Detroit Lakes Fishing Report: Extended Edition (9/30/26)
Thanks for reading this week’s report! Here’s the scoop: the big minnow bite is on. You might catch a few fewer fish, but you'll quickly forget about that when a 25”+ walleye is diving beneath the boat and pulling your drag. While crawlers remain a good option, suckers and chubs on a jig have produced the biggest walleyes of the week.
As a side note, we’ve had more luck keeping them a little shallower than usual, around 15–18 feet. Additionally, there is talk of anglers further north having success running spinners with crawlers at a brisk 1.4–1.8 mph to catch walleye, so put that tip in your back pocket.
As for other species, bass and pike are getting in on the walleye action, as we’ve been finding them in less than 20 feet right alongside the walleyes. You’ll still find plenty of crappies and sunfish in less than 20 feet of water, but panfish are also schooling up much deeper. These deeper fish are fully exposed to front and side imaging, so use your electronics to guide your decisions. Lastly, while I haven't been actively targeting musky recently, I've spotted many 50+ inch monsters on my LiveScope—and they definitely aren’t walleyes!
A few important reminders before you head out: take your time reeling in big fish and check your drag before your first cast. If it's too tight, you risk losing the fish of a lifetime. Let the big ones run and pull out line within reason; once they tire out, you can start working the rod and get them into the net. This advice applies to all species, but it's especially critical when targeting big walleyes on light line.
Speaking of line, as water temperatures drop, non-braided lines become more of a liability—especially fluorocarbon. Be sure to inspect the last few feet of any mono or fluorocarbon line or leaders, and cut it off immediately if it's compromised in any way. Those final few feet fight on the front line in the trenches, and when the bite is on, they take the brunt of the wear and tear.
Overall, the bite is strong right now, and it might even improve by the weekend. Have fun and be safe on the water!
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