Detroit Lakes Fishing Report (7/22/25)

Thanks for reading this expanded edition of the Detroit Lakes fishing report. As always, you get a little more insider information from this version of my fishing report. 

Here’s the scoop.  The walleye bite slowed considerably this past week due to the cold front that came through.  The bite should pick up but it will likely be hot and cold, due to the variable weather in the forecast.  Downsize and slow down your presentation to increase your odds.  We’ve had the most luck in 20’-25’ using finesse techniques, such as a drop shot with a leach or ned rig tipped with a plastic.  Keep your rod tip high toward the sky when using these techniques (or a jig), and retrieve your bait slowly. I had a young man on my boat pull in 7 walleye in a matter of minutes using a 3/8 oz. VMC "NRJ Ned Rig Jig" tipped with a Crush City "Ned BLT" plastic (Goby color), made by Rapala. These plastics are incredibly tough and stretchy so they last a long time. You can check out both of these items and order your own by clicking here (jig) and here (plastic). It's actually made to target bass, so you will catch some nice smallies with it too, in the same depth as the walleyes.

The largemouth bass bite continues to be the best bang for your buck, and you’ll find them by shore or midlake.  Focus on weed lines in 8’-12’ and other structure near shore, such as docks, fallen trees, or lily pads.  Crappies are also biting on jigs and plastics in that same depth on both Pelican and Detroit.  Good luck out there and have fun!

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