The fishing scene is heating up, but not in the way you might expect. While the warm weather has been a boon for some, it's also brought some challenges for our aquatic friends. The recent fish die-offs from Lake of the Woods to the Iowa border are a stark reminder of the delicate balance of nature. Water temperatures reaching the low 80s have been a critical issue, as oxygen levels drop to a point where fish can't survive. This has particularly affected game fish like northern pike, muskie, walleyes, and tullibies. Thankfully, the situation is improving as temperatures cool down into the mid to upper 70s. But what does this mean for anglers? Well, if you're not planning to fry up a catch, it's best to release those fish back into the water quickly. This will help them survive and ensure the health of our fishing population. Now, let's dive into the fishing hotspots across Minnesota. In the Bemidji area, early and late fishing sessions have been the key to success. Anglers have been reeling in walleyes on Lake Bemidji, Big Lake, and the Turtle River Chain of Lakes, targeting depths of 12 to 20 feet. Spinner rigs with crawlers or leeches have been the go-to tactics. As for panfish and bass, they're staging off the deep weedlines of most lakes. Dick Beardsley Guide Service is your go-to resource for all things Bemidji fishing, and they're just a phone call away at (218) 556-7172. Moving on to the Blackduck area, walleyes have been biting on live-bait rigs with crawlers or leeches at Blackduck Lake and Island Lake, targeting depths of 10 to 14 feet. Bass and pike are also active along the weedlines of most lakes. The 12- to 18-foot weedlines are producing bluegills and a few crappies on Blackduck, Pimushe Lake, North Twin Lake, Gilstead Lake, and Gull Lake. Timberline Sports and Tackle is your go-to for all things Blackduck fishing, and they're just a phone call away at (218) 835-4636. In the Cass Lake area, walleyes are being caught with leeches or crawlers along the 18- to 22-foot weeds on Cass Lake, Lake Andrusia, and Pike Bay Lake. But it's a game of numbers, as anglers and scopers are seeing way more fish on their electronics than they're catching. Troll crankbaits at night for walleyes on Deadman’s Bar and North Cedar Bar on Cass in less than 12 feet. There's also big pike being taken with crankbaits on the deep weeds throughout Andrusia, Allen’s Bay on Cass, and Wolf Lake. Sunset Cove Resort is your go-to for all things Cass Lake fishing, and they're just a phone call away at (800) 279-4831. Finally, in the Upper Red Lake area, cover water with a live-bait or spinner rig tipped with crawlers or leeches for walleyes. Work the rock fingers and rock piles along the east shore in 9 to 11 feet. Some days, walleyes can also be found in less than 5 feet on a live-bait rig with a leech or crawler. West Wind Resort is your go-to for all things Upper Red Lake fishing, and they're just a phone call away at (218) 647-8998. And in Lake Winnibigoshish, consistently catching walleyes remains a challenge. Anglers willing to cover water with live-bait rigs or pitching a slip bobber and piece of crawler are doing best on the main-lake humps and flats in 12 to 20 feet. There have also been a few walleyes found suspended over 30 feet, caught with a jig and piece of crawler or Jiggin’ Raps. Lake Winnie Resort Association is your go-to for all things Lake Winnibigoshish fishing, and they're just a click away at lakewinnie.net. And in Leech Lake, troll crankbaits or pitch jigs and crawlers for walleyes in the Snake Pit area over 10 to 14 feet. The same presentations are working for walleyes on the east side of Annex Reef in 12 to 16 feet. Plastics are producing smallmouth bass on the 10- to 16-foot rocks and largemouth bass around the green cabbage in most bays. Look for bluegills and crappies in the 6- to 9-foot cabbage and sand grass throughout Boy Bay, Agency Bay, and Sucker Bay. Reed’s Sporting Goods is your go-to for all things Leech Lake fishing, and they're just a phone call away at (218) 547-1505. Remember, selective harvesting is key to ensuring great fishing for years to come! So, get out there, enjoy the water, and let's keep our fishing scene thriving!
