This Grand Rapids, MN Fishing Report brought to you by professional fishing guide, Tom Neustrom. Summer fishing has entered in a big way as the heat if summer come and changes below the surface have arrived. There were periods of time the last few weeks that angling for several species had not been consistent.

Cold fronts had arrived and pushed crappies especially into a dilemma of some days the crappies were shallow and other days with cooler temperatures the crappies move out for a couple days to depths of 10-18 feet. A few warms days and they will be right back shallow. Some of the good crappie lakes to try are Little Splithand, Little Moose, Rice, Little Cutfoot, Bass Lake, and many lakes in the Marcell area.

A small jig tipped with a small minnow, wax worm or action plastic tail. A small float fished 2-4 feet above the jig will most often create bites early in the season. As the cabbage weeds continue to grow, pay attention to the thickness of weeds and fish your baits just slightly above the weeds and keep moving until you contact fish.

Walleyes have started to move off the shoreline locations but not quite yet. Many are still there,  but start looking slightly off shore on structures close to spring locations. There are bug hatches starting to show up associated with structures with soft bottoms where many of these hatches occur. Jig and minnow is still producing the majority of walleyes caught on live bait, but crawlers and leeches are also worth taking with you to be fished on rigs or slip bobbers. It seems that walleyes are in a traditional if not seasonal movement but that can change daily. Also look for new emerging weed beds that walleyes and other species look for this time of year. Some of the better lakes to try for walleyes have been Big Winnie, Pokegama, Deer, Big Splithand, Bowstring, Trout in Coleraine, and Swan Lake.  

Bass fishing has been excellent and will continue to get better especially coming off the spawn. Smallmouth Bass have been very active and some of the lakes to try are Wabana, Pokegama, Deer, and Big Splithand. Smaller baits such as Ned Rigs, Drop Shot, Jig and 4 inch plastic worm are great baits to put smallmouths in the boat.  Shallow gravel bars near and around rocks seem to be prime locations.

Bring the entire family to Grand Rapids, Minnesota! Even if not everyone fishes, it is OK. There is so many things to do, outdoor recreation, fun placesto eat & drink, boutique style shops, and relaxing and cozy lodging properties. Book your lodging now: STAY IN GRAND RAPIDS, MN