Detroit Lakes Fishing Report (1/27/26)

The picture is a little blurry, but it's still a must see! Your hand would be trembling too, if you just witnessed your dad pull a 29" walleye out of the lake. 😃

While walleye fishing tends to get tough this time of year, my customers caught the biggest walleyes of the season this past weekend on Little DL. The crappie bite was solid too as it continues to grow to include daylight hours, which is great news! 

Waxies continue to catch panfish but medium-sized fathead minnows are a great choice for both crappies and ‘eyes.  Plus, that particular size of minnow “weeds out” the smaller crappies and bluegills.  

While the fish are biting, it is a very light bite, so you will miss countless opportunities if your gear or your hand is too heavy. Rod in hand is always the best option but also consider replacing rattle reel lines with deadsticks + baitfeeder reels. 5 lb line works well for panfish and walleye, but two deadsticks with 4 lb and 6 lb is even better!  This is how we're catching big walleyes...

I recommend Okuma Ceymar baitfeeder reel, but they make a less expensive model too. 13 Fishing released a baitfeeder this year too. All of these are good options!

On lakes other than Little DL, search deeper as the year progresses, 20’-25’ for walleye and 20’-60’ for suspended crappies. In 20'-25' you'll find suspended crappies, but also crappies mixed in with the bluegills on bottom. Upsize your lure/bait to avoid the smaller fish.

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Goodbye cold weather!

The cold weather will finally ease up starting Friday, and we should get a good stretch above zero. It's the perfect time to book an ice house rental! We still have an one ice castle and day house available this weekend, and a number of openings in February. Check it out by clicking on any of the options below.

Contact me any time if you have questions. My number is 701-261-3703. I hope to see you on the ice soon!