In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Ice Report - 12/28/16

A quick reminder that we OPEN for the season Thursday at 8 am!  We did an extended ice check earlier today (12/28) on Lake Waconia.  We spent a couple of hours on our ATV and punched holes out to Waconia Bay, “Under the Wires”, Center Reef, Pillsbury Reef, the Wagener’s Bay crappie hole, Harms Point, the west, south and east sides of Coney Island, Cemetery Reef and the walleye hole between the marinas.  We found lots of ice ranging between 7 to 8 inches in each location.  We found as little as 6.5 inches and as much as 10 inches (keep in mind the 10 inch locations were few and far between, and had a larger percentage of cloudy, less strong ice as the top layer).  We are very happy with our findings today, but continue to suggest paying close attention as always. 

During our check, we headed over to one of the areas we monitor each year for active springs, and discovered that it is active yet again.  This spring is located between Cemetery and Anderson’s reefs in deep water and is open and bubbling (with a small, but dangerous area of about 5 foot by 5 foot).  We marked the periphery of it with lath board and caution tape, so keep an eye out for that.  Lake Waconia has had other active springs in the past, so keep a look out for anything strange and help us by marking these locations if you find them.  We mention this, as a cautionary tale that all ice is never completely safe and to always check ahead of yourself.

All in all, we are thrilled with the condition of the ice we have checked, despite the active spring we found.  At this point, we are suggesting walking or if you need transport, don’t ride anything bigger than an ATV or snowmobile.  We’d like a few more inches before we consider using the big stuff!  See you at the lake!

In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Ice Report - 12/27/16 - BAIT SHOP OPENS Thursday, 12/29!

We did a quick ice check today (12/27/16) in front of the marina and it was clear that Santa granted the Christmas wishes of all Lake Waconia ice fishermen!  The Christmas rain/wind storm did exactly what we needed it to, which was to melt and saturate all the snow, adding inches of ice to the already existing ice as it got cold.  While the ice isn’t the clear “black” ice we all want, it is much stronger than typical slush ice.  We measured around 7 to 8 inches in several holes we drilled today, with freeboard in every hole.  We still advise to check ahead of yourself, as we haven’t covered much of the lake yet.  We will be doing a more extensive check tomorrow (Wednesday).  Because of this great news of improved ice, we will be opening for the season on Thursday, 12/29!  Hours will be Monday thru Friday, 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm.

Click Here to watch our Ice Report Video from 12/27/16!

In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Ice Report - 12/22/16

We wanted to give you a quick update of Lake Waconia ice conditions today in front of our marina, 12/22. There has been no change in ice thickness in the past 3 days. However, the depth of the existing snow has diminished greatly since our last report, due to temps pushing 40 degrees, sunshine and wind. Melting snow, of course means more slush on the surface, which makes things difficult for the short-term, but isn’t bad news if we can get a couple of days of deep cold weather next week, and avoid any more measurable snow. If the Christmas storm stays rain as predicted, the ice will be sloppy, but will have a chance to heal and get thicker more quickly if the cold temps come, preferably in the single digits at night. We will continue to stay temporarily closed while we wait for better conditions. We’ll update Monday or Tuesday of next week and hope to report better news.

Have a Merry Christmas!

