This week’s Grand Rapids Fall Fishing Report by Tom Neustrom. Tom is MN Fishing Hall of Fame and Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame inductee. Tom is also a professional fishing guide, MN Fishing Connections.

As the water continues to cool the fishing has taken another turn, and it is all positive. Walleye fishing continues to be very good on area lakes. And depending on which body of water you target there is location changes. On deeper lake like Trout in Coleraine, Pokegama and Deer Lake the fish are moving onto offshore structure in deeper water. Fairly common on clear lakes that has a food source that occupies those depths. Walleyes will continue to seek out these locations on this style of lakes. Other bodies of water within Itasca County that are shallower than nature have created a different style of location. Most walleyes now and have been for several week in depths of less than 10 feet. The jig and minnow is the presentation of choice to catch walleyes in the shallows. There also is nice northern pike available mixed in with the walleyes and jumbo perch. Keying in on birds crashing the surface has been important to watch for. If you notice this happening in depth 4-10 feet make sure you go and investigate and fish these areas. You may be surprised at what you will catch.

Musky fishing has been very good on Itasca County area lakes. Anglers are seeing numbers of fish per outing more so than they did earlier in the year. Some of the lakes that are excellent to try for muskies are North Star, Deer, Moose, and Big Cut Foot Sioux. The best presentation for muskies this time of year is large bulldogs, jerk baits, large crank baits, and inline bucktails. For more information concerning musky fishing opportunities give Grant Prokop at Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods.

Crappie and Sunfish are moving off the weed lines into depths of 14-20 feet. Several lakes they have already shown up in their pre-winter locations of 20-25 feet. Using your electronics to find these schools of migrating fish. Make sure when you are going to target bluegills and sunfish check the bag limit on the MN DNR fishing regulations website for the lake you intend to fish as it may have changed. Small jigs with either small plastics or a wax worm for bluegill and sunfish. For crappies also a small plastic with a jig, but also don’t forget to bring some crappie minnows with you. This presentation will work well for the rest of the season.

Header Image Photo Caption: Mark Vavra from Duluth caught this nice 22 inch walleye on a Grand Rapids area lake while fishing with Tom Neustrom.

Grand Rapids Fishing Report

As we get into fall, the bass fishing has improved with the temperatures cooling. And will continue to get better and better. Both species of bass are moving off the weed lines and are changing depths weekly. Currently you should be seeking out areas in the 10-20 foot depth on lakes for consistent bass fishing. As the weed begin to die it causes both species to seek different food sources that are deeper. Still a bait called the ned rig and deep running crank baits will probably be your best choices. Legendary anglers Al and Jim Lindner have come to Itasca County and found both species of bass to be to their liking. We have been a major tournament location for national bass tournaments in the last 3-5 years. And they continue to seek out Itasca County as one of the best places for future tournament sites. Lakes to consier for outstanding fall bass fishing are Pokegama turtle spider and trout (Coleraine).

Walleye fishing continues to be very good on area lakes. And they are shallower that we had expected them to be. Due to the hot weather in the summer it forced the walleyes into the shallows for food and comfort. Depts of 4-8 feet have been the best locations to find walleyes. Sand, gravel and rock have been prime locations where you can locate walleyes. Big Winnie has been a good location for consistent fall walleye fishing. 1/8 ounce VMC mooneye jig and a chub or shiner have been really good baits to try. Fish of all sizes have been coming to the boat from small to big, and there are some bonus jumbo perch and northern pike have been in the mix. Keep moving to ares with not only rock and gravel but assorted weeds also, and you will find walleyes in each of these areas around the lake.

Crappie fishing will increase as the weather cools and a location that crappies will be in deeper basin on area lakes. Look for soft bottom bays in depth of 18-25 feet, and these will be their pre-winter locations. It is a famanimom that happens every year and vertically fishing a small jig and a minnow or plastic over the top of the schools of crappies is one of the best presentations. Keep moving until you find these schools of crappies and then put your electric motor in spot lock to sit on top of them. Area lakes to consider for fall crappie fishing are Bowstring, Big Jessie, Pokegama, Loon and several other lakes in the Grand Rapids area are producing crappies.

Calling local bait shops to get information about water levels on the lakes that you intend on fishing. Many lakes are down anywhere from 18 inches to 2.5 feet. Which can make getting your boat on and off the trailer difficult. Fall is the most beautiful time of the year to be in the Grand Rapids, MN area. The fall leaves are changing rapidly due to the drought conditions we had early this summer.

This week’s Grand Rapids, MN area fishing report brought to you by Tom Neustrom, owner of MN Fishing Connections.

Walleye fishing right now is some of the best it has been all season. With the cooler water temps as of late it continues to push the fish in shallow. Right now, one of the best destination lakes is Lake Winnie and Cut Foot Sioux. Still pulling spinners with a minnow but the jig and minnow bite has continued to get better each day. Make sure you pay attention to the wind direction because it can affect the location of the walleyes each day. Right now, walleyes are biting in 4-9 feet and several lakes including Winnie, cut foot, bowstring, and moose. As we have mentioned in the past, watching the locations of where the loons are can not only give you an opportunity to our most beautiful bird, but it also will tell you where the bait fish are. Many times the walleyes are right around where the bait fish are. Use as light as jig as possible most often 1/8 ounce jig and a minnow works the best. Area bait shops can give you current information on some of the better places to start fishing. And for walleyes early and late in the day seems to be their preferred time to bite.

