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.

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

It has been a long event of warm weather and one species seems to flourish in this type of weather. Bass and many times panfish will be specific advantage type species that can be beneficial in the warm weather conditions. AS many anglers have found, summer patterns for bass, especially largemouth are many times determined by weed growth and different kinds of weeds and associated types. Cabbage, coontail, and lily pads are the most common types of weeds that harbor bass, especially largemouth. Smallmouth can be a whole different location especially because of food choices. Largemouth and smallmouth will seek out similar food sources but largemouth are particularly fond of small bluegills when available. Both are always looking for crayfish and smallmouth in particular love crayfish as a main diet. Certain kinds of patterns on crankbaits and other type lures can be the best choices when selecting the proper presentations for both species of bass. One thing is for sure, top water type baits that create a commotion on the surface is an exciting way to catch bass of both species. Most often early and late in the day seem to be the best times because of calm water conditions. The popping, slurping, chugging sound of a topwater bait can be like ringing a dinner bell to bass. A couple baits that have been go to types for both species are the Rapala Skitter Pop and the Rebel Pop R. Both have been mainstays in fishing top water baits for bass. Some of the top bass lakes in the Grand Rapids area for bass are Pokegama, Loon, Wabana, Trout, Big Rice, and the back water areas of the Mississippi River.

Panfish have been especially active and with the weed growth at its optimum, the inside and outside edges of weeds seem to be the prime locations. A small chunk of worm or a couple wax worms on a small jig beneath a bobber is still one of the best ways to locate hungry schools of panfish. Plastic tubes jigs or plastics with action tails fished slowly through and over the tops of weeds are always a sure bet of finding panfish. Many times you will be surprised to catch a largemouth on these small baits at the same time. Most lakes in the Grand Rapids area are prime spots to catch nice panfish. Pokegama Lake, Little Moose, Bass Lake in Cohasset, Big Rice, and many of the small lakes located right in Grand Rapids hold good numbers of bluegill and sunfish. They are always willing to bite and are great action fish for youngsters.

This week’s Grand Rapids Fishing Report brought to you by: Tom Neustrom, owner of professional fishing guide service: MN Fishing Connections. If you are looking for a wonderful fishing trip experience, give Tom a call to book a fishing guide service.

The weather has been up and down this past week, but the fishing has been very good on several area lakes. The jig and minnow bite continues to produce walleyes along the weed edges and break lines early and late in the day. Many lakes the preferred presentations have been slip sinker rigs and leeches or night crawlers fished slowly on deeper flats and sunken islands. With the new emergence of weed beds slightly earlier then normal with the hot weather, trolling spinners over the top of the weeds can be a very critical presentation in the upcoming summer months. Many of the lakes in the Itasca County and Grand Rapids area are producing walleyes. Some lakes to give a try are Trout Lake in Coleraine, Pokegama, Big Winnibisohish (Big Winnie), Jessie, Big Splithand, Sugar and Bowstring. Many options are in place to catch walleyes and getting out and catching them is fun and exciting.

Bass fishing has been very good on all area lakes and with weed beds developing ahead of schedule have increased the locations that bass of both species are being found. On calm mornings and evenings, op water baits are great to call up strikes and an awesome delivery when fishing bass. They are on the prowl looking for a quick meal and ringing the dinner bell with a noisy bait can be just the ticket. Smooth slick water are the preferred locations since wavy waters take away the best locations and presentations for top water noise making baits. Work them slow and watch closely for the strike can come at any time. With good weed beds and rock locations on area lakes, a sure fire bait for bass and occasional walleyes and pike is a jig and plastic worm. As is slithers through the weeds and rocks, hungry bass are attracted to something that is easy to catch and look appealing. When pitching a jig and plastic consider 20 pound VMC 832 braid with a 10 pound mono leader to muscle those bass out of heavy cover. It is a good lineup for throwing any baits for bass at times and works well with spinning or bait casting reels.

Some of the better bass lakes in the area that are set up good for the mentioned presentations are Pokegama, Trout, Big Rice, King , Long lake, Wabana, Deer, Big Ole, and Turtle. All of these lakes offer multiple options, most have both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass available.

The heat has pushed things ahead about 1-2 weeks according to the calendar and many species are migrating to their summer locations. Walleyes have for the most part have moved off shore in many locations, but there are always shallow populations in weed beds and rocks, If the wind blows pitch jigs with a half crawler, leech, or a minnow. Slip bobbers with a leech can be very effective for walleyes that are suspended and trolling spinner rigs can be great search tools looking for active walleyes. There are bug hatches looming on area lakes this time of year so it is smart to carry different live baits with you. In the evening hours trolling crankbaits can be very effective and most often the shallows will produce your best chances. Some of the area lakes that are producing good walleye fishing are Big Splithand, Johnson Lake, Bass Lake, Big Winnie, Pokegama, Round, and Jessie.

Bass fishing has been off to a great start with all the recent warm weather. Anglers from all over have discovered what a great destination for both Smallmouth and Largemouth ass since the National Bass Tournaments have been coming to the Grand Ra[ids area for the past 4 years and the lakes in the area abound with some of the best bass fishing in the country. Major League Fishing has stated many time on National Television that the Grand Rapids area is rated as their top destination for quality and quantity for both species of bass. Marty Stone from MLF has commented many times about the love affair that MLF has with the Grand Rapids area and the fishing is only part of it. It’s a total destination as members and anglers from their staff have many times commented on. Some of the best options for consistent fishing are Pokegama, Trout, Wabana, Turtle, Spider, Big Rice, and several others. Spinner baits, drop shotting, ned rigging, and other presentations all have been excellent ways to boat numbers of bass.

Panfishing has been very good and the new emerging weed beds are holding numbers of nice sunfish and crappies. A small jig with a plastic body or chunk of worm are all good choices. Attach a lite bobber and throw out to cabbage beds and watch for the bobber to disappear. There’s a kid in all of us that still likes the bobber to go down and reel in a fat and sassy sunfish or crappie. All the lakes in the Grand Rapids area have good sunfish and  crappie options.