Summer time in the Brainerd Lakes Area is always full of action! I wish that these days would slow down a little bit, but three straight weeks of guiding sure does fly by! I love this time of year because it presents some many different fishing opportunities in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Walleyes have been in their summer patterns and seem to be schooled up pretty well. The best lakes have been Whitefish and North Long Lake this week. When looking for walleyes on area lakes, be sure to fish in, or by the cabbage weeds. Many people believe that walleyes will move out into deeper water during the summer and spend their time fishing big school of good “marks” and they will not bite. Active walleyes can be found in these big cabbage beds using them for shade and ambush points. A slip bobber tipped with a leech, a jig/minnow, and or a crankbait is all you need to locate these fish. Fishing the windy weed beds will be more productive. Some lakes have been kicking out walleyes in 20-28 feet using minnows and night crawlers on lindy rigs. One thing I try to remember is to not get stuck on just one school of fish, hop around until you find some hungry ones, and then check back on the others schools later, this will increase your catch rate.
Bass, sunfish, and northern have been super hungry as the water temps keep rising. Darker colored tubes or power worms have been great on North Long, Gull, and Round Lakes. The bass are schooled up between 3 and 20 feet of water and once you catch a couple stick in that general spot because there will be more hanging around. The sunfish/crappies have been in the deeper weeds and suspended off the weed lines that have nice cabbage weeds growing on them. Small spinner baits or small crankbaits will help you located these schools, and then focus in on that area.
Enjoy the week, the weather looks amazing! I have muskies on my brain, and hopefully by the end of the week, a few in the net!
Have a great week, after fishing check out VistitBrainerd.com for all the exciting events to enjoy in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area!
Thanks!
Tim Hanske
Leisure Outdoor Adventures
Visit Brainerd
(855)-562-4665
