Assemble A Pattern – It’s Worth It!

Hello summer fishing enthusiasts!  

It’s the time of the summer when many folks trade their fishing poles in for swim trunks and pontoon rides.  If you’re still in the fishing mood (and, I guarantee you should be), then you will be rewarded because late July is a great time to fish in Otter Tail Lakes Country.  All fish species are set up in their mid-summer patterns, which means…if you can assemble a pattern now, then it’s going to stick until late August.  

Even though it’s warm outside and the water temps are stabilized in the mid-70’s, don’t be afraid to search the shallow areas for walleye. Pay attention to the type of bottom you’re fishing and try to tie it into a pattern.  For example, when you catch a walleye on rocks or clam beds right now, take note because you’ll probably find more walleye on clam beds or rocks on other parts of the lake. The same holds true for weeds, sandy areas or mud as well.  

Small panfish like small perch and small blue gills like to spend a lot of time in the weeds right now. Check just outside of weeds and/or look in cabbage weeds in particular for crappie and larger panfish. I’ve been catching my larger sunfish and bass near rocks close by weedy flats on various lakes through the county.  Don’t be afraid to be assertive and aggressive in your approach to locate fish – troll with worms and spinners, cast crank baits, or throw Beetle Spins to locate fish right now. Once you find them, you should be in pretty good shape.

Good Luck fishing Otter Tail Lakes Country this week – you don’t want to miss it!

Ross Hagemeister, meisterguideservice.com