Lake Waconia Ice and Fishing Report 12-27-09

Snow Snow Snow! That's the word of the week on Lake Waconia. Jim has made it a point to plow to Waconia Bay, the hole between the marinas and Cemetery Reef, making it easier for fishermen to get on the ice. Ice in these areas ranges from 10 to 14 inches. There will be slush in many locations and heavy snow off the roads. We have NOT been driving to any other areas at this point. There is still sporadic ice north of Pillsbury Reef and near Harm's Point. The action has been moderate, with the most potential for Walleyes. Both small shiners and fatheads have been working, with anglers fishing anywhere from 14 to 20 feet. Sunfish and Crappie are smaller than we're used to seeing, and the perch bite has been pesky. For the panfish, find weeds in 10 to 14 feet of water. Give us a call before coming out. We'd be happy to give you the latest report. Also, we look forward resuming our fish house rentals later this week. 952-442-2096.

Lake Waconia Ice and Fishing Report 12-20-09

Happy Holidays from the In Towne Marina! Here is what we have been finding in the ice department. Much of what we are seeing is 8" to 12", with 9"-10" being quite common. Unfortunately we are finding 5"-7" of ice in some of the deeper snow drifts on the lake. When we have found as little as 5" or 6" of ice we have taken the time to mark it with caution tape. We marked these spots so that vehicles can avoid them if they want to. If You find ice you are uncomfortable with, please mark it and let us know where it is at! With todays snow we have run into some slush where the drifts are big and deep. You will see some smaller vehicle randomly on the lake. As of today we have NOT opened our access to driving vehicles, and are NOT recommending driving cars or trucks on Lake Waconia yet . If You choose to drive, make sure to do the obvious and check the ice ahead of yourself!

Caution should be used if you want to head up to the Reinke's Bay area! An ugly pressure ridge has been found up in the north east part of the lake that runs from North of the Clay Banks all the way to the railroad tracks on the north side of Lake Waconia. Keep your eyes peeled!

Let's talk fish! In the last couple of nights the walleye action has heated up. Today alone we have seen 7 fish between 17" and 23". Depths the Walleye's have been reported in are either 11'-13' on the weed edges or a little deeper of the drops in 16'-20' of water. Panfish have remained a little tougher, but sunnies, crappies and perch have all been coming in from Waconia bay, Center Reef and Pillsbury Reef. Depths of 9'-15' are where most of that action has been. Don't forget we rent Fish Houses! Call any time for more info 952-442-2096.

Lake Waconia Ice and Fishing Report 12-14-09

The winter ice fishing season is upon us. As of Monday, December 14th, ice thicknesses range from 7 to 9 inches in Waconia Bay, and 6 to 7 inches in Cemetery Reef. We have heard from reputable sources that ice thicknesses at Pillsbury Reef and Center Reef are 6 to 7 inches as well. To our knowledge, the random areas that were last to freeze now have about 5 inches on them. Keep in mind that we can't cover every square inch, so pay attention during this early ice period. We've been open for 3 days, so the reports have been limited. We've heard the sunfish bite has been good, but the size has been variable. The sunfishermen have mentioned that perch have been overly active at times, keeping the bite going. The early season walleye action has been decent. When the action is there it's been between 5 pm and 8 pm. Don't forget, we RENT Fish Houses. We hope to get started with our rental season soon. Call for reservations. 952-442-2096.

Lake Waconia Fishing Report 9-02-09

September is here and the muskie bite continues to be Waconia's bread and butter. We've continued to hear successful catches this week in the mid to upper 40 inch range. Most of the same spots from previous weeks have continued to work. Evenings have been very good.

This past week we started to hear of a more productive walleye bite. Anglers have been catching them from 14 feet to 20 feet of water. Kegs Reef, Red's Reef and Anderson's Reef have been a few of the better areas. Fathead minnows have been the popular bait of choice.

If you're looking for sunfish or bass, continue to work near the weeds in areas like Pillsbury Reef, Center Reef and North Reef. Action has been decent, but should improve as we get further into the month.

Don't forget about our Nickle Dickle Day Kid's Fishing Prize Pond. September 19th from 10 to Noon, we are giving away prizes for kids 10 and under. Don't miss the fun.

