Fishing Report:  July 12, 2010

     Water temperature in the Bemidji area lakes and Cass lake Chain of lakes have risen into the low to mid seventies in the last two weeks.   During most of June the water temp held into the high sixty degree range keeping the “bite” in pretty consistent pattern for most of June.  Panfish were holding on the spawning beds longer than normal as well as the “weed line” walleyes were still to be found.  

                The current pattern for the area walleyes is starting to separate.  While there are still some walleyes to be caught on the deep weed line, many have moved out on to the deep break and even the flats.   The holding depths for these fish will range from 13’-35’.  Walleyes will still bite all of the favorite bait choices such as minnows, leeches, and crawlers.  With the warmer water temperatures upon us try fishing with faster moving combinations such as spinners and crank baits.  Once locating concentrations of fish you may slow down if you wish, but often times they prefer the faster moving bait this time of year.  The perch bite has been good as of late with a jig and minnow combination over the shallow weeds (under 10’) producing plenty of action.  A good perch area will usually have a combination of sand/gravel as well as some sort of vegetation in the area.  Muskies have started with a much faster start than most years.  My muskie fishing groups have landed a fish each day out so far this year.  I know that will not last as they are called the fish of 10,000 casts for a reason, but it is a good indication that the early activity level was extremely good this year.  As a final note, the big pike started showing up last week.  The numbers have not been at the top yet, but the quality has been good with a couple pushing the 40” mark.  

Take care, practice good fishing ethics, and remember it is all public water.