Fishing Report for 9-15-26

Fall fishing is beginning to kick in across the Willmar Lakes Area, with water temperatures cooling to 70 degrees and below. The best bite in the area continues to be on Green Lake, where walleyes are being caught throughout the lake using a variety of techniques.

Jigs tipped with live bait are a great option this time of year, with both half a nightcrawler and larger minnows producing fish. As water temperatures continue to cool, pulling larger minnows on Lindy rigs can also be a very effective way to target some of the bigger walleyes. Fish are still schooled up, so if you find one, there are likely more nearby.

Panfish can also be found in and around the weeds on Green Lake. Both bluegills and crappies are being caught around tall, healthy green weeds in 4–10 feet of water. If the fish aren’t right in the middle of the weeds, check the edges where the weeds meet deeper water.

Fishing Report provided by Tim Swanson, Fisheries Specialist at MN DNR Fisheries Spicer