Fishing report

BRAINERD/NISSWA

The Gull Lake Chain is still the best bet for sunfish, perch, and crappies. During the day you'll find crappies in 15 to 35 feet of water and often suspended. After dark, 10 to 20 feet has been most productive. The best sunfish reports off the chain are coming from 8 to 10 feet of water. Other lakes worth looking into for panfish are North Long, Round, Middle Cullen, Nisswa, Margaret, and Pelican.

CROSS LAKE

Sunfish reports continue to be minimal, but crappie anglers are finding quite a bit of success despite the recent cold front. Look to Mission Lake and Hay Lake as two of the more consistent fisheries this week.

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

The perch bite has improved quite a bit in recent days. The main lake bars have been the best spots in 22 to 30 feet of water. .

LEECH LAKE

The recent cold snap has firmed the ice where slush limited anglers a week ago. Unfortunately, the cold weather has sent the perch into a finicky biting mood as well. The fish being caught have hit small jigs and spoons tipped with wax worms. Look to Sand Point, Goose Island, the Hardwoods, and North Sucker Bay as better perch areas this week. Tullibee action remains constant, but by no means has it peaked yet.

MILLE LACS

In the east, the deep-water mud flats have produced some pretty consistent perch and tullibee action this week. The key has been to work the edges of these flats in 32 to 36 feet of water.