The fishing across the Alexandria area remains excellent. In fact it’s arguable one of the best bites across the state right now. Normally by July the bite has slowed or at least gotten more unpredictable, but not this year. Due to the cooler than normal spring, we’ve had one of the most consistent bites I’ve experienced. The fish are showing no signs of letting up so I expect the great bite to continue right into mid-July.
Over the past few weeks the walleye have transitioned from minnows to leeches and night crawlers. As the water has warmed my presentation has gotten faster and faster. In early June the temps were quite cool, so I trolled my Lindy rigs very slow, almost stopping at times. Now a few weeks later with water temps much warmer and in the mid 70’s, the fish are hitting spinners or crank baits being pulled at over 2mph. With that said there are conditions where I still need to fish very slow. For example, with less than ideal walleye conditions like, calm water and clear skies or after a cold front has moved through.
The majority of the fish I’m catching are right on the weed lines, whether it be, bass, northern, walleye, crappie or sunfish. Depending on the water clarity weed lines will vary in depth. A weed line is the depth at which weeds no longer have enough sunlight to grow. Finding a weed line with a basic locator is quite easy. I generally drive from deep water to shallow water watching my locator closely. Your locator will show a smooth bottom until you reach 20-14 feet of water, then the bottom will appear to be “bumpy” that is your weed line. Once you’ve located the weed line your fish will be scatter along the edge or right in the edge of the weeds.
(Quick Tip) Troll a night crawler on a Lindy rig along the weed line to locate a school of sunfish (bluegill). Many people are very surprised I fish so deep for sunfish, but the weed line is a great place to catch big sunfish. Once you’ve located them, anchor the boat and cast out a bobber and a jig with a worm to catch your supper!
July is looking to be a great month for fishing as well. The weeds are shorter than normal which makes fishing right in them much easier. In a few weeks the weeds may become much taller and thicker so fishing the edge of the weeds will be the best option. Regardless of the weed conditions the fish will be near the weeds waiting for an easy meal.
Whether you like to fish, swim, boat, hike, bike or golf there’s no better place to do them all than Alexandria! Summer is upon us so grab the family and make some memories!
For the most current fishing information click and listen to the audio report at the top of the page!
