AREA FISHING REPORT

Walleyes continue to hit minnows, but leeches have started working, too. Lakes such as Gull, Round and North Long are worth noting in 12 to 30 feet. Bluegills and bass are shallow and active on most lakes. Crappies are scattered between the shorelines and shallow weed areas. Northern pike are hitting minnows on most lakes in 12 to 14 feet.

Crosby area

Trout are being found suspended more than 60 to 120 feet on the area's pit lakes. The early morning hours have been best with spoons, crawlers or Power Bait. The windblown points of most pits are holding smallmouth bass. Sunfish and crappies are coming from 8 to 14 feet at lakes Perry, Nokay, Black Hoof, Little Rabbit and Black. There's some evening walleye action with Rapalas or jigs and minnows over 20 feet at Serpent Lake, Pelican Lake and Rabbit Lake. Look to the weedlines of Greer Lake, Bass Lake, Lower Mission and Horseshoe Lake for pike.

Crosslake area

Lindy Rigs tipped with leeches and crawlers are producing walleyes throughout the Whitefish Chain in 15 to 30 feet. Work the docks and weedlines with spinnerbaits for bass. Crappie action has moved to the weedlines, where these fish are suspending and hitting minnows. Northern pike have been active with most fish hitting spinner rigs tipped with minnows on the weedlines.

Hackensack area

Walleyes are hitting in 17 feet at Woman Lake and Ten Mile Lake. Work the rocks or breaks with crawlers and minnows during low-light periods. Panfish continue to be found in shallow water at Birch Lake and Pleasant Lake. Bass are an easy catch in the shallow weeds and dock areas of most lakes.

Lake Mille Lacs

East - Lindy Rigs and leeches are producing walleyes on 26- to 28-foot gravel areas. This method has worked during the day north of Hennepin Island in 19 to 26 feet. Work the 9-foot reefs with slip bobbers and leeches at night. Smallmouth bass can be caught on shallow rocks and docks.

West - During the day, work the tops and edges of the mud flats for walleyes with spinners tipped with minnows or crawlers. At night, work the deep sides of the flats with slip bobbers and leeches. There's been quite a few walleyes pulled off the rock points during the evenings as well. The weed edges in most bays are now producing pike and smallmouth bass remain active on the rocks.

Leech Lake area

Leeches are starting to produce walleyes on wind-swept points in six to 10 feet. A jig and shiner minnow has taken fish in 16 to 25 feet in both locations, limits have been common. Look for panfish in six to 10 feet in areas adjacent to deep water. Northern pike are hitting a variety of baits near the panfish and a few muskies have been boated with small spinnerbaits.

LAKE MILLE LACS

East - Lindy Rigs and leeches are producing walleyes on 26- to 28-foot gravel areas. This method has worked during the day north of Hennepin Island in 19 to 26 feet. Work the nine-foot reefs with slip bobbers and leeches at night. Smallmouth bass can be caught on shallow rocks and docks.

West - During the day, work the tops and edges of the mud flats for walleyes with spinners tipped with minnows or crawlers. At night, work the deep sides of the flats with slip bobbers and leeches. There's been quite a few walleyes pulled off the rock points during the evenings as well. The weed edges in most bays are now producing pike and smallmouth bass remain active on the rocks.

LAKE OF THE WOODS

Numbers of 17- to 19-inch walleyes are being taken on jigs or spinners tipped with minnows and leeches in 18 to 26 feet around Pine Island and just outside the Lighthouse Gap. At the Northwest Angle, walleyes are coming on bottom bouncers and chubs on the east side of Oak Island.

LEECH LAKE AREA

Leeches are starting to produce walleyes on wind-swept points in six to 10 feet. A jig and shiner minnow has taken fish in 16 to 25 feet in both locations, limits have been common. Look for panfish in six to 10 feet in areas adjacent to deep water. Northern pike are hitting a variety of baits near the panfish and a few muskies have been boated with small spinnerbaits.

LAKE MINNETONKA

Most fish are weed oriented. Look for walleyes on 10- to 15-foot weedlines. Bass continue to hit spinnerbaits, plastics, and topwaters on the shallow and mid-depth weeds. Sunfish tend to be on the inside weed edges and crappies have set up on the 10- to 12-foot weedlines. Northern pike are hitting spinners and suckers trolled on the eight- to 12-foot weed edges.

RAINY LAKE

Minnows continue to produce walleyes in eight to 12 feet. Better spots this week have been the Brule area, Saginaw Bay, and Cranberry area. Black Bay is producing crappies in six to 10 feet and Lost Bay is the best option for bigger northern pike.

LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH

If the wind is blowing or during low-light periods, a jig and minnow is turning walleyes in eight to 12 feet on the points and shoreline breaks. Start looking to the main lake bars with Lindy Rigs and leeches in 18 to 22 feet during midday hours. Perch and pike tend to be mixed with the walleyes in most shallow-water locations.

TWIN CITIES

NORTHEAST METRO - Crappies and sunfish are biting in the shallow weeds of Lake Peltier, Centerville Lake, and White Bear Lake. Bucktails also have triggered a few muskies on White Bear. Look to the Prescott area of the St. Croix River for walleyes and sauger. Bass and pike seem to be active on most lakes, but Big Marine is producing larger fish.

WEST METRO - Look for sunfish in two to six feet at Steiger Lake, Lake Auburn, Parley Lake, and Lake Minnewashta. The creek mouths on the Minnesota River are producing walleyes, as is Parley Lake in 12 to 14 feet. Spoon plugs or sucker minnows trolled on the weedlines of lakes Zumbra and Auburn have triggered pike.

LAKE WACONIA

Walleyes are hitting leeches during low-light periods on the south sides of Cemetery Reef and Keggs Reef in 12 to 16 feet. Sunfish are active in less than six feet on Nelson's Flat, Pillsbury Reef, in Reinkie's Bay and the sand flats on the northwest side. Work the docks and reeds with spinnerbaits for bass. A few bigger pike have been taken in the northeast corner of Reinkie's Bay.

ALEXANDRIA AREA

Look to Lake Ida for walleyes in 12 to 16 feet with leeches. Lakes Mary and Reno are giving up walleyes on minnows and crawlers in 14 to 20 feet during low-light periods. Bass action remains strong on the emerging weedlines and shoreline areas of most lakes. Look for sunfish in less than six feet and crappies on the 10- to 12-foot weedlines.

ANNANDALE AREA

Sunfish are being found in less than five feet at lakes Sylvia, Clearwater, John, Granite, and Pleasant. Leeches and crawlers are turning a few walleyes at Clearwater Lake in 16 to 24 feet and on Sylvia in 20 feet. Crappies have moved to the eight- to 12-foot weed edges of lakes Sylvia, Clearwater, and Francis. Bass and pike are hitting on the weedlines of most lakes.

BATTLE LAKE

Walleyes are hitting leeches on West Battle Lake in 18 to 23 feet or 30 to 35 feet of water. On Otter Tail Lake, minnows are the best bet for walleyes in 18 to 28 feet of water. Leeches worked in 18 to 23 feet are triggering walleyes at Rush, Silver, Walker, Clitherall, Star, and Blanche lakes. Look for crappies in seven to 13 feet of water at Blanche, East Battle, West Battle, Stalker, and Clitherall lakes. There's steady bluegill action in three to six feet of water at East Battle, West Battle, Star, Norway, Deer, Dead, and West Leaf lakes. Spinnerbaits or plastics are producing bass on most lakes, while Otter Tail and South Turtle Lake are safe bets for pike. Muskie anglers on West Battle have hooked a few fish on bucktails.

BEMIDJI AREA

Work leeches or minnows in eight to 14 feet on Lake Bemidji for walleyes. A jig and minnow is turning walleyes in 12 to 16 feet at Lake Plantagenet. Panfish and bass are an easy catch in the shallows of most lakes, while pike are hitting sucker minnows on the five- to 12-foot cabbage areas on all lakes.

BLACKDUCK AREA

During the day, the 12- foot humps of Blackduck Lake are producing walleyes via leeches. At night, crankbaits are working on the shorelines. Look to Island Lake and Gull Lake for walleyes as well. Panfish action has improved in the shallows of lakes Rabideau, Gilstead, Pimushe, and Turtle River.

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Walleyes continue to hit minnows, but leeches have started working as well. Lakes such as Gull, Round, and North Long are worth noting in 12 to 30 feet. Bluegills and bass are shallow and active on most lakes. Crappies are scattered between the shorelines and shallow weed areas. Northern pike are hitting minnows on most lakes in 12 to 14 feet.

CASS LAKE AREA

The weed edges and sand breaks of Cass Lake, Pike Bay Lake, Lake Andrusia, and Wolf Lake are producing walleyes in four to eight feet or 16 to 20 feet. A jig and shiner or Lindy Rig and leech have worked best. Perch and crappies have moved to the shallow weeds on the aforementioned lakes. Look to Grace Lake for bass and Allen's Bay on Cass for pike in four to 12 feet.

