08/23/2026
Walleye fishing has picked up just a bit on a few Bemidji area lakes. Look to lake Bemidji for a few fish using Jig Raps and jigs and minnows in depths from 10-30’. If it’s cloudy and a bit of wind look for those fish fairly shallow, if it’s sunny look to the deeper areas. Bass fishing remains good in the deeper w**d edges using plastics. The crappies and bluegills seem to be roaming so staying on top of them is the key. Bigger bluegills are being caught out in 20+’. Pike fishing remains very good using about anything off the deeper w**d edges. I’ve got some openings for a guided fishing trip in September and October if you would like to book a trip or want any more information text or call 218-556-7172 or you can email me at [email protected].
Bemidji Area
The local walleye bite has picked up with Jiggin’ Raps, and jigs tipped with a minnow, crawler, or leech. Most fish are coming out of 12 to 30 feet on Lake Bemidji, Lake Andrusia, and the Turtle River Chain of Lakes. Bass fishing remains solid off the deeper w**d edges with plastics on most lakes and you’ll find crappies and bluegills in those same areas. Northern pike fishing remains good off the deep w**d edges of most lakes as well. Dick Beardsley Fishing Guide Service (218) 556-7172
Blackduck Area: Bluegill and crappie action remains strong along the 10- to 15-foot w**dlines on Pimushe Lake, Gull Lake, North Twin Lake, Gilstead Lake, and South Twin Lake. Walleye action has been somewhat inconsistent, with a few fish being taken with leeches or crawlers in 10 to 15 feet on Blackduck Lake and Island Lake. Reports from the first few days of bear baiting indicate plenty of activity, including multiple bears at a lot of bait sites. Timberline Sports And Tackle (218) 835-4636
Cass Lake Area: Jumbo perch and a few walleyes can be had on jigs tipped with minnows or a piece of crawler in 12 to 14 feet on Pike Bay Lake, Cass Lake, Lake Andrusia, and Kitchi Lake. Trolling crankbaits at night on top of the main-lake bars throughout Cass and Pike Bay also has turned walleyes in 6 to 8 feet. Bucktails are raising muskies on the 12- to 15-foot w**d edges throughout Cass and some are being found by scopers suspended over deep water. Look for bluegills in and around the 10- to 12-foot w**ds on Kitchi, Grace Lake, Big Rice Lake, and Midge Lake. Sunset Cove Resort (800) 279-4831 Sunsetcove-Resort.com
Upper Red Lake: lWalleyes continue to be caught on copper-colored spinner rigs with crawlers in 3 to 6 feet along the east shore, all the way up to the Sunny Beach area. The key is to simply cover water; shallow-running crankbaits would be another option in less than 6 feet. West Wind Resort (218) 647-8998
Lake Winnibigoshish
Walleyes continue to be taken with a spinner and crawler on the shoreline breaks and main-lake bars or flats in 10 to 15 feet or off the structure in 20 to 25 feet. You have to sort through small perch, but there’s plenty of them being caught around the 5- to 10-foot w**ds along the entire west shore. Pike are mixed with the walleyes or troll spoons for them in 10 to 15 feet. Lake Winnie Resort Association www.lakewinnie.net
Leech Lake: A spinner and crawler, slip bobber rigs, crankbaits, or a jig and piece of crawler are all in the mix for walleyes this week. Walleyes are scattered in Portage Bay over 13 to 16 feet, around Bear Island, Goose Island, Snake Pit, and Annex, in 10 to 18 feet – it’s been tough to find any numbers of fish less than 20 inches in length. Bucktails remain the best option for muskies on the 8- to 12-foot rocks and sand. Largemouth bass and panfish remain active in the 6- to 9-foot cabbage and rice bed edges in most bays. Reed’s Sporting Goods (218) 547-1505
Escape the ordinary and discover the magic of Minnesota's premier vacation destination - Lake Winnibigoshish, affectionately known as "Lake Winnie" by locals.
