Brainerd area: On Gull Lake, the walleye bite has remained strong during evening hours and northern pike have been extremely active. Anglers report trolling stick baits on the weed edges around dusk and after dark has been good for numbers and large walleye. Many of the smaller area lakes are beginning to offer good walleye and bass fishing.
Cook County: The northern pike bite has been good. Anglers having the most success are casting red and white spoons into 15 to 25 feet of water. Anglers on Cascade Lake, between Grand Marais and Lutsen, are finding many large northern pike. Poplar Lake, in the mid-Gunflint Trail area, also has been good for many larger pike as well.
Ely area: Shallow water action has continued much longer than usual, while the walleye bite has remained fairly consistent on many area lakes. The walleye have remained in relatively shallow waters. Most fish, including bass and northern pike, are being caught in 4 to 10 feet depths.
International Falls area: Anglers on Rainy Lake have been finding success on Black, Cranberry and Lost bays, the west side of Brule Narrows, and on the submerged humps east of the Narrows. The Rainy River is producing walleye in areas with current such as above and below the Ranier Rapids. The area downstream from the dam at International Falls also has been popular.
Leech Lake: Walleyes have spread out but are still being found on the points and shoreline breaks in 9 to 12 feet. Some are being found on deep structure throughout the main lake and in Walker Bay. Anglers are catching largemouth bass in the reeds and wild rice area around Minnesota Island in Steamboat Bay.
White Bear Lake: Most crappies remain near the thickest weeds in 8 to 10 feet of water and largemouth bass continue to be found on the traditional shallow water flats. While aggressive pike and bass have been biting on sunny days, anglers may want to fish during morning and evening hours, and overcast days for the best bite.
