Not much has changed around here in the last week, the fishing still remains so-so, with days that reflect good fishing and days that are just plain tough. Water temps are still pretty low for this time of year (low 70’s compared to typical upper 70’s even into the low 80s’ on the surface) and fish are being caught in some more fall-ish area’s. I’m sure the water temps are confusing some of our cold blooded creatures into thinking its quite later in the year than it actually is, which could turn out to be a good thing.
I’d still recommend you continue trolling crank baits on the mid-lake reefs and shorelines in the 8-12 foot ranges, Perch, Crawfish and Firetiger colors will work best, most area’s are giving up fish, just higher numbers of Northern Pike than Walleye at the moment. Submarine Island, Mokey Reef and North Bar are going to be some of the best areas for picking up some Pike and the occasional keeper Eye. The shallow area’s around the south and northern tips of Bear Island are giving up walleye to crankbaits and jigs with minnows or leeches
pictured abover from L to R: Will Medvec from St. Cloud, MN with a nice days catch of 4 Walleye and 4 Pike, he caught his share while trolling shad raps with his grandma and grandpa Ron and Jane Brown also from St. Cloud, MN. Jane has been coming to Big Rock for over 60 years! and Mike Emerson Jr. from Hudson, WI with a dandy Walleye he caught while bottom bouncing a leech and a spinner. The featured image up top while not fishing related, but contains many fisherperson’s is a shot of the Nordby family from various area’s around Minneapolis and St. Paul. They have been coming to Big Rock for over 20 years, its wonderful to see all the generations, we really love all your company, keep coming back!
Perch are still biting to some degree in Sucker Bay and the Walker Narrows, along with Uram and Miller Bays. Many many small fish will have to be sorted out to get a batch for the pan, but its well worth the effort, they are mainly being caught with jig and a minnow, or bobber fishing with small pieces of Night Crawlers.
Muskie action seems to have taken a step in the right direction, 2 were caught at the resort last week (46 inch and 42inch) one was caught at Mokey Reef with a bucktail, the other was caught on Big Rock Reef with a Jake (crankbait) there has been many reports of multiple follows, swirls and strikes throughout the lake, I’m sure the Muskies are liking the cooler water temps. This should be just the start of a fantastic fall fishing season for these big girls.
While the kids are getting ready to head back to school, the fish here in Leech Lake are getting ready to bite your bait. Fall is easily the best time of year to fish here, with cool days and nights its very a comfortable time of the year. We would love to see you.
Thanks for reading
Come see us at Big Rock Resort
Ray
