Walleyes have been a nice surprise this late spring and early summer! We've had numerous reports from anglers catching lots of numbers, with the possibility of catching some keepers as well. One of the areas close us, between the In Towne Marina and Lola's has been productive. The evening or early morning bite has been best here near the weeds in 10 to 13 feet. If you're fishing daytime, move a little deeper up to 20 feet. Working the weedline in Waconia Bay between 9 to 15 feet (depending on the time of day) has been productive as well. The north and northwest side of Coney Island has produced some walleyes too. If you're venturing further out, the shallow weedlines of Pillsbury and Center reefs are worth checking out. Using an 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz jig with a fathead minnow or leech has worked well. Slip bobber fishing with a glow or red hook is always good on Waconia. Slow trolling a harness with a crawler is a good bet too.
The north side of Coney Island between 12 to 15 feet of water has been good for both sunfish and crappies. Waconia Bay and Harm's Point are two other close spots to us that have put out some fish. Chunks of a crawler or angle worm and waxies for the sunnies have been best. Crappie minnows are great for the crappies. Expect to do some sorting, but there have been some nice stringers and baskets full of fish! We've had some nice bass mixed in these same areas as well, along with the reefs further out like Center and North. If you prefer live bait, some are bobber fishing sucker minnows or using leeches. Others might be flipping jigs or plastic worms, or casting spinnerbaits. We've had a few reports of northern pike coming through as well, with anglers using the methods above.
Don't forget, you can rent a fishing boat and motor with gas for as little as $24 for 2 hours. A pontoon boat with 40 hp motor and gas, for up to 9 people, can be rented for only $159 for 3 hours. Call (952) 442-2096 or go to www.intownemarina.com for details.
We hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July Holiday! It sure was eventful in Waconia with the Taste of Minnesota in town. A lot of good music and food was had by the event goers. The highlight for many was the nightly fireworks shows by the "Taste" and the double fireworks show on the 4th. Once again, the Lake Waconia Fireworks show was something to be proud of! Great job to all of those who helped put it together! It was really exciting to watch as the normal Waconia show by the Regional Park ended with the finale at 10:20, and then immediately switching views to the west side of town by Bayview Elementary to see the action packed "Taste" show.
Here is a picture of some happy anglers! Mike Olson, with the father son duo of Jami and Gus Schupp (10 years old), had a nice stringer of crappies, with a Gus catching the big fish of the day, a nice bass! Great job fellas!
