water.  Small jigs tipped with wax worms was very effective on sunnies, while small jigs tipped with a crappie minnow was more effective on crappies setting in the basin.