Have a great week!

Lake Waconia Fishing Report 8-26-09

This week we're gonna start off with a little excitement. In Towne Marina Employee, Kyle Stender, caught the fish of a lifetime, with a monster 52 1/2 inch muskie on Tuesday at 6 pm.

While the fishing conditions haven't changed much from the previous week, we're getting closer to that time of year where both the muskies and walleyes begin to pick up. Evidenced by Kyle's catch, the muskies continue to be well worth fishing for on Lake Waconia. Try working the weeds on Reinke's Reef, North Reef or Center Reef for starters. Walleyes, while not overly active of late, would be worth fishing on Keg's Reef or Center Reef, with a patient presentation. Jigging fatheads or slowly dragging lindy rigs has worked for a few anglers recently. Sunfish and crappies have been a touch deeper than the past few weeks. We're seeing some of these fish biting in 12 to 14 feet of water using wax worms and crappie minnows.

Don't forget to bring your kids 10 years of age and younger to our FREE Nickle Dickle Day Kid's Fishing Prize Pond on September 19th from 10 am to Noon. Kids will have the chance to "fish" for prizes that include candy, toys and fishing tackle. Every eligible child that participates will win.

Also, a quick reminder, we will be sending in ALL cormorant petitions after Monday, September 21st, so if you are collecting signatures, please return them to us before that date. Thank you to all of you that are working with us on this issue.

Lake Waconia Fishing Report 8-19-09

We want to start this week's report with a little news regarding our Cormorant Petition that we've been very passionate about. We greatly appreciate the overwhelming support that we've received from local businesses and people in gathering names. If you haven't signed our petition, or if you would like to help gather names and signatures, don't forget to check our our website at InTowneMarina.com (click on the Cormorant Awareness link) and print off your own petition from there. Just remember we need to have ALL petitions returned to us by Monday, September 21st, so that we can send them all in together to the DNR.

Now, on to the Fishing Report. This summer's weather has been very interesting. Last week, temperatures soared into the 90's, while this week it appears we'll be dealing with upper 60's and low 70's. This drastic difference from week to week can greatly influence the bite. The better fishing is usually during the frontal changes. When it gets cooler like it will be this week, it's best to have a patient plan of attack. It's a good time to put away the fast moving baits and go with a slower approach like bobber fishing, or slowly dragging a jig along the bottom.

During the last week or so, anglers who have been having the most success have been fishing amongst pockets in the weeds. Certainly you can expect to catch fish along the weed edges as well, but fishing in the weeds, while more difficult, gives you a better chance. Places to find good weed structure are Center Reef, North Reef, and Pillsbury Reef. While each of these areas have been spotty from day to day, more often than not you can find a good bite there. Generally, it's a good idea to be fishing between 10 to 13 feet. Expect the sunfish and bass bite to be the most consistent. Some bass anglers have been reporting catches in even shallower water, throwing baits in the reeds and shallow weed areas in less than 6 feet of water. Crappies and Sunnies have also been doing well between the two marinas as well as into Waconia Bay. If you're looking for the big gamefish bite, the muskie action has tapered off a bit, but don't put your rods away yet. Muskie action can turn on a dime and when it's on, there isn't a better lake than Waconia.

We hope to see you on the lake!

Lake Waconia Fishing Report 8-12-09

The dog days of summer are finally here! It's been a while since we've seen consistently warm weather, and that can greatly impact what to fish and where to catch them. While the fish aren't as active as they were earlier in the summer, there are people still having success.

While the muskie bite isn't as ferocious as it has been, there have continued to be some successful catches. Just yesterday, Eric Wolf and Kyle Stender won our Employee Fishing Contest with a couple of nice muskies. Eric's measured in at 41 inches and Kyle's was a fat 39 inches. Both fish were released. The bite continues on the edges of reefs such as Center Reef, North Reef and Anderson's Reef in around 12 to 15 feet of water.

Sunfish and Crappies, while not jumping in the boat, are still active. You may have to do some sorting to get some of the bigger ones, but it is worthwhile to give them a shot. Sunnies continue to bite anywhere from 8 to 15 feet of water in areas like Harm's Point, Center Reef and in Waconia Bay. Crappie action has been a little deeper. Try for crappies of the deeper edges of Keg's Reef and North Reef in depths as much as 20 feet.

