Fall Fishing in Brainerd: Prime Spots and Techniques

As autumn sets in, the Brainerd Lakes Area transforms into a haven for anglers seeking walleye, bass, and northern pike.

 

With cooling waters and active fish, now is the perfect time to explore Gull Lake, Pelican Lake, and Mille Lacs.

 

Gull Lake offers exceptional fall walleye fishing.

 

As ciscoes spawn, walleyes become more active, especially during the night on shallow flats and along deeper edges in the morning.

 

Targeting sharp break lines—where depths drop from approximately 10 to 25 feet—near weed beds and sandy bottoms can be particularly productive.

 

Effective baits include creek chubs or red tail chubs on a Lindy rig, as well as jigs with minnows and jigging spoons.

 

As the season progresses, larger minnows become increasingly effective.

 

Fishing wind-blown edges and using forward-facing sonar to locate schools can enhance success.

 

Cast up the break and work the rig down toward the boat for optimal results.

 

Pelican Lake is known for its productive walleye fishing in the fall.

 

Live bait rigs with large baitfish trailing 3-4 feet behind hooks are recommended.

 

Using minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers can be effective, along with spinners or spoons when fish are deeper or the water is cooler.

 

Focus on points, weed edges, and structure transitions, as baitfish movements in cooler water attract predatory fish.

 

Mille Lacs Lake offers diverse fishing opportunities in the fall.

 

Walleyes tend to move deeper during the day, often found in 18-24 feet of water, and shift to shallower shoreline breaks or flats during evening and dawn.

 

Effective lures and baits include jigging spoons, Jigging Rapalas, and live-bait rigs with minnows.

 

Smallmouth bass are also active, particularly in shallow rocky or weed-filled bays during early morning or dusk.

 

As water temperatures drop, transitioning from small minnows to larger bait such as red-tails, creek chubs, or suckers is advisable, especially on Gull and Pelican Lakes.

 

Using lighter jigs early in the fall and heavier sinkers or trolling spoon/spinner presentations when fish are deeper can improve catch rates.

 

Evening and dawn are particularly productive times, as fish move into shallower waters to feed.

 

Targeting wind-exposed shorelines, break lines, and points by casting toward drop-offs can yield good results.

 

Utilizing electronics such as sonar and fish finders to locate schools, especially in open water or deeper breaks, can enhance your fishing experience.

 

Recent reports indicate that on Gull Lake, walleyes are becoming more active with the cooling temperatures, with anglers experiencing improved catch rates using Lindy rigs with red-tails and nightcrawlers in depths of approximately 18-28 feet.

 

On Pelican Lake, both largemouth and smallmouth bass are being caught using crankbaits, jerkbaits, swim baits, and chatterbaits, providing top action during the weekend.

 

On Mille Lacs, walleyes are being found in shallow rocks, sand transitions, and reefs at depths of approximately 10-18 feet, while smallmouth bass are aggressive around rocks, with Ned rigs proving effective.

 

With the fall season in full swing, the Brainerd Lakes Area offers abundant opportunities for anglers to enjoy productive fishing experiences.

 

By employing the right techniques and staying informed about current conditions, you can make the most of this prime fishing season.

 

Happy fishing!