CHISAGO AREA

Crappie action remains strong in less than 10 feet at Chisago Lake, South Center Lake, and North Center Lake. Crankbaits or plastics are the ticket for bass on the emerging weedlines of most lakes. Sunrise Lake continues to give up a mixed bag of fish including northern pike, panfish, and bass. Walleyes are hitting during low-light periods in 12 to 18 feet at Chisago, South Center, and North Center lakes.

CROSBY AREA

Trout are being found suspended over 60 to 120 feet on the area's pit lakes. The early morning hours have been best with spoons, crawlers, or Power Bait. The windblown points of most pits are holding smallmouth bass. Sunfish and crappies are coming from eight to 14 feet at lakes Perry, Nokay, Black Hoof, Little Rabbit, and Black. There's some evening walleye action with Rapalas or jigs and minnows over 20 feet at Serpent Lake, Pelican Lake, and Rabbit Lake. Look to the weedlines of Greer Lake, Bass Lake, Lower Mission, and Horseshoe Lake for pike.

CROSS LAKE AREA

Lindy Rigs tipped with leeches and crawlers are producing walleyes throughout the Whitefish Chain in 15 to 30 feet. Work the docks and weedlines with spinnerbaits for bass. Crappie action has moved to the weedlines where these fish are suspending and hitting minnows. Northern pike have been active with most fish hitting spinner rigs tipped with minnows on the weedlines.

DETROIT LAKES

Lakes Melissa, Sallie, and Big Detroit are producing crappies in two to 12 feet. Shiners or small sucker minnows are triggering walleyes in 11 to 16 feet at Big and Little Cormorant lakes, Sallie, Melissa, and Pelican lake. Bluegills have moved to the shallow sand at Prairie Lake, Sallie, Melissa, Big Cormorant, and Little Cormorant. Bass and pike action is strong on all lakes.

DULUTH AREA

The narrows area on Fish Lake is producing sunfish and crappies. Look to Boulder Lake in 10 feet with leeches for walleyes. Rice Lake is a safe bet for northern pike in seven feet and most fish are hitting chubs. Lake Superior and the St. Louis River remained "muddied" due to the rain, but look for good fishing from both as soon as they clear up.

EAST-CENTRAL

Green Lake is producing sunfish in seven feet and a few walleyes on minnows in 15 to 18 feet. Panfish and largemouth bass are hitting in shallow water at Blue Lake and northern pike are crushing spinnerbaits throughout the area. Bass action also has been strong on Elk Lake and Green Lake. The river action has slowed with recent high water and heavy rains.

ELY AREA

Leeches are producing "stringers of walleyes" in eight to 15 feet on most lakes. Leading the way are Newfound Lake and Bear Head Lake. Crankbaits or leeches are the way to go for smallmouth bass on the shorelines of most lakes. Crappie reports have been limited.

FAIRMONT AREA

Crappies and bluegills are hitting in the channels of lakes George, Amber, Fox, Hall, and Budd. There's an evening walleye bite on Fox Lake in 14 to 18 feet. Bass are hitting on most lakes with Budd and Sissiton producing bigger fish.

FARIBAULT AREA

A jig and leech combination has produced a lot of walleyes on the 12- to 16-foot weedlines of Shields Lake, Lake Mazaska, and French Lake. Sunfish are shallow and active on most lakes in the area, while the weedlines of Hunt Lake, Cedar Lake, and Mazaska are producing pike. Cedar and Shields lakes also have kicked out numbers of bass.

GRAND MARAIS AREA

Trolling Rapalas in the shallows of Devil's Track Lake has produced walleyes. Look to Devil Fish Lake with leeches in 20 feet for walleyes. On lakes Saganaga and Seagull, a jig and minnow is working best in 20 to 25 feet. Minnows also have turned walleyes on Crescent Lake in 18 feet. Rainbow trout are hitting in 15 feet on Kimball Lake and in 25 to 30 feet on Trout Lake. Elbow Lake started producing perch in eight to 10 feet.

GRAND RAPIDS AREA

Lakes such as Wabana, Deer, Moose, Pokegama, and Sugar are giving up walleyes in 17 to 20 feet of water. Crappies and bluegills remain shallow on Big and Little Splithand, Wabana, Deer, and Moose lakes. The Mississippi River also has produced good-sized bluegills. Smallmouth bass are very active in the shallow sand and Swan Lake has kicked out some northern pike.

HACKENSACK AREA

Walleyes are hitting in 17 feet at Woman Lake and Ten Mile Lake. Work the rocks or breaks with crawlers and minnows during low-light periods. Panfish continue to be found in shallow water at Birch Lake and Pleasant Lake. Bass are an easy catch in the shallow weeds and dock areas of most lakes.

