by Tanner Spicer
People are getting back on the water, both in and out of the BWCA, but fishing success has been a mixed bag.
As happens about this same time every year, fishermen are asking for leeches, but like most every other year at this time, they are few and far between. Leeches however are not necessary for a stringer full of walleyes.
Eater-sized walleye can be found in 12-15 feet of water hiding in the weedy flats, abrupt breaks and off points. Troll a night crawler on a two or three hook crawler harness along the edge of the weed-beds to locate them.
You can try jigging a crawler or minnow tipped ¼ oz. jig in the weeds or off classic walleye structure. Many fishermen have reported great results with Rapala Jigging Raps as well. For larger walleyes, head a little deeper and vertical jig over rock piles or off steep drops in 18-25 feet of water. Again, jig a crawler or a Jigging Rap or toss a VMC Bucktail Jig or Rapala Slab Rap.
Northern pike are in the weedy shallows; smaller and moderate sized pike can be found in 3-8 feet with large pike in 8-12 feet of water. Work directly through the weeds with top-water crankbaits, weedless spoons, spinners or a Northland Weedless Jungle Flippin’ Jig. Troll or cast the weed front edge with Rapala’s, a Doctor Spoon, Mepps Spinner or large soft-plastic swimbait.
The best approaches for bass are still topwater crankbaits and finesse tactics like Ned Rigs, Whacky Worms and Tube Jigs. Work through heavy weed-cover or over rocky flats with The Northland Weedless Jungle Flippin’ Jig, a ¼ oz. jig with a crawfish pattern soft plastic, Rapala Mooch Minnow or a Mimic Minnow.
Panfish are eagerly taking crappie minnows followed a close second by night crawlers. A simple hook suspended under a slip-bobber set to about 8 feet in 12-15 feet of water with tall cabbage is best. Small Mimic Minnows and Beetle-Spins cast and retrieved using ultra-light gear is another great way to have a whole lot of fun catching live-well full of crappies for dinner.
Stream trout are running about 20-25 feet in Tofte and 10-15 in Miners. Fishing from the docks or offshore, a night crawler under a slip bobber is going to be the most effective, if you’re on Tofte, Glacier Ponds or similar trout lake, you can also float the night crawler a couple of feet off the bottom with the bail set open and the crawler inflated.
If you are hitting the lake in a boat, troll a Swedish Pimple, small Salmo or small Rapala. Lake trout are deeper yet. Jig large tube jigs, bucktail jigs, Dr. Spoons or Laker Takers. Troll Laker Takers, Dr Spoons, Swedish Pimples, Reef Runners and large Salmos using lead-core line.
