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, September 8, 2026 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

The wind has been rocking the boat this week — and it’s rocked the bite right along with it, pun intended. Unless you can get out within an hour of sunrise or sunset, the 412 has been a tough go. Walleyes are sitting as deep as 30’+, but do yourself and the fish a favor and focus on 25′ or less. Anything pulled from deeper than 30′ usually shows signs of barotrauma — the swim bladder gets damaged, and even fish that swim away strong will often die. Big pike and bass have been the most active by far, and an absolute blast to catch. We’re running huge redtails under a bobber, and when you’re in the right spot that bobber doesn’t stay up long. The drop shot rig has been the other winner, producing walleyes, big smallmouth, and some jumbo sunfish. Good luck out there, and tight lines!

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