I have started the last few columns talking about the weather. If you are a true Minnesotan and happen to be a Norwegian to boot, well, that is the way most of us start up a conversation. It doesn’t matter whether it’s winter or summer, we are always ready at the blink of an eye.

Enjoying the outdoors at this time of year is kind of like savoring that last bite of a good meal and saving the best for last. I always have a good feeling at this time of year because the weather usually makes this time of year special.

There were many years when my boys were in school that we would always plan an August vacation. It sort of let us have one more family outing before school and sports started. There have been many falls that I would always look forward to that one last fishing trek to a lake that never happened because of getting too involved in family activities. That’s not a bad thing. It’s just the way things work out sometimes.

I really enjoy fishing in August because that’s about the time a lot of people have lost interest and moved on to something else. The lakes aren’t as crowded and most of the time the fishing is pretty good.

I will find out this weekend. My son Brad and I are taking my little fishing buddies north for a long weekend. I am sure that if there are fish to be found my grandson Trevor will find them. He’s kind of like having your own personal fishing advisor. Trevor, his brother Taylor and their cousin Dylan will keep their grandpa plenty busy this weekend.

I do plan on trying some deep trolling for northern and hope to fish a couple different lakes in the area if the weather cooperates. In late summer the larger northern tend to hang around the deeper structure and trolling deep running crankbaits is a good way to stir some activity.

I can see from some of the fishing reports that crawlers are still a hot walleye bait on a lot of the lakes.

Here are a few reports from some of the state guides and bait shops.

Detroit Lakes – The walleye bite here in the Detroit Lakes area continues to be kind of slow. Big Cormorant and White Earth are starting to get going now on Lindy Rigs and leeches and we are getting walleyes on other lakes in the area but you really have to work for them.

Brainerd Area – Happy Dog Days!! The water is boiling and it sounds like it’s going to stay like that for awhile. The forecast for the week looks like mid 80s to low 90s. What a perfect week for a vacation at the lake. I’m sure the big shot racers over at B.I.R. wish it was 60, but they will have to deal with it (it’s better than rain).

Alexandria Area – Fishing in the Alexandria Area this past week has been as pleasant as the weather. And, if the extended forecast holds true, continued stable weather should bring continued angling success.

Kabetogama Area – Fishing has recently picked up some and catching a walleye or two is not unusual. Anglers report that the walleyes are sittin’ on the bottom or stacked up on the vertical drops from reefs.

Lake Vermilion Area – The stable weather this week made for a very good walleye bite for me. I started the week using the ever-reliable Lindy Rig baited with crawlers and leeches and did quite well. Later in the week I switched to Lindys and minnows and then to spinners and minnows the past three days. Hammered gold and red & white were my most effective spinner colors. I trolled them fairly fast, (1.5 to 2 mph) in 15 to 26 feet of water. The average size of our fish went up when we switched to spinners too.

Ottertail Area – Don’t let the dog days of summer let you down. West Battle is producing fish for all.

Bemidji – Lake Bemidji walleye bite has improved.

Mankato – Panfish action continues on Madison in 12 feet of water using small fatheads for crappies, a few sunfish mixed in with waxies on a small ice fly the best bait. Walleye bite has seen few reports. Catfish bite on the river remains strong, cutbait or a large creek chub best fish catchers. Jefferson Lake bass bite has been good off the shallow side of the weed line. Still a good crappie bite under the docks in the mornings.

Until next time, Good Luck and Good Fishin.’

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