Local Fishing Report for Sept. 10

9/10/10 – There are lots of fish in Cook County lakes, the trick is to know where they are and how to catch them. WTIP wants to help fill out your stringer by posting a weekly report on what’s biting and where.

 

GRAND MARAIS AREA

According to our fishing expert, Jon Muhich of Buck’s Hardware, inconsistent is the word for our favorite fish, Mr. Walleye. The inconsistent weather is the reason.
 

WALLEYES -- What we’ve heard is that going deep might be the only way to hook into some. 25 to 35 feet is where most are searching but you have to work pretty hard for them. In Saganaga and Seagull  try minnows on a Lindy rig with a slow drift over the flats. Once you find them you can try switching to a jig and minnow. Two Island, Twin and Elbow lakes could be a good idea but depending on the depth of the particular lake you’re at, concentrate on going a little deeper right now. Minnows and crawlers here might hook you up but stick with a slow drift. Water temperatures need to drop a bit before we really start seeing better action.
 

LAKE TROUT seems to be a better bet for most people. At Saganaga and Greenwood, reports are that the fish are from 60 to 80 feet. They’re suspended in the 40 to 50 foot range and slow trolling with spoons seems to be the way to go. Trout Lake is reporting some action at 50 to 60 feet and they’re suspended from 30 to 40 feet. Spoons here also are doing well but a jig and minnow should yield results too. Duncan and Moss lakes are a couple of other nice lakes to try. 50 to 60 feet down off the bottom, with minnows or ciscoes on a plain hook.
 

RAINBOW TROUT action is good as always. Crawlers off the bottom or a slow troll with a Mepps lure or Swedish Pimple are working for most people. Depths are fairly consistent in the 18 to 28 foot range. Our good old standby lakes include: Leo, Kimball, Esther, and Ram.
 

A little BROOK TROUT action is also being reported in a few lakes in the 15 to 18 foot range. Try using crawlers off the bottom and don’t forget your fly rod for a little evening action on Carrot, Shoe, and Thrasher lakes. Brookie fisherman don’t like to give up their spots so these are only a few easy access lakes.
 

Finally, SMALLMOUTH BASS action is still pretty good so check out your favorite spots like Hungry Jack, Devil Track or Saganaga if you’re looking for some fun. Remember to be careful as the water levels are down at most of the lakes and some of the landings could be touch and go.