Detroit Lakes Fishing Report: Extended Edition (10/29/26)

Fishing has really turned on this past week, and the walleye bite has been phenomenal! Turnover has finally wrapped up on most lakes, which means that transition period is over. The walleyes are fat right now, and they’re biting on big minnows. You’ll find them anywhere from 16 to 22 feet at the moment, but expect them to keep inching shallower as the season progresses, especially during low-light hours. There are some big pike and muskies mixed in at those same depths, and they’ll take a shine to those same big minnows. Set your drag and be prepared. And I can’t emphasize the word “big” enough. I’m talking bigger minnows than you’d normally use, maybe bigger than you’d ever imagine putting on a hook. Big minnows need big hooks, too. I’m a big fan of 1/0 hooks, but I know other anglers that go as big as 2/0. Lastly, bring your waders with you. Docks have been pulled and the water is cold!

For those of you still reading, here’s how we’ve been catching them.

We’ve been running 6+ inch chubs and redtail minnows on a live bait rig, or “Lindy” rig if that’s what you grew up calling it, and moving the boat back and forth over the fish. The number one tip I could give most anglers is “slow down,” and it applies here more than anywhere. The target speed for live bait rigging is .3 mph. That’s barely moving, and it feels wrong the first few passes, but a walleye in 20 feet of cold fall water isn’t going to chase a minnow that’s flying past its face.

Keep your bail open with your finger on the line. When you feel a tap, let go, and that’s when the count begins. Every day is different, but 5 to 8 seconds is usually best with big minnows. A walleye needs time to turn a bait that size and get it headfirst. If the fish tugs hard from the start, don’t wait! Flip the bail and start reeling. That hard pull means it already has the whole minnow, and the longer you sit there the more likely it swims into something or spits it.

This is also when your drag matters. Too tight and you’ll break the line, too loose and the fish will let go. With pike and muskies sitting in the same water as the walleyes, you don’t get to pick which one eats the chub, so set it before the first drop and not after you’re already hooked up.

Good luck and keep warm!