Going to Straight Lake..any MN tips?

I'm heading with a group up to Straight Lake in Osage, MN (just outside of Park Rapids) in mid-August. We've been up there twice before and have always had a blast, but I know we need to learn a little more about the fishing. We've had decent luck catching northerns (which seem to hit anything) and can always catch plenty of bluegills, bullheads and bass, but that's about it. We caught a few walleyes on leeches the first year, but struck out last year.

We are basically going after northerns and walleye. Due to where we normally fish, we feel pretty comfortable in the South end of Straight Lake, which is shallower. When we get to the North end, which is much deeper, we don't have much luck.

I would really appreciate any advice anyone can offer, whether it be Straight Lake, or just August Minnesota fishing in general.

I've also thought about going after some trout at the start of the Straight River (just down the road), but don't know anything about it at all.

Any help is greatly appreciated,

Bill

You don't mention having a map of the lake. Its early, get one. In August you will most probably need to focus on the deeper end of the lake. Mid-lake humps, islands surrounded by deeper water and weeds adjacent to deep water will be good starting points.

By mid-lake humps, anything submerged [rock piles, sand, shell beds] and with or without weeds should be looked at as long as you have deeper water on at least one side. You mention a river at one end....is there a current in the lake? Current can make fish directional and can help orient them to certain sides of structure like humps and islands and non-emergent weeds.

If the water is extremely clear, very early morning and late afternoon into the dark of night might be the times to concentrate on walleyes and use the daylight for other species. Days with overcast might be better daytime walleye fishing times.

Your water will still be pretty warm in August so I would try a couple things with leeches and minnows. Start off with the largest of both you can find. Slip-floats along the deeper sides of underwater strucure can be great during the day. Get the bait over the top of the structure during the evening and into darkness. Trolling stick rapalas sized 11, 13, or 15, shad raps of size 7 or 9 or similar lures along breaklines can be hot. Trolling the same right over the top of structure at night can be a winner too.

Do not forget the jigheads. Bring a wide selection of colors in 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8. 3" twister tails in a bunch of colors, minnow plastics like Gulp and Powerbait in 3" products and a nice assortment of bucktails in those weights mentioned are all productive and should be considered minimal bring-alongs. Use some sort of bait to find where fish are holding, then anchor up and lay assault to them with jigs and plastics and you'll find yourself in the greatest fishing ever. I jig walleyes more than any other method used to catch them.

CTom,

Thanks so much for the information, it will definitely come in handy. We do have a map we've used in the past, but it's not the best. I'll probably keep an eye out for a more detailed map.

Like I said, the trip isn't until August, so I have plenty of time to study up & learn. I figured the terrific CDC members would have some great info.

Thanks again and I'd love to hear anyone else's advice.

Does anyone know where I can pick up a detailed map of Straight Lake? I've looked online and can't find anything.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Try this link: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefin...s/b0101010.pdf

Copy and paste in your address box and take a peek.

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Originally Posted by CTom

Try this link: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefin...s/b0101010.pdf

Copy and paste in your address box and take a peek.

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Thanks for the link. That's a little more detailed than the one we've been using and will work good.

I fish Alexandria area lakes all summer and have the best luck pulling spinners with jumbo Leaches and crawlers. I use 1/2 to 3/4 ounce bottom bouncers with about a 6 foot leader. Also if you have a good depth finder and can find bait fish on the humps use lindy rigs for walleye. Good luck