Fishing Report for week of June 1, 2020
Steve Nosbisch
This time of year as things are beginning to change and the walleyes are transitioning more towards their summer patterns, it’s a good idea to bring the whole arsenal when searching for bitting fish. Jigs, Lindy rigs, slip bobbers, minnows, leeches, crawlers, and crankbaits have all put fish in the boat this week. The walleyes are beginning to spread out further away from their spawning grounds and are relating more and more to softer bottom areas where bugs are beginning to hatch. 5-15’ of water has been the most productive this week. When it is overcast and the wind is blowing the fish are relating to shallow rocks and weeds. A jig and minnow is a good way to target those activity feeding walleyes. When the lake is calm and it’s sunny look for the walleyes to spread out and disperse in slightly deeper water. Check 12-20’ of water close to shallow structure. Leeches and night crawlers seem to be the bait of choice on these days, or when the fish are in a neutral mood.
The weeds in the shallow bays of Leech Lake are beginning to green up and are showing lots of signs of life. Fish around the emergent green weeds and you’re sure to find bitting fish. Bass and pike can be caught casting spinner baits. Panfish leeches and night crawlers are sure to catch perch and panfish.
Muskie Opener Outlook:
With Muskie opener next weekend things are beginning to shape up nicely. The water is slowly warming up and the weeds are greening. The muskies should be done spawning by next weekend and should be looking for a meal. Quite a few muskies have been seen near the new weed growth this week. Casting smaller Muskie sized baits around the weeds should entice the shallow fish. Some muskies will be spending their time over open water recovering from the spawn. Trolling 8”-14” crankbaits over the open water of Walker Bay is a good way to target those fish.
Dick Weinberger
dicksguideservice.com
651-492-1646
Last week we saw the water temps actually go down a couple of degrees with the below average air temps and cool nights. Even with the strong winds mid week the bite was a bit off for this time of the year. We defiantly caught fish and the average size was up, with more 16-19 inch fish than previous weeks. We did have to work harder and move around more to get them. While some of the walleyes have moved off shore, others are still in the shallows especially in the evening or during the day with a good wind. Sucker Bay action picked up this week after being slower than normal this spring. Shinners are still the bait of choice and probably will be through this weekend. The leach bite has picked up and as always crawlers are affective for those that know how to fish them. For those proficient at fishing the weeds you will be rewarded for your efforts in both Sucker and Portage Bays.
Swanson’s Bait & Tackle
218-675-6176
Brought to us by Fish On Outdoors with Bill Hornung
Walleye- Water temps going up and down made fishing up and down. Shallow rocks when the wind blows on jigs and shiners (Leech Lakes water level is low is so be careful). Crawlers and leeches on breaks in the 8-12ft of water. Pay attention to the wind.
Panfish/Crappies- Cold air temps have pushed fish deep. Look for them to move back shallow as temps warm up.
Bass- Some lakes have started seeing bass bed up. Weeds and rocks, fishing will improve as we get warmer days.
Good Luck- #FishOn!
