Detroit Lakes Fishing Report: Extended Edition (8/26/25)
- Brady Baxter
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Welcome! This Extended Edition of the Detroit Lakes Fishing Report is released every week, and it contains even more tips and insider information than other editions. Enjoy!
The strong walleye bite continues in the 412 area and you can find them at almost any depth. I’ve found active schools of eater-sized walleye in 28’-32’, but I have also marked schools of ‘eyes (including some bigger ones) and other species in 15’ or less between thick weeds where the bottom is harder. In between those depths, along deep weedlines in 18’-24’ we’ve enjoyed catching a mixed bag of walleye, sunfish, and bass (smallmouth and largemouth, depending on the lake). The 18'-24' depth range provides an incredible opportunity for you and your family as you can fish for walleye on the edge of the weedline, while your kids fish for more aggressive species just a few feet into the weeds.
Anglers can get away with vertical jigging or any other method in depths of 20’ and deeper without spooking the fish, while you will want to use forward facing sonar and/or side imaging (if available) to help you stay 50’ or more from schools found in shallower water. After catching a handful of walleye from a school, prepare to follow the school and/or switch your presentation to give conditioned fish something new to chase. This has been true for schools or smaller pods found in any depth.
Most presentations are producing fish, so take your pick. Personally, I prefer a dropshot and tungsten jig in the gold or white variety. Crawlers are king for walleye, but also for bass and sunfish. Minnows have also been effective, especially medium sized minnows on a slip bobber rig. I recommend having both live bait options with you at all times. If the bite turns red hot, that is the perfect time to determine which plastics are most effective.
Thanks for reading this extended edition of the Detroit Lakes Fishing Report! To all of you heading out on area lakes over the next week, good luck out there. Tight lines!
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