Crappie fishing also has begun to improve. Look for the crappies to be off the

weed line starting to transition to deeper water. There is not a need yet to go out into 25 feet, those will be locations later into the fall and early winter. Some of the area lakes that are producing crappies right now are Big Cut Foot Sioux, Bowstring, and Pokegama. Pay attention to the conditions and when it is very windy this is not a favorable time to crappie fish. For some reason they do not tune into windy weather and they will lay on the bottom until conditions improve. Usually mid-day seems to be the best opportunity to catch crappie.

Next week Tom will share about northern pike, perch and muskies. A reminder that small mouth bass season closes September 30, 2021. Check MN DNR Fishing Seasons HERE.

The Grand Rapids, MN area has wonderful lodging options from conveniently located in town hotels and motels, Minnesota fishing resorts, vacation rentals, and a charming B&B. There is lodging available to meet everyone’s needs. Search STAY in Grand Rapids.

This week’s Grand Rapids, MN area Fishing Report brought to you by Andy Walls, Andy Walls Fishing

Walleye fishing has been very productive as of late. Anglers are having good luck trolling spinner rigs with nightcrawlers in 10-18 feet of water. The edges of humps, flats, and points have all produced steady action. The common theme seems to be the outside edge of the weed lines, and it has been common to catch a variety of species each outing. Fishing the spinner rigs at 1-1.7 MPH has been the
most effective.

Panfish have been the most consistent bite as of late. Crappie and bluegill both have been cooperating very well on a plethora of different lakes. 8-12 feet of water with bobbers and live bait, or beetle spins fixed with a plastic both have been working quite well. Covering water casting plastics or trolling beetle spins typically will help you find where the majority of the fish are located.

The bass fishing is really in full swing now. There are ample of bass in all areas of the lakes now. There are still plenty of fish shallow to be had near the lily pads, bulrushes, and cattails. Frogs and plastic worms have been the best offerings in less than 5 feet of water. There are also plenty of bass out on the deeper structures as our water temps have reached their summer peak. A ned rig or a jig worm both can yield good action and some plus sized bass.

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the premiere fishing and hunting destination located in up north Minnesota’s nature. You will find over 1,400 lakes to fish and over 1 million public accessible land to hunt in the greater Grand Rapids area. This makes us the premiere fishing and hunting destination in Minnesota!

Fishing

The Grand Rapids, MN area is home to more than 1,000 lakes prime for fishing. A fishing mecca for anglers in search of walleye, bass, crappies, northerns, musky, trout, panfish, perch and more. The Itasca area lakes have proven themselves by hosting a variety of amateur and professional fishing tournaments throughout the years. Check out our list at the bottom of the page for which lakes have the best bass and walleye fishing, including DNR reports and public access information.

The mighty Mississippi River runs right through our city, as well as a number of smaller rivers and tributaries located in the area. If you want to casually fish overhead off of a bridge or go by boat, the river is the perfect place to target those walleye, bass, bluegill, crappie or muskie.

For more information click HERE.

Hunting

Bring along your favorite shotgun and bird dog. The Grand Rapids, MN area has over 1 million public accessible acres to hunt. Working aspen forests and hunters’ walking trails offer ruffed grouse hunters an exhilarating day in the field.

The Grand Rapids area provides world-class upland bird hunting and is also the home of the prestigious National Ruffed Grouse Society Hunt held each October.

White tail deer hunters can find a prime location within a short drive of Grand Rapids, although some research work is required in advance to find the right location on public lands. The mixed hardwood forests and numerous lakes provide excellent habitat for white tail deer.

Steeped in rich tradition, deer hunting opener weekend is practically a holiday of its own in Grand Rapids. Deer hunting “widows” can find plenty to do in the area with city-wide craft sales and special ladies entertainment.

For more information click HERE.

The Grand Rapids, MN area has a wide variety of lodging properties to stay while you are fishing and hunting in the area. You will find Hotels and Motels that are conveniently located in town, a charming Bed & Breakfast located on Pokegama Lake, locally owned Minnesota Resorts, in town Air B&B’s, and several vacation rental owners on beautiful lakes. Click HERE to find lodging.

The weather has changed things slightly but the fish are still biting. The storms affected different species in different ways, but all and all fishing is still been good.

Walleyes continue to bite on area lakes and the shallow bite has been the best locations on area lakes to try. Depths of 6-12 feet seem to be preferred and forage and oxygen are key ingredients in their location. With the warmer than normal water conditions and low water, there is less current and flow which on certain lakes can force walleyes into the shallows for comfort and food. Shallow running crankbaits, spinners with a half crawler or chub, even a jig and plastic has been turning walleyes in shallow water. Another location that needs to be checked are shallow rock piles especially for big perch and walleyes. Small crayfish, approximately 1-2 inch in size are al over these locations and both species are cruising these spots in search of these tasty morsels. A small jig and chub or shiner can be a great attractants or a jig and crayfish pattern plastic can turn fish as well. Some of the lakes in the area that need trying these methods are Big Splithand, Pokegama, Deer, Bowstring and Jessie. All of the mentioned lakes have the habitat mentioned and will provide opportunities to catch walleyes and big perch.

