Bemidji Area Report/Update...

[Matt Breuer]

Fishing in the Bemidji area has taken a bit of a hit, and anglers have to work a little harder for their walleyes than they did a week or two ago. The jig bite is a thing of the past, and people rigging crawlers or leeches on the breaklines are starting to out-produce the guys fishing with jigs in shallow. Bottom bouncers and spinners with a crawler is also working very well on outside weed edges and off the breaks. The crankbait bite remains good over the sand and cabbage, as well as around mid-lake rocks and rubble. Salmo Hornets in 6-11' of water going 2.4 mph has been working well for us.

Bass are hot right now, with smallmouth on the ledges waiting to ambush their next meal, and largemouth in the deep vegetation soaking in the 77 degree water temps.

Panfish anglers should all rejoice, as July is the month of the plate-sized bluegill and the mid-summer slab crappie. Look for deep cabbage, and work it over with safety pin spinners or a bobber and wax worm. Mid-lake structure with cabbage is the best this time of year.

Musky anglers are reporting a hot bite right now, with people seeing or catching fish on most every trip. Many of our walleye clients have lost baits or even fish due to muskies being overly aggressive. I'd venture to guess that now is the time for the musky hunters to smile.

Plenty of fish to be had before summer is over! Give us a call!

[Matt Breuer]

Fishing in the Bemidji area has changed a lot over the last week. We're seeing major algae blooms on many of the area lakes, and the walleyes are much more apt to eat your offerings in shallow water, and the daytime bite has really taken off. Pulling spinners and bottom bouncers with nightcrawlers is really working well, as are crankbaits. The deeper fish are also biting on cranks using leadcore or bouncers and spinners as well.

Musky anglers continue to have great success with the high water temps. Lots of fish are being boated, including several 50" fish. The dog days of summer are the best days to chase active muskies.

Panfish are also still very active, and meals of crappies or bluegills are easy to come by. Look to the deep weed edges with a simple bobber set up our casting jigs or beetle spins.

Wild edible season is also in full force, and a lot of our clients are taking time to pick some berries or chanterelles mushrooms.

Come on over for some great fishing! www.northcountryguides.com

[Matt Breuer]

Well it's official, the spinner bite is where it's at if you're a walleye angler. We've been working deep flats near mid-lake humps, even sliding up close to the top of the structure when the wind is blowing. 19-26' has been the best range with 2 oz. bottom bouncers and spinners tipped with crawlers.

Toward evening or on overcast and windy days, trolling crankbaits over the top of cabbage weeds or rocks has been working well.

Panfish and bass are still enjoying the hot, humid weather. Deep weeds for the crappies and bluegills has been deadly, and some very nice fish have been hitting.

We can't believe how fast the summer has gone by... Bear baiting starts in 2.5 weeks! There's still time to get in that last minute summer fishing trip though, so give us a visit! www.northcountryguides.com