In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Ice Report - 12/19/16

As promised, we took another Lake Waconia ice walk today, 12/19.  We apologize for the audio quality of the video at the end, but it's visually a good representation of what to expect on the lake right now.  This time we went a little further to the middle of the Waconia Bay weedline. As we expected, the 2nd round of snow we received this past Friday and Saturday continued to slow the ice-making process, even though temps dipped in the -20’s at night. We are now finding snow measuring 6 to 10 inches deep, with areas of slush that have 1 to 2 (or more) inches of water above the ice.  Granted, there are plenty of non-slush areas right now, but the minute you drill a hole, expect to be surrounded by about an inch or more of water.  As for the ice itself, we were seeing a consistent 4 to 4-1/4 inches of clear black ice in the number of holes we drilled.  There are some areas of ice where the previous cracks had been flooded and re-frozen that you can find more thickness of mixed ice (black ice with frozen slush), or layered ice (original black ice with a layer of water and an inch to 2 inch top layer of frozen slush).  Needless to say, it’s a mixed bag of ice depending on where you go.  The one common theme is the snow.  If you’re looking to scratch your ice fishing itch, getting out will be a difficult haul.  At this time we are ONLY recommending walking, and caution you to check ahead of yourself (as we have checked very little of the lake as of yet).  Due to the difficulty of comfortably getting on and off the lake with fishing gear and a mild week of weather that will stunt ice growth even more, our bait shop will remain closed through this Christmas weekend as we wait for better ice conditions to come.  Our next update is likely to come this Thursday or Friday.

In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Ice Report - 12/15/16

We went for another quick Lake Waconia ice walk today.  As we expected, the previous snow hampered ice growth.  We started our walk in the same area as the other day, and worked our way to the west in front of the marina. Since the 12th, we have gained about 1-1/4 inches in 3 days despite the extreme cold, for an average of about 3-3/4 total inches in the limited path we walked.  Also, there are several cracks (gray areas) going in all directions.  The edges of those areas have less ice, as water spewed up and blowing snow drifted up in those locations, leading to lesser ice.  With predictions of 6 to 10 inches of more snow from Friday through Saturday morning, we expect even more changes to the ice, with slush potentially being a common theme across the lake.  With Sunday being dangerously cold, we likely will not be doing any further ice checking until at least Monday afternoon.  Our bait shop will remain closed for now.  Thanks for your patience while we wait for the ice to improve.

In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Ice Report Video- 12/15/16

In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Ice Report - 12/12/16

We took our first short ice walk on Lake Waconia today, 12/12/16.  Despite the extreme cold, the snow we received on Saturday and Sunday has stunted ice growth for now.  We stopped our check after only walking out about 50 to 75 yards from shore.  Ice thicknesses were in the 2-1/4 to 2-1/2” range, which is not enough for us to comfortably continue.  Unfortunately, snow is a great insulator.  We found that accumulations were 6 to 9 inches and fluffy, which adds to the insulating factor hampering ice growth.  The weight of the snow is not helping as it stresses the ice, diminishing its’ strength. Also, when you punch a hole, water is forced up (there is no freeboard) creating a slushy area which can cause its’ own set of problems for future ice growth. Due to the minimal gains expected in the near future, we likely will not be updating again until Thursday.  Our bait shop will remain closed until the lake is in better shape.  Let’s all keep our fingers crossed we have better information to report for our next update.

New Hours start 9/6 and go through Saturday, 10/1/16

We hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend! As we shift towards fall, we have new hours starting tomorrow 9/6. We will be open the rest of the season thru Saturday, October 1st. Hours are Monday thru Friday 11:30 am to Sunset, and Saturday & Sunday from 8 am to Sunset. See you at the lake!

Lake Waconia Beach Now OPEN!

Lake Waconia Beach is now OPEN! For those who did not hear, the beach had been closed because of elevated E. Coli levels. We have just received news directly from Carver County. Water "Test results we received today are quite good" was what we were told. Please help spread the word! :)

In Towne Marina

In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Fishing Report - 8/25/16

Lake Waconia continues to produce some good fishing in August.  Sunfish have been biting best on crawlers or waxies, while crappie minnows are still working great for crappies.  You can expect to find good action continuing on the north side of Coney Island, as well as Center, Kegs and Anderson’s Reefs.  Sunnies are hanging near the weeds along with the crappies, although some anglers have been finding suspended crappies in over 20 feet of water on certain days.  Walleyes have been better in the evening hours off Kegs, North and Anderson’s Reef as of late.  A fathead minnow with jig is still a great option.  There have been a few reports of northern pike and muskie action along the weeds of Reinke’s Bay, Center Reef and the weedline of Waconia Bay.  Don’t forget to try out from Peterson’s Creek  (the “Carp Trap) for multi-species fishing. With the rainy month we’ve been given, the creek is flowing well into the lake and is always an area the fish feed after a storm. Bass are great in the shallow reeds in the early morning hours, and along the weedlines during the day.  Topwater baits, spinnerbaits and plastic worms are all good bass-catching choices. 