Walleyes have been somewhat quiet lately, but it would be worth your time to fish in the evening or early morning for them off of Kegs Reef and Red's Reef between 15 to 20 feet. Lindy rigs or Jigs with leeches have been working for some of the anglers.

Bass anglers continue to find success jigging plastic worms and casting spinnerbaits off of Cemetery Reef and North Reef. Some shallow-water fisherman have done well in the reeds throwing topwater baits like plastic frogs or buzzbaits. Don't shy away from trying around Peterson's Creek (also called the Carp Trap) on the northwest side of the lake. As always, pay attention to your depth readings in that part of the lake, due to lower water.

Happy Fishing!

It's Fair Time!

This Summer sure has been flying by hasn't it? The Carver County Fair is in town again August 5th thru August 9th. It's time for Pronto Pups, Funnel Cakes, Cheese Curds and milk shakes! While you are there, make sure to stop by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce building to sign our Cormorant petition! Our friends at many of the busineses in the area you may visit will also have the petition available for signing. Some of the locations include: Mackenthun's County Market, Hopper's Bar, Waconia Farm and Home Supply, Hardware Hank, Waconia VFW, Island View Golf and Dining, Wytt's End, Franklin Printing, Cabin Fever in Victoria and The Gasthouse Bar in Young America, with more locations to follow soon! Remember the petition is easily available to you right now if you click on the Cormorant Awarness link on our website. Get friends and family involved if they are concerned about our local Lakes and the trees on beautiful Coney Island.

Now, let's talk fishing! This week the panfish bite has remained strong for this time of year! Sunnies and Crappies can both be found on the 9'-14' weedlines. Kegs reef, North Reef and Waconia bay have been giving up Nice Sunnies and some marginal Crappies along those weedlines. Deeper Water off of North reef and Kegs reef have been producing some Bigger suspended crappies.

Muskie Anglers can be seen throwing their giant baits on almost every corner of the lake, but Anderson's reef, Reinke's reef, and Center Reef has been seeing a lot of action.

Largemouth are being caught shallow and deep right now. Powerbait, and Bass Assasins have been very effective! Don't be affraid to upsize baits, Musky guys are hooking big bass on accident with their giant lures!

Speaking of accidental fish on Muskie baits ask In Towne Marina Employee Travis Genz about his fish story! Travis boated a 28" Walleye with a big Bucktail! Not a common occurance to say the least!

Thanks for reading, and good luck on the water!

Lake Waconia Fishing Report 7-29-09

The lake produced another solid week of muskie action. We're continuing to hear reports of multiple catches of fish over 40 inches, with the largest of the week being 51 inches. North Reef, Center Reef and the southeast side of Coney Island are a few of the better areas to fish, throwing large swimbaits and bucktails along the weeds.

Those of you looking for a bass bite should be encouraged with the continuing action. If you like to use artificial baits, texas-rigged worms and spinnerbaits have been useful for enticing nice bucketmouths. If you're into using live bait, you can't beat a jig with a leech right now. Try working the outer weed edges of Pillsbury Reef, Cemetery Reef and Center Reef.

If you're looking for fish for the frying pan, sunnies are still worth your time. Wax worms and angle worms are the bait of choice for many anglers. Spend time working the weeds of Pillsbury Reef, Waconia Bay and Anderson's Reef in about 10 to 14 feet of water.

Just another reminder...with rain totals way down this summer, lake water levels continue to drop. Areas of concern include the northwest quadrant of the lake (several hundred yards from the outer edges of the reeds in that area), by the Rock Dock in the west end Wagener's Bay, as well as near the public access on the east side of the lake. Each of these areas are shallower than normal, and pose a great danger if caution isn't used. Stop in to our bait shop if you would like further detail about these shallow spots.

Have good week fishing!

