Spirit Lake Walleye Fishing Report: Dialing in the Basin Bite 🎣

Conditions: 02/10/2026 The open water season is showing some life on Spirit Lake! We found water temperatures hovering right at 36.5°F. While many are still thinking ice, the main basin is accessible, though the fish are definitely still in their cold-water winter patterns.

The Location: Walleyes were largely spread out throughout the main basin, holding in 20 to 22 feet of water. The key to finding active pods was looking for fish loosely relating to the deepest water transitions just off the main lake points. They aren't stacked tight to the primary structures yet, but they are hanging in those adjacent deeper guts.

The Setup & Tech: This was a pure Garmin LiveScope game. Because the fish were so spread out in the basin, being able to scan 80-10

0 feet out and "hunt" individual marks was the difference-maker.

• The Lure: 1/8th ounce Mission Tackle Heavy Metal Tungsten Jig.

• The Bait: Tipped with a redworm.

• The Technique: The presentation had to be subtle. We used the LiveScope to track the jig’s descent and kept the bait just inches above the fish. In 36-degree water, they won't chase much; you have to put that tungsten right in their face and give it just enough quiver to trigger the strike. The density of the tungsten was huge for maintaining "feel" and a clean return on the sonar in that deeper water.

Pro Tip: If you’re heading out, keep your movements slow and focus on those transition lines where the points drop into the basin floor. The bite is finicky, but the quality of fish is there!