Crappies are becoming active on deep weedlines and just a bit deeper on soft bottom/mud areas of area lakes. Depths of 8-12 feet have been producing nice fish and this will continue for the next several weeks. Use your electronics to find fish on the bottom to up a couple feet. Trolling spinners with a small chub or casting small jigs with an action tail plastic or minnow can produce crappies with consistency. Some of the lakes in the Grand Rapids area that will produce crappies right now are Little Splithand, Little Moose, Bowstring, Loon, Bass and Dunbar. Give it a try and you will be impressed with your results. Make sure you check the 2021 Regulation book to make sure there were no changes in the limit on crappies and sunfish.

This week’s Fishing Report Grand Rapids, MN area is brought to you by Andy Walls. Andy is a Minnesota professional fishing guide.

The fishing in the Grand Rapids area has been good lately. Anglers are having success targeting panfish, bass, walleye, pike, and musky on most all of the area lakes. The aquatic vegetation in 6-14 feet of water has been the key area for most all species.

Both crappie and bluegill have been showing up for anglers in the deeper weed beds. Slip bobbers and live bait offerings tipped on small hair jigs, or plain hooks have been producing the best results when the bite is slower in the middle of the day. Morning and evenings casting or trolling twister tails and beetle spins has been very good as these fish seem to be more aggressive and willing to chase the bait.

Bass and northern pike are both starting to feed up for the end of the summer. A topwater or Texas rigged worm seem to be working well. Because the weed growth is reaching its peak for the summer, baits that are easily fished over or through the cover will yield some of the best action. Pike have been in the same areas, but are more patrolling the deeper edge of the thick weeds. Casting a spinnerbait or a spoon to pick off the active fish has been hot. Both species love sucker minnows, and bobber fishing thick weed beds is another great way for summer action!

Walleye have been the main choice for area anglers, as the bite has been very consistent this summer. Gold spinners with leeches or crawlers seems to be the overwhelming report back from the lake. is the fishing has been the most consistent in depths from 8-18 feet of water, and staying in relation to good vegetation has produced some of the best results. Try speeds from 1.2-1.5 MPH but don’t be afraid of speeding up to even 2 MPH if you are not getting bit. If the speed isn’t working, a slower approach of a slip bobber and a leech has been a good second bet to get the less aggressive fish in the area.

The muskie in the area have been cooperating quite well lately. A majority of the fish seem to be in the same depth range, 8-14 feet of water, where there is good tall weed growth. Bucktails, topwater’s, and some rubber baits have all been working. We have been trying to target the fish in early mornings and evenings when the water temps are at their lowest giving the fish the best opportunity for a healthy release.

Don’t forget it’s just fishing and keep CASTING! Andy Walls.

Featured Photo: 44 inch musky caught by Connor McCartney while fishing with Grant Prokop (professional fishing guide) on a Grand Rapids area lake.

This week’s Grand Rapids Fishing Report is brought to you by Tom Neustrom owner of professional guide service, MN Fishing Connections.

Feeling the heat seems to be an everyday conversation and no rain. One thing that is for sure that the bite on most lakes for a multiple of species hasn’t really slowed down, but locations have changed and continue to do so. Always remember that fish seek comfort zones and food which is their driving force of existence.

Some species of fish tolerate warm water than others. Panfish and largemouth bass seem to do much better in higher water temperatures. Walleyes are notorious for seeking multiple water temperatures and will occupy different water columns and temperatures. Many of our lakes in the north are spring fed and can vary with locations that walleyes will go. Right now with surface temperatures in the mid to upper 70’s there is a transition that may occur causing walleyes and northern pike to go shallow and stay there throughout the rest of the summer and early fall. Working spinners and a chub, small shiner, or half a crawler can be the search lure to locating shallow walleyes and pike. Tie your rigs with 15-17 pound test mono as to avoid most bite offs from pesky northerns. Deeper walleyes that will tend to stay suspended in deeper water can be enticed with a leech and slip bobber. Always keep your presentation above the fish for they will noy chase anything down. Many lakes can offer both presentations as an option, so make sure you bring assorted ammunition with you. Some of the lakes that are supporting good populations of walleyes are Pokegama, Big Winnie, Bowstring and Trout. Give them a try and you may be surprised how well you do.

If you are planning on coming north for a vacation or short term visit, make sure you call ahead for availability. Many of the resorts are full all the way through Labor Day and planning ahead may save disappointment. VRBO’s and resorts are experiencing a higher that normal rate of requests. Camp sites are also tough to get into so make sure you reserve a site or call ahead.

Fishing is one of the attracting destinations for the Grand Rapids area but there are hiking trails, ATV, trails, canoeing, kayaking, and shopping galore. WE have a community that opens up their doors for everyone and opportunities for the entire family.