Take a Kid Fishing

On Saturday July 18th, 2009, In Towne Marina hosted the 18th Annual "Take a Kid Fishing" event for the Waconia Lions. More than 30 kids showed up to spend some time on the water with the Lions that day. The weather was a little on the cool side, but made for a fine fishing morning! The kids had a fun morning of reeling in some respectable Sunfish along withe some nice Bass! Captain Jim got out the fillet knives and several of the Lions made sure that the kids who wanted to bring their catch home, could do so ready for the frying pan! As always we donated the use of our Screenhouse, all the bait, and with the help of Ken's Bait in Chaska, jig sticks for each kid to take home. Some of the other sponsors were our friends at The Waconia Patriot, and Cabin Fever. As always another wonderful event put on by Jeff Schulz and the rest of the Waconia Lions! See You next year kids!

Lake Waconia Fishing Report 7-22-09

The past week was another success for muskie anglers. Several 40 inch or larger fish were reported, with the biggest catch of the week being a 53 incher! Try fishing the 12-foot weedline in Waconia Bay, as well as Center Reef and North Reef.

Sunfish continue to bite on the deeper weed edges, between 12 to 14 feet. Pillsbury Reef and Center Reef are two worthy spots to try, although you can find sunnies in numerous areas.

Walleyes are still biting in the evenings. Kegs Reef and Anderson’s Reef are two good areas to find action. If you have the patience, slip bobber fishing with a leech has been a successful approach. For less patient anglers, jigging with a leech or fathead has also worked well. Depths to find the walleyes have ranged from 12 to 20 feet.

Bass fishing has been productive as usual. Continuing the theme of fishing the weeds, you will have the best success finding quality size on the edges of Cemetery Reef and North Reef, as well as the Waconia Bay. There have been other reports of nice fish biting in the shallows in the reeds by the northwest side of the lake. Just remember, shallow water extends several hundred yards from shore in that area of the lake so be sure to trim up in that region.

Lake Waconia Fishing Report 7-15-09

Fishing remains good on Lake Waconia this week!

A nice 30" northern was boated from an outside weed edge of Waconia Bay this weekend. Look for similar conditions near Pillsbury and North Reefs, which Northerns like to hunt for baitfish. Both live and artificial baits have worked.

On your way there, check out Center and Kegs Reefs, which have been getting attention from walleye anglers towards evening. Dusk was a good time to drop fathead minnows near the weed edges of those reefs in around 15 to 20 feet of water. We have heard reports of multiple 16" to 26"+ walleye caught there. Also, leeches worked well and early morning risers have had action worth getting up for. Adding to the excitement, muskie were seen following some of the eyes!

Wagener's Bay is still a great spot to pick up a meal of sunfish! Look for cabbage weeds and fish the pockets to get fish. Worms of all types continue to work. Add a little flash if it's a dark day.

This weekend, we're happy to once again host the Waconia Lions annual "Take a Kid Fishing" day at our marina. This important event has helped many a young person learn to enjoy fishing and the outdoors. We'll give you the kids' report next week! Watch for pre-registration next year for your young ones (Registration ended to participate this year on 7-13-09).

As we close, the weatherman is predicting a few days of cooler weather before the coming weekend. Fishing patterns will change a little, so don't be afraid to stop in at our marina shop for a current fishing update, or just to enjoy the view!

Come join the fun on Lake Waconia!

Lake Waconia Fishing Report 7-8-09

Lake Waconia has been producing a variety of nice fish as of late. The walleye bite has been improving. Jigging with either leeches or fatheads has been the most popular method, with fish being caught between 15 to 20 feet. Popular areas to fish include Center Reef, North Reef, and Anderson’s Reef. Sunfish have finished spawning and the bigger fish are moving out of the shallows to the outside weedlines around 12 to 14 feet. Anderson’s Reef, Pillsbury Reef and Harm’s Point have been common areas to find the nicer sunfish. Muskie action has picked up lately as well. Lots of reported sightings, as well as some successful catches have kept anglers busy. Center Reef, Pillsbury Reef, North Reef and Reinke’s Reef have been a few of the more popular places to find them. Northern fishing has improved in the past few weeks as well. Several successful catches have been reported in many of the same areas muskie anglers are fishing. Bass fishing continues to be good both shallow and deep. Surface lures like topwater frogs or poppers are great in the shallows, while Texas-rigged worms and spinnerbaits have produced fish along the deeper weedlines. For more information, please call (952) 442-2096.