LAKE OSAKIS

Crawlers and leeches are triggering walleyes in 18 feet. Work the Two Mile Bar, north end flats, and sunken island. Sunfish and bass are easy to find along the shorelines and shallow weeds. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows throughout the lake.

LAKE VERMILION

Leeches or crankbaits worked on the wind-swept shorelines are producing walleyes in 14 to 22 feet of water. Muskie action has picked up in the soft, weedy bays with hair baits or twitch baits. Look to Black Bay for crappies, while pike and sunfish are easy pickings in the weeded areas of most bays.

MANKATO AREA

Rattle Traps or a jig/leech combo are producing walleyes on the weed edges of Madison Lake. On Lake Washington, Lindy Rigs and leeches are producing 'eyes in 12 to 15 feet. Panfish are hitting in the shallows of most lakes, but Washington and Madison tend to produce bigger fish. Look to German Lake, Madison, and Washington for bass.

McGREGOR AREA

Walleye action has slowed with just a few fish being taken during the evening hours on Big Sandy Lake and Lake Minnewawa in 12 to 18 feet. Northern pike have bit most consistently in this area with the weedlines of Big Sandy providing some good-sized fish. Bass and sunfish are moving shallow on most lakes when the sun is out.

ORTONVILLE AREA

On Big Stone Lake, crankbaits are producing walleyes in 14 feet of water at Mallard Point and Hartford Beach. A jig and minnow pitched in the Fish Creek area also has worked. There's a shallow walleye bite on Lake Traverse during the morning and evening hours with minnows. Look for crappies in the shallows of Long Tom Lake and Artichoke Lake.

PARK RAPIDS AREA

The Crow Wing Chain of Lakes is providing steady panfish action in three to 12 feet. A jig and shiner minnow remains the best walleye presentation in 16 feet at Island, Potato, Fish Hook, Big Sand, and Long lakes. Bass are hitting plastics on most lakes, while Island Lake is kicking out pike in eight to 10 feet.

RED LAKE

A jig and minnow continues to produce numbers of walleyes in three to eight feet. Work the shoreline breaks or current areas such as Shotley Brook and Tamarack River. The north shore continues to produce some crappies and the bigger pike have started hitting along the shorelines near Agassiz and Westwind and at the mouth of the Tamarack River.

RED WING AREA

Crankbaits or live-bait rigs are producing walleyes in 15 to 20 feet. Look to the Bay City Flats and Maiden Rock Flats of Lake Pepin. The wing dams on the Mississippi River near Wabasha are producing smallmouth bass. Look to the back channel bridge on the Wisconsin side of the river for panfish.

ST. CLOUD/EDEN VALLEY AREA

Look for sunfish in two to six feet at Koronis, Rice, Pearl, Grand, and the Horseshoe Chain. Walleyes are hitting minnows and leeches in 16 to 20 feet at Grand Lake and in nine to 12 feet on Horseshoe Lake. The weedlines of Koronis are holding pike and the Sauk River is producing numbers of channel catfish. Topwater baits are triggering bass on most lakes.

SAUK CENTRE AREA

Panfish action has been strong in the shallows of Sauk Lake, Big Birch Lake, Little Birch Lake, Fairy Lake, and Lake Villard. The weeds of McCormick Lake are producing walleyes, as is Little Birch Lake in 28 feet, and Maple Lake in 12 to 16 feet. Minnows, leeches, and crawlers are all working. Look to Fairy Lake and Big Birch Lake for pike.

STARBUCK AREA

Shallow-running crankbaits are producing walleyes on Lake Emily. On Lake Minnewaska, you'll find walleyes in 24 to 28 feet or eight to 14 feet. Minnows, leeches, and crawlers have all triggered walleyes during the day and into the night. Sunfish and crappies remain active in the shallow weeds and bulrushes on the Glenwood end of Minnewaska. Bass and northern pike are active on the new weed growth of most lakes.

WATERVILLE AREA

Sucker minnows under a float are producing pike in eight feet at Lake Sakatah. Slow-presented leeches are turning walleyes on Sakatah in 20 feet. The channel between Sakatah and Lake Tetonka or Big Jefferson Lake are safe bets for sunfish. Look for crappies in shallow water at Lake Francis or under the Highway 13 bridge on Sakatah.

WILLMAR AREA

Sunfish are set up on the docks and shallow sand areas of all lakes. Look for walleyes in less than 10 feet at Lake Lillian, Ringo Lake, and Big Kandi Lake. Leeches or crawlers have triggered walleyes at Green Lake in 20 to 30 feet and on Eagle Lake in 15 to 20 feet. Lakes such as Florida, Nest, and Andrew also have kicked out walleyes. Long Lake is giving up good-sized pike and bass seem to be hitting on all lakes.