Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

2020 Cass Lake Fishing Reports


Recommended Posts

When we got there Thursday morning I would say there was about 15-18" on the lakes we were fishing, more on the south sides I am guessing due to the NW winds blowing it over there. We got about 2-3" more on Thursday night and then about 5" more on Saturday night. I would say there is close to 2' of snow or maybe more in some cases everywhere right now. given the 30-40 degrees all of this week it should pack down some by next weekend but I am not sure that is good or bad for travel as it wont be as fluffy. Just watch out and be ready for slush pockets! Lots of weight on the ice right now.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fished a couple days last week south of Leech. Woman was slow, one walleye one northern. Enough snow to make driving a truck sketchy. Never got stuck-stuck, but had to rock a couple times. 

A small lake near Woman put out some nice gills. Like stated above, lots of slush on this lake. My bobber rod was floating a couple inches above the hole. 

This was before the most recent snows, and there was already a good foot on the ground in windblown areas. 

It was dang near knee deep in the woods. Checked my trail cams that got left up...first wolves on camera.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Lots of snow still on the lakes and snowmobiles seem to be dang near the only option to get out where you want to go. Tulibee are going on Winnie, perch and pout seem to be the ticket on Cass. I plan on getting out tomorrow somewhere with my brother. Will report on what we find. 

  • Thumbs Up 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went and fish pout mostly the last two weeks. It’s been hit and miss but fun nonetheless. Finding them lately with. Spawning marks and in depths from 15-36 feet, just depends on the night. My buddy even pulled up a nice whitefish last night. Lake travel is still tough, lots of snow and drifting that’s slowly getting melted down.  30+ inches of ice though  C0B89B8D-2854-4884-915B-6D86934D2584.thumb.jpeg.b09f71c324f5a1b5af441c871e78235e.jpegF0821A39-7702-4F10-B938-696A5BDE7762.thumb.jpeg.fc0ad2c7b83a33ccf15ab5d296428253.jpeg647AABD6-F999-4FC7-9DCC-22EF9515F3C7.thumb.jpeg.62439554fe221146de015e15b539e196.jpeg398C5F2E-C283-491D-8978-C070C105647F.thumb.jpeg.a2b826fde4ddcfd717ebdc196e954b2e.jpeg

  • Thumbs Up 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

I got out on the Cass Lake chain this weekend with a group of 10.  We found walleyes still hanging out shallow and scattered.   Jigging with shiners or gulp in 4-10 fow got several walleyes in the livewell.  With the heavy wind we also had a good daytime crank bite.  In the evening trolling cranks was productive as well. 

Saturday morning I stuck a 43" musky trolling for eyes.20180519_090008.thumb.jpg.22f18a42e367e88f587ff8429d3cb200.jpg

Not a great photo but I was fishing by myself and wanted to get it released quickly.

Panfish were hard to pin down with them bouncing shallow and then disappearing with each weather change.  With wind gusting to 25+ miles per hour finesse presentations were difficult.

Water temps ranged from 53-60 degrees.

  • Thumbs Up 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

Day one...

Wind 16-25 mph out of the ESE made for some rough fishing so my wife relaxed back on shore.  Didn't get out until noon time and fished until 4 pm ended up with 2 nice walleyes and several small ones tossed back.  Jig and a leech in 17-19 fow was what they wanted today.   

Went out for a couple hours in the evening with the wind backing off very slightly.  Kept another 3 nice eaters.  Crankbaits up shallow did the damage.  Tossed back several small eyes as well.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

Well here's a day 5 update I believe.

We've had sime oretty unstable weather with wind switching several times 180 degrees, storms and did I mention the wind?   Man it has just been howling.  Fish have been hard to pin down.  One day in 8-12 fow and the next 25 fow.  A jig and shiner have been the hot setup but shiners are in short supply.   A jig and leech or crawler have been effective at times.  The evening bite has been hit and miss.  One thing's for sure is that there are a lot of small eyes active with about 1/4 of fish catch being 15" or larger.  Tons of 13-14.5" eyes being caught.  

Today the wind was blowing 25+ mph and fish on the edges if structure were hard to finesse.  I noticed some significant mud slicks being formed and looked for a flat in a wind funnel area that was really stirred up.16172.thumb.jpeg.27a2698ae86f20f8d6530e824f8701e1.jpeg  I started trolling cranks shallow and made contact with hungry eyes right away.  I sorted for a couple hours and then got chased off by the weather.   After the storms passed I headed out for an evening trolling cranks.  The eyes were crushing the baits but most were under 15".  Although I did get in some nice ones as well.

20180615_114743.thumb.jpg.db537e205d570a9309a7f451a2891cd5.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

Well time for one last fishing report for Cass Lake. Water temps are in the low to mid 70s.  Walleye fishing continues to go well.  During the day eyes are being caught in 8-12 or 15-21 fow.  Walleyes are biting on pretty much all livebait offerings during the day.  Key is that with the very clear water you need to get the baits far away from the boat as they are spooking away. Once you see these fish visually it is very hard to get them to bite.

In the evening trolling crankbaits shallow has been effective.  If you're not getting bit move to a different spot.  The fish are up and active.  Here's my livewell after a friend and I pulled cranks for a couple hours one night this week.

20180620_112124.thumb.jpg.05133d75843542b5e5c6fb3021daf0e4.jpg

Here's a pic of a cute musky I caught on a gulp leech and 1/8 oz jig in 20 fow.

