Fishing Report

Find out where fish are biting and bait to use in the area fishing report each week. Get Hooked in Detroit Lakes will give you an inside look from fishing guides on which area lakes are best bets for the fish you’re out to catch and the bonus experiences of being out on the water.

This is the area fishing report for Tuesday, May 19, 2026 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

man holding a large northern pike he caught while fishing on a lake

Thanks for reading this week’s fishing report! Here’s the scoop. Walleye fishing has been slow. 330 Maniac Scott Mackner and I were discussing this, and we both agree the bite will pick up soon once water temps rise a bit more. Temps are anywhere from 53-58 degrees on the lakes I’ve fished so far. You can still coax the ‘eyes to bite right now. Scott’s been catching them on Otter Tail in 9’-12’ and we’ve both seen them in the same depth, closer to home. My tip is: bring your slip bobber rod and don’t forget the leeches!  As you can see in the picture, you’ll also find big pike (and bass) in the same depths as the walleye right now. Shiner and sucker minnows, and plastics have all produced big fish! I prefer 1/16” oz jigs in 9’-12’ but you’ll want to go up to 1/8” to compensate for wind when it’s blowing.  That helps keep the line tight even before the bite! Good luck out there–and tight lines!!

Brady Baxter
Owner and Fishing Guide
Baxstar Fishing LLC
baxstarfishing.com
brady@baxstarfishing.com
701-261-3703

Guides to Detroit Lakes