Fishing for Walleye and bass
“Fishing for walleye and bass right now in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area is heating up,” shares Tom Neustrom. Tom is a professional fishing guide who has been inducted into the Freshwater and Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fames. He owns MN Fishing Connections, and is a professional fishing industry representative for many of the premiere fishing industry companies. If you are looking for a memorable fishing trip in northern Minnesota, you should consider hiring a professional fishing guide. The difference will be less stress and more fish! Check out our Grand Rapids Fishing page and scroll down to the Guided Fishing section. Here you will find several professional northern Minnesota Fishing Guides that focus on the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. “Fishing for walleye and bass in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area is one of the leading requests I receive from clients.”
Fishing for Walleye
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Walleye fishing continues to be good on area lakes and with the changing conditions that are upon us make sure you pay attention to any changes that occur while out fishing. Bring several types of bait when fishing for the day. With increased likelihood of bug hatches happening soon, Leeches and crawlers will be options to bring with. Jig and minnow combinations are still providing a positive reaction to walleyes, but that may change in the weeks to come. Slip sinker rigs with leeches and crawlers will dominate you catch. On clear water lakes longer leaders are most often the case, but on darker water lakes shorter lengths in the 38-48 inch range will be more beneficial. Many times attach a small red, orange, or chartreuse bead ahead of the hook as an attractant. It’s a little thing that can make a big difference when the bite is tough. Trolling crankbaits in the evening hours can also be a great presentation especially when the daytime bite is slower than normal. Northland tackle has a great assortment of perfect trolling type baits that walleyes have a hard time resisting. The Rumble Shiner and Rumble Shad are great trolling baits and will consistently put walleyes in the boat. Speeds of 1.75 to 2.50 mph are desired and the baits are true runners. I prefer using braid when trolling cranks and Sufix 832 is my choice in most walleye trolling presentations. 10 pound with 4 pound diameter is my preference in line weight and gives you the best optimum of dive on your crankbaits. Because they are reaction type baits, I often don’t always worry about attaching a mono leader to the braid. But usually I tie a 4-5 foot section of 8 or 10 pound Fluorocarbon leader with a Uni-knot or Alberto knot to the braided line.
Some of the area lakes that have been good and continue to kick out nice walleyes are Big Winnie, Bowstring, Pokegama, Trout and Big Splithand.
Fishing for Bass
Bass fishing has really improved of late and with the spawn concluded there are many opportunities in the Grand Rapids area for excellent chances at both Smallmouth and Largemouth bass. Largemouth bass are starting to set up in areas that have small bluegills and other baitfish options for food. Most often shore line locations with newly formed weed beds can be key locations. As off shore locations and formation of thicker cover such as lily pads becomes more prevalent largemouth bass can be caught in numerous similar spots. Topwater early and late in the day can be a terrific option. Chatter baits and plastics can also be great choices. For Smallmouth bass choices and locations there are similarities, but also differences. Smallies like rock ruble, boulders, logs and areas of weeds and rock mixed. Smallmouths will most often occupy areas of deeper water nearby as opposed to their cousin largemouths. Food choices may also vary with crayfish, sculpin, and small baitfish their overall preference. They also like cooler water and clarity of water is most often to their liking. Ned Rigs, Swimbaits, and crayfish plastic bodies on a jig head are instrumental for success. Crankbaits imitating their preferred choice and patterns can also be rewarding. Some of the better Smallmouth lakes in the area are Wabana, Pokegama, Deer, Trout and Caribou.
Book Your Northern Minnesota Fishing Trip
Do you want to go fishing for walleye and bass in Grand Rapids, MN? That is perfect because the weather has been hot and so has the fishing been, so this is a great time to book your summer fishing vacation to Grand Rapids, MN now! You will find a wide variety of Grand Rapids, MN Lodging. You will find a quaint Bed and Breakfast, Minnesota Fishing Resorts, conveniently located in-town Hotels/Motels, in-town Air B&B, and vacation lake rentals. There is a wide variety of Grand Rapids Lodging to choose from. If you are looking to take a last minute Minnesota fishing trip, check out the Grand Rapids Last Minute Openings for properties that have had last minute cancelations, as well as cabins and lodging rooms that are still available this summer. Because Grand Rapids is a premiere lake and trails destination, short-term lodging properties book up fast. So, don’t delay and BOOK your Minnesota Fishing Trip to Grand Rapids, MN.
Make sure that you have your Minnesota Fishing License, and make sure that you are aware of the Minnesota Boating Regulations and Minnesota Fishing Regulations before you arrive. This will ensure that you are abiding by all of the Minnesota guidelines for fishing up north in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. You will find over 1,400 lakes to fish; you will find everything from trophy fish like walleye, pike and musky to panfish like crappies and bluegill. Check out our Fishing Page for more information about Grand Rapids Lakes.