Detroit Lakes Fishing Report: Extended Edition (10/22/26)

The turnover has been a doozy this year, and hard to predict. High winds and vast temperature changes have contributed to this. Walleyes are very deep on some lakes, up to 40', but you’ll start to find them shallower on lakes that have turned over. It won’t be a smooth transition. Fishing for any species in depths beyond 25' to 30' increases the risk of barotrauma, which is a silent killer, especially at 40'. If they don’t die right away, they will die eventually from the trauma. In other words, plan to keep fish caught deeper than 25' to 30'. Or choose not to fish that deep. There are fish shallower right now, but they are all mixed together, so you’ll catch other species too. To add to that, all species are a bit scattered. We’re catching pike in 10' to 28' and crappies as shallow as 5'.

For walleyes, finesse tactics are key right now. A jig and minnow is leading the way, followed by a drop shot or a Lindy rig. All three keep a minnow right in front of an eye without a lot of commotion, and that’s what’s getting bit.

If you’re seeing walleyes scattered on your electronics, consider slow trolling a Lindy rig or spinner to cover more ground. When you mark small packs of fish or large baitfish schools, stop and cast. Scattered fish are exactly what this turnover has handed us, so letting the boat do the searching beats sitting on one spot hoping they come to you.

I’ve seen a lot of walleyes deep, but once the sun dips below the horizon, go shallow. That evening move does double duty. You’re fishing where the eyes are heading, and you’re out of the 25' to 30' range where barotrauma becomes a problem, so releasing fish is back on the table. Just remember the shallow fish are mixed right now, so don’t be surprised when something other than a walleye grabs that minnow.

Have medium and large minnows on hand. Some nights one size outproduces the other, and having both in the bucket lets you switch instead of guessing.

Pelican’s east access dock is still in the water. Big Cormorant’s docks have been pulled. Now you know.

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Thanks for reading and good luck out there!