September 6 Fishing Report

September 6, 2024

Large schools of baitfish along Lake Winnie’s shoreline are attracting walleyes, jumbo perch, and northern pike. Anglers are currently enjoying excellent mixed-bag fishing. Fall fishing has arrived, and for those who anticipate fall jig fishing, it's also underway. Last weekend, numerous fish were caught using jig-and-minnow techniques.

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Mid-June Through July is Peak Northwoods Action

There is a specific week every year when the Minnesota Northwoods hits its stride. It isn’t during the unpredictable early May, it happens right now, from mid-June through the end of July.

June 5th Fishing Report

It’s starting to feel like summer and the walleye presentations that are working the best, seem to be more summer focused. Spinner rigs tipped with fatheads and crawlers along with slip bobber techniques having been boating a lot of walleyes. The smaller water size walleyes on Winnie are holding in 9-14 ft of water for the most part. Areas with the best weed growth seem to be holding the most amount of fish. Photo and report courtesy of Lake Winnie fishing guide, Captain Jeff Johnson of Northern Drift Outfitters.

May 29th Fishing Report

High sun calm days sometimes require you to change your tactics, but also offer new opportunities. Jumbo perch have been shallow for the year so far. 3-5 ft. Three Sisters area and the west shore of Winnie have been producing some great perch action. If the walleye bite seems a little slow don’t be afraid to pursue new opportunities. Walleye fishing has remained strong. Good reports are coming in from across the lake. Many reports also of keeper size fish filling limits. Jigging is still the primary technique. 8-12ft. Look a little deeper on calm, sunny days. Photo and report courtesy of Lake Winnie fishing guide, Captain Jeff Johnson of Northern Drift Outfitters.

May 22nd Fishing Report

It’s jigging season on Winnie. Walleyes are being caught across the lake primarily under 14 ft still. There has been more reports of eater size fish showing up as well. Pitching, jig trolling and drifting are all working this year. Read the conditions and fish what is most effective for you. Photo and report courtesy Captain Jeff Johnson of Northern Drift Outfitters. Your Lake Winnie fishing guide.

May 15th Fishing Report

We are trending in the right direction. The weather is warming and fishing opportunities are expanding. The walleye bite on Winnie has continued to remain strong. Lots of fish being reported in the slot but the bite has been great. 6-10 ft seems to be the magical depths. Fatheads and 1/8 ounce jigs are all that is needed. Utilizing fatheads will also produce a few more quality perch bites as well. The perch are inside of the walleyes. From what I’m seeing they are inhabiting that 3-5ft of water and can be a little spooky. Pitching up shallow has worked well. Report and photo courtesy Captain Jeff Johnson of Northern Drift Outfitters. Your Lake Winnie fishing guide.

The Opener is in the Books: A Guide to Spring Fishing Success on Lake Winnibigoshish

The wait is finally over. The roar of outboard motors has officially signaled the start of the season at Lake Winnibigoshish. As any Winnie veteran knows, the Opener is more than just the start of a season; it is a high-stakes homecoming to one of the greatest walleye factories in the world. This year, the Opener coincided with Mother’s Day, making for a bustling weekend of family traditions and heavy livewells. While the weather always likes to keep us guessing in Northern Minnesota, the initial reports are in, and the message is clear: the fish are active, they are shallow, and the spring bite is officially "on." Now that the initial rush has settled, we are entering one of the most productive windows of the year.