Lake Bemidji MN

[Lightning Rod]

I am heading to the Bemidji area the first week of October. First time fishing this area. I plan on fishing Lake Bemidji for Walleye, Northern and Perch in that order of preference. I have three questions.
1) Thoughts on fishing Lake Bemidji.
2) Thoughts on fishing other area lakes instead.
3) Best bet for trophy Northerns in the area.

[jealous]

I would love to be in Bemidji in October, but just can't swing it.


>1) Thoughts on fishing Lake Bemidji.

Excellent fishery. Fall fishing can produce some really nice eyes.

>2) Thoughts on fishing other area lakes instead.

Many, many lakes to choose from. Each with their own attractions. Bemidji is good size with lots of different structure, so you may want to focus your search there rather than jumping lakes. Just because you don't find fish your first day out doesn't mean they aren't biting somewhere on the lake.

>3) Best bet for trophy Northerns in the area.

Upper Red Lake, hands down. You've probably heard about the crappie fishing, but the size and numbers of trophy pike will amaze too. Only 45 minutes or so from Bemidji.

[Bob Jensen]

Bemidji is a good walleye lake, jigs and minnows are tough to beat this time of year, although there could still be a leech or crawler bite. Try down on the end where the river comes in, especially if you want to fish at night. There are also some good off-shore structures mid-lake and toward the north end.

Upper Red Lake is a tremendous northern pike lake. I have only fished it in the spring, but they will bite in fall also. Try Bionic Bucktails or Bionic Bucktail Spinners in bright colors, add a 7 or 10 Power Worm tail as an attractor. The water in Upper Red is stained, bright, bulky baits are very good. Be sure to release the pike, this a trophy fishery that produces world-class fishing if given the chance.

Let us know how you do.

Best Fishes,

[Lightning Rod]

Thanks for the information. I did not realize Upper Red Lake was so good. I am looking for catch and release Northern. Should I start out of the Waskish area? It looks like the first 5 miles from shore slowly slopes down to about 14'. With no humps or structure do you recommend trolling lots of water at various depths in the fall? Perhapes trolling wind blown shoreline in 5' or less?
PS Bob, I wish we had your show in Des Moines. I do miss it.

[Lightning Rod]

I just got back from Bemidji. The weather was cold, windy and rainy. The friends we stayed with provided us with plenty of Walleye to eat. Since two days before our arrival the weather was great and they had caught a dozen Walleye in the 20" to 25" range. The pattern had been crank baits over 4' to 7' of water at night. I'm sure once the weather settles the bite will be back on. We did manage some smaller Walleye, pike and perch but nothing big.