We also saw thousands of anglers also partaking in fishing fun. The weather was on our side as well. Water temperatures are pushing over the 60-degree mark on most waters. Some brave souls have even been spending some time wading in water off of Barkers Island Beach and other area lakes.
Coming into the weekend and as of this report, we are receiving some much-needed precipitation. Future forecasts look promising for rain as well. If you plan on heading out, make sure to pack a rain jacket. You might also want to pack some bug spray as well as bugs are really starting to make their presence known, especially the mosquitoes. Just as the bugs hatch, plant growth is exploding, too, even under water. Before you know it we will be into new bites with the sprouting of new plant life. Here is what's happening:
Lake Superior anglers have been busy putting together nice days in and around the Duluth and Superior area. Besides the lakers, cohos, occasional brown and king, we can now add walleye to the mix. Most fish continue to come in waters of 30-80 feet, but some anglers looking for big fish are venturing off into deeper depths. Bright-colored stick baits, spoons and flasher-fly combos are starting to equally be effective. What’s becoming more important is finding active fish and dialing up the right trolling speed.
Chequamegon Bay's famed smallmouth bass bite is starting to kick into high gear as well. Anglers have been getting good fish ripping jerk baits on shallow flats. This bite will only get better and better in the coming weeks.
Stream angling reports trickling in are telling us that most steelhead have moved on to the next phase and best chances of hooking up will now be with brown trout and brook trout.
The St. Louis River was arguably the busiest fishery in Northeastern Minnesota this past week. Maybe the busiest opener ever? Most boat launches (even during the weekdays) continue to host a massive amount of truck and trailer parking. As reported last week, fish are well scattered throughout the whole system. We have been finding our better fish in the mid-to-lower sections of the estuary. Some are even reporting getting big aggressive walleyes in Lake Superior already. This week we learned a 33-inch walleye was caught and released off Wisconsin Point: congrats to Jake Magdzas!
Like Lake Superior, finding fish has been more important than what bait to use. With that said, we have been successful with jig and minnow and/or plastic, stick baits and crawler hauler rigs. What has become pretty interesting is the awesome perch we have been getting while fishing for walleyes. Our system is not notorious like that of Devils Lake for big perch, so it is nice to know we can grow them big. Not to mention some nice pike and bass coming boat-side as well.
Inland lakes in Minnesota and Wisconsin continue to see better bites going as well, especially panfish as they are starting to make their new homes during spawn. We have even found some largemouth bass have started making beds. On a side note, it is not a good idea to target fish sitting on beds as it can disrupt the spawning cycle.
Crappies are being reported all around the region as they have really started to turn on the feed bag. A simple float over a hair jig or crappie minnow will take some fish. Sunfish also have been going good in shallow waters of 1-6 feet using small worm chunks.
Walleyes have been holding tight to deeper breaks of 9-15 feet. Our best lure for catching said walleyes has been ripping soft plastics. Live bait is taking some fish, too. As usual, don't be surprised to lock up with pike and bass when fishing for both walleyes or panfish.
Lastly, I want to thank the DNT for the awesome article they wrote on me last week. That was awesome! All the best, Capt. Jarrid.
Jarrid Houston of South Range is a fishing guide (houstonsguideservice.com) on Minnesota and Wisconsin inland waters, the St. Louis River and, in winter, on Lake Superior.
The Link LonkMay 21, 2021 at 06:00AM
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Jarrid Houston column: Lots of anglers, lots of fish - Duluth News Tribune
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