Leeches, Night Crawlers & Crank Baits
Fishing is in full summer swing around Otter Tail Lakes Country this week! When I catch sunfish in 25 feet of water on multiple lakes, I know that the summer water has set in. The average lake temp in Otter Tail County this week is about 70–73 degrees. Walleye are biting now, but keep in mind that you might need to pay more attention to details than you did a couple of weeks ago. 
They are becoming a bit more selective in their choices of what they want. The Walleye are also “swinging” more with passing systems and fronts—they might be “on” for an hour and then quit feeding for an hour. Just keep your boat moving and soon you should be able to run into some. Northern are still feeding, but be sure and check deeper water—even away from weeds and weed lines!
Leeches are a main-stay bait for most species right now: sunfish, bass, walleye, northern and an occasional crappie—will all take a leech. Just put a leech on and troll weed lines. Night crawlers will work too—just be sure and keep track of them. If they spend too much time in summer water, they’ll die and walleye (especially), won’t bite them.
Trolling crank baits are good options right now for all species too. It’s a great way to fish and chill out. Run Fire Line with your baits so you can see the end of the rod “twitch” when they swim. If the twitch stops—you picked up a weed and it’s time to crank them in and take the weed off. If the rod really bends over—Fish On. You can find crappies in and around cabbage stands on mid-depth flats on most Ottertail County lakes. You can pitch small crank baits , use slip bobbers, or cast Beetle Spins, or toss light jigs.
Good luck fishing Ottertail Lakes country this week. Remember to clean the weeds off your boat and trailer and drain the water from your boat. Help keep Aquatic Invasive Species out of Otter Tail Lakes Country!
Ross Hagemeister
