Detroit Lakes Fishing Report: Extended Edition (6/2/26)

For readers on the Detroit Lakes fishing report, this is the extended version of the fishing report with extra details and tips not included in any other version of the report found online. Thanks for reading!

The walleye and crappie bite has fluctuated a lot the past week, strongly relating to the barometric pressure.  The lower the pressure, the better the bite.  The bass and pike bite has been more consistent. Walleyes can still be found shallow, in 8’ for example, and deeper, in 13’-18’.  Between 10’-12’, you will find smaller pike in the mix.  The bass bite is strong near shallow vegetation such as visible lily pads and bull rush or pin reeds.  We slayed ‘em in 2’-3’ using weightless Texas-rigs tipped with plastic minnows.  White is a great color to start with, as you can often see the white disappear before you can actually feel the bite on your line.  If you haven’t tried this technique, now is the time to give it a shot.  It is an exceptionally fun way to fish for aggressive bass this time of year.  Notably, male largemouth bass were actively protecting breeding grounds.  We watched as they chased bluegills away from the visible gravel ovals they were guarding.  Bass anglers can sight fish these nesting grounds using bluegill colored plastics right now (or white, as mentioned above).  ‘Gill-colored shallow crank baits work too, but you’re more likely to get snagged in the weeds. Both baits work great this time of year!

Finally, surface water temperatures on area lakes are extremely variable right now — ranging from 63° to 73° — due to warm, sunny weather mixed with intermittent rain showers. A few hours of rain can easily drop surface temps by 5° to 6° right now.

I mention this because the volatility in water temperature can especially affect the walleye bite. And although this is just the surface temperature, which is not the same as the temperature of the entire water column, it is safe to say the optimal water temperature for the shiner bite is coming to an end for walleyes. I suggest bringing more live bait options with you from now on.

Thanks for reading and good luck out there!

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Join me on the Baxstar boat for a fishing trip here in the Detroit Lakes area. Not from around here? Book one of the many hotels or rental properties in the area and make the trip up north. It's worth it! You can book online in minutes at www.baxstarfishing.com. Questions, contact me, Brady, at brady@baxstarfishing.com or via text/call at 218-325-6857.

I look forward to seeing YOU on my boat this summer!