Where are the fish biting?

Left: Gunflint Pines Resort saw some successful fishermen last week. Brian “Bubba” Finke of Grand Marais caught and released a nice 29.5-inch walleye on Gunflint Lake. His guides were Jaret and Wyatt Baker.

From the great fish photos we’ve been receiving here at the Cook County News-Herald, it looks like the season is off to a great start. For the anglers out there who need a little help finding a good fishing hole, Jon at Buck’s Hardware and Tyson at the Beaver House provide some tips from local fishermen.

Both Tyson and Jon have heard that Hungry Jack Lake has been good, with walleyes still shallow (under 10 feet). Fishermen are still using leeches and minnows as bait. Northern have also been caught while trolling with spoons in shallow water. Sucker minnows and a bobber have also enticed northern onto the hook.

More walleyes can be found on Lake Saganaga, said Tyson. He said the larger fish can be found in the shallows and smaller ones deep.

Elbow Lake is also doing fairly well, according to both men. Jon said spinners seem to be the tackle of choice.

Homer Lake fishermen who avoided the rocks found some nice walleyes in shallow water using jigs with minnows or leeches.

Above: Cole Thompson of Hermantown caught a huge 41-inch northern.

Crescent and Caribou lakes have also been having decent signs of fish—also shallow.

Lake trout action is going strong at Mayhew, Duncan, Trout, Leo, and North and South lakes. Jon said trout are “high in the column” so he recommends trolling with spoons and Rapalas.

Splake are hitting on Mink, Trestle Pine, and Musquash lakes, according to the fishermen stopping by the Beaver House.

And Tyson has heard good reports on stream and river fishing. Steelhead are still being caught in Brule, Cascade, Temperance, and Poplar rivers. Be careful though— water is high!