20180617_145520.thumb.jpg.f422f10c1de54466ed2b9ab5ca42b455.jpg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

For those looking for some decent perch they seem to be hanging in the reeds chasing crawfish and minnows.   Some real dandies in there if you're in the right patch of reeds.  Not many out on the flats yet.

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 9 months later...

Does anyone have any info they might share on the ice conditions on and around  Cass. ATV travel ??  An perch bite to speak of ?? 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Nice fish Borch... never really targeted them in the summer time... might have to give it a whirl.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

This weather is making it tough to get out and pinning down a consistent bite.  Wind had blown out if every imaginable direction in the past 5 days along with frequent storms keeping us off the lake.  With that said this us what I know.

 

Walleyes are still going at night on cranks in 5-8 fow.  During the day can be found on 16-25 fow and are biting on crawlers,  leeches and shiner minnows.   Perch are still on flats in 4-8 fow and you'll need to sort to get the nice ones.  Sunfish and crappies are still in the reeds in Allen's Bay and Kitchi.

 

Water temps have been up and down a lot this week. Currently we have 67-70 degrees in the spots I fished yesterday. 

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • I Like it 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...
  • 2 months later...
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

Screenshot_20200117-224518_Facebook.thumb.jpg.482cb817f79e577b62549e27ae3974d0.jpgCass Lake Lodge Report

Chris was out checking ice conditions today. We got a new 6” of snow yesterday but the ice is finally setting up. Ice thickness is 14-16” with 4-6” top layer of bad ice. Four wheeler traffic is still possible with not much slush.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

If you're planning to head up and need info, let us know. If your coming back, please share your pics and report.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Just returned from three days of perch fishing at Cass and Pike Bay. Both are kicking out ALLOT of perch, but more sorting is required at Pike. Ice is in great shape, and you can drive full size trucks anyplace you want to go.  There were lots of folks on the shallow flats around the big island on Cass, all the way up into 5', but the shallows were better very early, or late in the day. We caught fish all the way out to 32' on transitions, and in the 15' 20' range on many reefs. Minnow heads, euro's, waxies, all seemed equally effective, couple 12'' were our best fish.

I think it'll just keep getting better in the next week or so, as the temps ramp up a bit, and the weather stabilizes. 

I owe a very belated shout out to Borch who steered me in the right direction on Cass last year. THANKS !

Good luck if you can get a couple more trips in.    

Edited by Sculpin
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

A special Thank you to @Borch from @Sculpin. Pics from assorted contributors on FM. Nice report Sculpin.

Pike Bay is not part of Leech Lake. It is just south of Cass Lake. Both are close to Cass Lake, MN. Sucker Bay on Leech Lake can be dynamite for perch as well.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

@Sculpin. Glad the info from earlier worked out for you.  Wish I could have made it up that direction this winter.   But the lake conditions kept me away.  Should make for more quality perch this summer when I get up there.  ?

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • I Like it 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey, just wondering how much ice there is, and shorelines? Wheelhouses still ok to bring out there? Thanks for any info!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've never fished Leech Lake. Just to get my bearings, I tried to find Pike Bay using Google Maps but was unable to locate it. Also looked for it on my GPS with no luck. I did find Pike Bay on the southern end of Cass Lake. Can someone clarify?

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators
49 minutes ago, BobT said:

I've never fished Leech Lake. Just to get my bearings, I tried to find Pike Bay using Google Maps but was unable to locate it. Also looked for it on my GPS with no luck. I did find Pike Bay on the southern end of Cass Lake. Can someone clarify?

Pike Bay is not part of Leech Lake. It is just south of Cass Lake. Both are close to Cass Lake, MN. Sucker Bay on Leech Lake can be dynamite for perch as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators
1 hour ago, black otter said:

Hey, just wondering how much ice there is, and shorelines? Wheelhouses still ok to bring out there? Thanks for any info!

Right now it's fine. 

 

Hopefully a few of you who head up will enjoy and report back. ??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, black otter said:

Hey, just wondering how much ice there is, and shorelines? Wheelhouses still ok to bring out there? Thanks for any info!

As of Saturday afternoon, ice conditions were excellent both along the public landing at Pike Bay, and the resort landings along the south shore of Cass, and the public landing at the rest stop.  I'm not one to promote ice thickness, but I drilled for 3 days on both lakes, and I guess I never saw anything less than  25" of solid clear ice, with some long frozen white/slush on top. Shorelines had not deteriorated at all, and there were in fact numerous wheelhouses on both Cass and Pike Bay on Sat. I drove a Ford F150 everywhere. Call the local resorts for updates. Cass Lake lodge, Sah Ka Tay etc. they will steer you appropriately. As you know shorelines can take a beating quickly, and can make access challenging. There is also a good crappie, gill bite going on some the of the area lakes up there. Portage, Pimushe, Big, etc.  Winnie is also kicking out allot of perch, but they average smaller. Again, call ahead, and talk to the resorters.

Good luck if you go !!

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks a lot. I’ll call resort Friday. I’m hoping Saturday still looks good with the warm up. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
    • 11-87
      Looking for recommendations on scope or red dot    I basically hunt turkey and whitetail, live in southern MN. So it’s all deer/ shotgun    looking to add a scope/ red dot as my eyes don’t work like they used to to with the open sights.    my gun options are 11/87 12. Browning BPS 12    not looking for the most expensive or the cheapest    pros and cons of one over the other
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.