Water temps around Bemidji area are still in the upper 60’s to low 70’s depending on the size of the lake. Weed growth overall has been very good in our area and is drawing a lot of fish to these areas.
Walleye – we have been finding our walleyes in 6’-10’ on the edge of cabbage covered breaklines. We have been jigging with a 3/16 oz Clam TG jig tipped with a spottail during the day and slip bobber with a leech in the mornings and evenings. We have been targeting the warmest parts of the lake we can find and finding more active fish!
Perch – we’re finding our perch in the shallow (4’-6’) cabbage beds and flats just off pencil reeds. Slip bobber and a small leech have been the go to ticket for the jumbos! Move around until you find the right school of big ones!
Bluegill/Crappies – a lot of our bluegills and crappies have been coming together off of main lake humps and points with 8’-12’ cabbage. We are using a slip bobber setup with 1” Gulp Alive minnows. Mid afternoon into evening as the water temps rise for the day has been the best time.
Musky – the musky action has been great to start the season. Muskies are very scattered right now between open water and structure. Our best bite as of late has been on structure closest to the deep basins. Humps, points and cabbage flats in that 4’-8’. Fish are starting to make their way from open water back to structure. Bucktails and prop style topwaters has been best. Don’t hesitate to still check open water as there are fish still using it. Use more pull pause style baits and rubber. Keep an eye on the moon phases as we are seeing very intense eating windows within the majors and minors!
Guide John Holmgren
