Fishing Report 5/29/2012

Despite the recent inconsistencies in weather we are hearing of a few good reports out hear on beautiful Lake Waconia. Our best reports are coming from the guys fishing for the sunfish and crappies up in the shallows. A lot of guys are heading out to the northwest side of the lake where you can find some emergent vegetation such as pencil reeds where the panfish like to spawn and protect themselves from predators. Most guys are using wax worms and angleworms under a bobber with a small jig. This last weekend was the bass opener and it was no disappointment. Bass fishermen were finding the bass in the shallow waters were the fresh rain water is running into the lake from our recent soaking. The bait of choice was either a jig and a leech or a 7'' power worm, but you can never go to big when it comes to bass fishing.

As stated before inconsistent weather can be difficult when it comes to fishing, but that doesn't stop guys from chasing ol' marble eyes. A lot of guys are finding most success after dark or when the sun is rising or setting. Many guys trolling a crankbiat get hooked up on a fish, and when it gets to the boat they are greeted by a displeased northern. The most successful tactic is a jig tipped with a fathead or a leech either off a weed line in 12-14 feet of water or over any rock pile you can find in a little deeper water.

This next weekend is the newest tradition near on Lake Waconia as it marks the 2012 Musky opener. We have been hearing of guys seeing many big fish swimming in the shallows chasing the panfish. We are expecting a good report for the muskies this year.

Feel free to call our bait shop (952)-442-2096 any time to get the most up to date reports for the lake or to set up a reservation for a fishing boat or pontoon to get out and enjoy one of the best lakes the west metro has to offer!

Governor's Fishing Opener on Lake Waconia a success!

Waconia hosted the Governor's Fishing Opener this past weekend, and the hosts, volunteers, and committee members who helped with the event can be proud of how well the town and the lake was represented for the numerous media and dignitaries who visited.  The bright sunshine on Saturday was a welcome change from past openers, and set the mood for a nice weekend.  The weather that may have had the greatest impact on the bite for walleyes occurred on Friday evening when a brief cold front pushed through.  That may have had something to do with the lack of success Governor Dayton had catching the state's fish when he was out for the midnight bite. Despite the walleyes being tougher than normal, the fishing of other species was very good, with the warmer weather on Saturday.

Numerous anglers had good luck fishing for sunfish and crappies in the shallows, as the water temps have begun to rise into the mid to upper 60's depending on the time of day and sunshine.  Expect to see them in less than 6 feet of water near the reeds along the northwest side of the lake, as well as Reinke's Bay.  There were still plenty of fish caught in Waconia Bay in 10 to 12 feet of water.

The northern pike action has picked up where it left off this past winter.  We talked to several anglers who had pike ranging from 4 to 8 pounds, with a few even topping 10 pounds.  It's been a long time coming since we've seen the crop of northerns like we are seeing now.  Casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits or spoons has been a good method to get in on the action.  Pillsbury Reef, North Reef, and Center Reef have been a few of the spots worth spending time.

The walleyes on Saturday clearly were affected by the cold front on Friday evening.  Despite the tough start, it is still recommended (for the time being) to try night fishing in shallower water out from the Carp Trap, Rock Dock or Harm's Point or out from the Clay Banks.  Throwing shallow-running cranks has been popular, but bobber fishing with leeches or jigging with a fathead has been a good bet as well.  For those of you who wish to try a tad deeper, we did hear some reports by North Reef, as well as Keg's Reef for walleyes in the evening and early morning.

We would like to thank No Name Steaks for their wonderful gift of FREE Wild Rice Meatballs that were given out on Friday Night, as well as Steak Burgers and Hot Dogs ALL DAY on Saturday!  They put plenty of smiles on the faces of those who visited us on the Opener.  Their products were on fine display and clearly were liked, as plenty of people went for seconds or more.

We would also like to thank our great Waconia Chamber of Commerce and Explore Minnesota and everyone who was affiliated with the Governor's Opener committees that put this together for our wonderful town.  Plenty of seasoned Governor's Opener veterans mentioned how well this event was put together and was one of the best they had seen.  We're thankful to be a part of this community, and look forward to continuing to promote this town and our great lake!

Join us here as the good fishing has just begun!  Don't forget that we rent fishing boats with motors, as well as pontoons.  Give us a call at (952) 442-2096 to make a reservation.

See you at the lake...

One Week from Waconia hosting the Governor's Fishing Opener!

Time is fast approaching to one of the biggest events in Waconia's history.  Last year, Lake Waconia was chosen as the site for the 2012 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener, a prestigious honor for this town that has so much to offer.  We are excited to be one of many sponsors for this event, and look forward to help showcase our beautiful lake and town.  We are proud of our friend and local guide, Travis Frank, who was chosen to guide Governor Dayton.  We know that if there is anyone who can lead him to a successful walleye catch, it is Travis!

Lake Waconia is known as a great fishing resource.  Walleyes are a very popular choice among anglers to target on this lake, and it's been recently known that if you hook one, chances are good that it will be a lunker.  There is a minimum size restriction of 16 inches, so keep that in mind.  With the early ice out this spring, it's difficult to predict if the walleyes will be in their usual spots for this time of year.  We've noticed weed growth is happening earlier, and the major walleye spawn is over.  What does this mean?  You may have to adjust your approach to fishing from your usual Opener habits.  While it's still probable that you will find action in traditional spots, such as the Rock Dock, the Carp Trap or Harm's Point, it may be wise to move a tad deeper to fish outside weedlines and weed breaks on some of the reefs in 12 to 15 feet of water.  Places like Center Reef, North Reef, Keg's Reef, and Anderson's Reefs might be more productive due to the earlier seasonal start.  We still expect that baits like Large Leeches and either Fathead Minnows or Shiner Minnows will be best to catch the most fish.  While Night Crawlers are usually better come June, it won't be surprising to us to see anglers having success with those, as we may be approaching a June pattern, despite being early May.

If you like to chase after northern pike, you will be happy to know that we have seen an increase in numbers in the last year.  This winter, we were pleasantly surprised to see numerous catches in the 4 to 8 pound range.  For those of you who like to troll, weedlines like those down from the cemetery and out from the beach are popular areas.  Reefs like Pillsbury, Center and North are also good areas to focus if you are casting.  Sucker minnows are a popular choice for live bait fishermen.

As for the other legal species, we continue to hear plenty of good reports of sunfish and crappie bites.  It has continued to be productive by the weedlines of Waconia Bay in 10 to 13 feet of water.  It won't be long once temps start to rise and stay consistent, that both sunnies and crappies should be easier to find in the shallows as they begin their spawn pattern.  There is a wide range of sizes for both, so while the action should be good, you will need to sort to get some keepers for the fry pan.

We look forward to seeing you as we get into this exciting time for Waconia.  We are OPEN ALL NIGHT on Friday, May 11th for the Opener to take care of your bait and tackle needs and to help get you the info you need for a successful day.

If you are interested in renting a fishing boat or pontoon, give us a call.  We will be happy to set up a reservation to get you on water!