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 12, 2026 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

Fishing was slow Saturday, with strong winds and rough weather keeping many people off the water. Sunday was a little better, but still below average overall. The walleye bite has been tough, but as water temps continue to rise and stabilize, fishing should improve over the next few weeks. Bass and crappies have been much more active in warmer shallow water, especially where vegetation is starting to come in. Plastics have been effective for both, and lipless crankbaits have also been producing bass. Pike have been active shallow, and even up to 15’ deep. There is more strong wind in the forecast, followed by rain. If the sun does manage to peek out, take advantage of it — those shallow areas can warm up fast. Watch breaklines near shore for big female walleyes moving into deeper water over the coming days. Minnows, plastics, and leeches are all solid choices right now. Good luck!

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