Where are the fish biting?

Sagonto Resort had a celebrity of sorts fishing there last week—Leroy Chiovitte. Chiovitte (pronounced shi-vah’-tee) has held the record for the state record walleye since 1979. His record catch weighed in at 17 pounds 8 ounces. He caught the state record walleye with his fishing partner, Lorin Palmer, who also joined him on his recent visit to Sagonto. The men had another fabulous day of fishing on Lake Saganaga on June 10. Chiovitte, 76, of Hermantown and Lorin Palmer, 78, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota are holding the 31-inch and 21-inch walleyes caught on June 10. Marco Manzo III of Sagonto Resort noted “Leroy is one of the few who can call a 31-inch walleye a ‘baby.’”

Jon at Buck’s Hardware Hank reports:

The smallies are plentiful and some are quite large. Pike, Poplar, Hungry Jack, and Crescent lakes are all producing fish. Many are in the 4- to 8-foot range. Try nightcrawlers, leeches or plastic worms as all seem tempting to them. A couple of people noted the fish were attacking aggressively. They must be staking out territory. Don’t forget the Rapalas either.

The walleye action has toned down a bit. Though a really nice 9½-pound monster was brought in, I’d have liked to see that one returned, but I’m not sure of the situation surrounding the catching of that particular fish. (First one that large, too much of a bleeder or whatever…) Let’s remember to take pictures and measurements, everyone. You don’t need the actual fish to have a mount made.

Sue Poché caught a doozy of a northern while fishing off her dock on May 26. She was trying to catch a crappie using a light rod and No. 4 test line as well as the “itty-bittiest minnow possible.”

A few lakes to try out for walleyes include Crocodile, Birch, and Binagami. It seems as though the fish have gone deeper and are in that 18- to 25-foot range. Leeches and minnows are still going strong. Again, don’t forget about your favorite brookie or splake lake.

Tyson at the Beaver House said walleyes are biting on Devil Track, Crescent, and there are good reports on Sag and Seagull with pink Beaver Flicks and a leech.

Brook trout and splake are biting good on Mink, Kimball and Trestle Pine lakes.

Northern pike are biting all over, as are smallmouth bass.

Steelhead are being caught at the mouths of the rivers.