Fishing this time of year

[ellroy2]

What are some of the more happening lakes for walleye this time of summer? We are heading up for a week on Thursday with a boat that we can take anywhere for the first time. What have the fish been biting on and what kind of structure and depth should we be checking out? Thanks

[jts]

I heard Loon Lake is HOT!!

[Dahitman44]

Big C has been on the slower side in the past few weeks. Actually Lief Lake right next to Big C has been giving up some nice, but a little big for the pan type of fish. the 3-5 pound range. Fun to catch and release.

Pelican has been good, but slowed since the opener. Franklin has been solid, as it always is. I have not heard much of Lida but would think that is a good sign.

Sallie was very good about three weeks ago.

Hope that helps.

[Bison9]

ellroy2, better head to Devils now... A lot of guys will sit on here and talk about sitting on breaks and jigging walleyes in and whatnot at this time of year. Not so... I was in the lakes area this weekend with the wife for our anniversary. I was lucky enough to wet a line for a little bit and all I could do was weed through a billion and five sunnies sitting on breaks and jigging / slip bobbering (I've done this way too many times now at this time of year with perpetual results as crappy as these). I have said it once and I'll say it agian, these MN walleyes (unless you're in MIlle Lacs) go out to 30 ft and lay there. Try hammered gold spinneres with bottom bouncers over 30 ft and you may manage a couple for the whole day. Also, as I was motoring, I did happen to see some suspended arcs over these 30 ft areas and I also saw some guys in the boat launch area with some deep diving shads and whatnot. This leads me to believe that next to bottom bouncer and spinner fishing in 30 ft of water for these inactive walleyes, maybe you could try trolling suspended at this time of year. But like I said, Devils is the key now... Sorry, but it's the truth if you ask me

[DEADhead]

there's a lot of young of the year fish around right now. With all of the forage available this time of year, fishing will start to slow down a bit, especially the walleye bite. That's usually why you hear about the bite slowing down in July and August.

With all the forage available, finding your bait is like finding a needle in a haystack. Your best bet will be to try and focus on area where the forage will be hanging out, like cabbage beds, and areas of structure, and hope a fish will take your bait. Water temp is also a factor to keep in mind. Many fish have been moving to deeper water areas, especially in lakes with thermoclines, to take advantage of higher O2 concentrations. Look for areas of deep water adjacent weed beds and/or structure. With river systems still being unusually high for this time of year, key in near areas around a river inlet. These are basically forage funnels where baitfish are channeled in, taking advantage of higher O2 concentrations, nutrient runoff, and increased invertebrate biodiversity and production. This will help increase your odds of finding fish.

Good Luck!

[eyehunter]

Quote:

---

These are basically forage funnels where baitfish are channeled in, taking advantage of higher O2 concentrations, nutrient runoff, and increased invertebrate biodiversity and production.

---

Oh, that's just great Deadhead. Now I have to get out the dictionary just to understand what you are talking about...

Just kidding, good post. I guess you must know what you're talking about. Anybody that can say "increased invertebrate biodiversity and production" and know what it means, must know a little bit about fishing......as you can tell, I do not know what it means, but I'll take your word for it.

[ellroy2]

Is there only one stream that runs into Lida and is there any structure nearby? I think we might just try that lake. That way if we can't catch a walleye, then we can maybe have some fun with smallies. So any summer spots or areas that are already well known would be appreciated. I'm not asking for any "secret" spots. Just something that would get us off to a good start on a new lake to us.

Also, just incase, what do smallmouth do this time of year?

[Fishin' Addict]

Whine . . . complain. . . complain - at least you have lakes to go waste the day on for wally's!!!! Devils lake, aren't they all like 18" or less out in ND

!!! Can't wait to head up there again in mid july for some deep water jiggin for the piggies on Cass Lake!!!

[dlsfinest]

There are a couple tiny cricks coming in, but Lida is in the Ottertail watershed, so its basically one. This lake is loaded with structure. 5600 acres. Lida has some smallies, but not a huge population and you'll usually catch them with the walleyes. The lake has alot of largemouths and panfish.

[DEADhead]

eyehunter, think plenty of bugs for fish to eat

[eyehunter]

Gotcha, thanks for clearing that up for those of us who aren't very bright.