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 5, 2026 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

If you are reading this, you are eagerly anticipating your favorite day of the year. Me too. The most important aspect of Minnesota’s fishing opener weekend is finding the depth holding your fish of choice. Many walleye anglers boast about fishing for ‘eyes like bass the first weekends of the season–in 2-3’, near rocky shore and structure. You very well may find them there, but that’s not to say you won’t find them in 25’ instead, or both places at once! Oftentimes, the females head for deeper water post spawn while smaller males stay behind in the shallow warmer water–especially on sunny days. Overall, I’ve seen low to mid 50° surface temps the past few days on multiple lakes, which means walleyes should be found in shallow warm water. Northern shorelines and shallow bays are a great place to start. You’ll find big bass and pike shallow now, too. Bring minnows and plastics. Good luck!

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