We are still renting fishing boats and pontoons, although our rental season will come to a close in mid-September.  If you’re looking to get on the lake for one more cruise, or for a chance at the big catch, give us a call at (952) 442-2096 to reserve.  Store hours until Labor Day are Monday thru Friday 8:30 am to Sunset, and Saturday & Sunday from 7:30 am to Sunset. Our hours after Labor Day will be changing again, so we'll update you later as that date nears.

Waconia’s town celebration “Nickle Dickle Day” is coming up on Saturday, September 17^th!  We will be offering 20% Off Bait, Tackle, Rods & Reels and Clothing on that day to celebrate.  Stop in to say hi and save!  P.S.,  there is NO Kid’s Fishing Pond this year.

To finish the report this week, we'd like to thank our great staff for the work they do all summer here at the marina! We held a fun Employee Fishing Contest earlier in the month and lots of bass were caught!  Below is a pic of our employee Carl Wenning with his 17 inch bass he caught on a spinnerbait in Waconia Bay. He and teammate Curt Hodgin won the title this year!

Carl Wenning, 17" Largemouth Bass

In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Fishing Report - 7/7/16

What a great 4th of July Holiday mother nature gave us!  Those that made it out to Lake Waconia were given a great few days of boating or fishing!  Many of you witnessed another excellent display of fireworks put on by Waconia Chamber, Waconia Lions, and the wonderful volunteer fireworks shooters. Thanks to all who donate to put on this annual exciting show each 4th of July!

The fishing on Lake Waconia has been better than normal as we have entered July.  The most consistent fish anglers have had success with have been the crappies.  We continue to hear them being caught on the outside weedlines in 12 to 14 feet of water, as well as areas of mixed weeds and sand in 8 to 10 feet.  Crappie minnows have been most popular, although most baits have worked too. Sunfish are also around with the crappies, and have been biting well on crawlers and waxies. Many walleye anglers continue to catch crappies walleye fishing as well.

Speaking of walleyes, the bite for those has stayed decent off Keg's Reef and the rocks of Red's Reef in 14 to 18 feet of water. Some locations like the east end of Coney Island are good this time of year in deeper water, as depths drop fast, as deep as 26 feet. The northwest end of Coney Island can be great as well, in the 14 to 16 foot range. Fatheads continue to be a great choice, although leeches and crawlers have been working well too!

Largemouth Bass have been surprisingly good in late June and so far in July!  Many anglers were finding them both shallow and off deep weedlines.  We had several nice catches reported near the Carp Trap (Peterson's Creek on the NW side of the lake), and the reeds just west of that in less than 5 feet of water.  Topwater baits are always fun, as active bass will slam the surface to engulf your lure. For those working the weedlines or in the weeds, areas like Cemetery Reef, Center Reef and North Reef are all great bass locations. Using plastic worms, bass jigs, or spinnerbaits can produce nice bass in these areas.  Of course live bait like leeches and sucker minnows will always be a good bet.

While the muskie bite hasn't quite turned on like previous years yet, we have had a handful of anglers catching and releasing some.  The northern pike bite has picked up a little the past few weeks.  Working the weedlines past Lola's (below the big cemetery hill) and east toward the beach has worked.  Also the northeast side of the lake by the Clay Banks and around the cabbage weeds of Reinke's Bay can be good northern pike fishing as well.

If you haven't had the chance to get on the water, and need a way to get on Lake Waconia, don't forget we rent fishing boats and pontoons!  Click Here to learn more about our prices and policies! We make it easy for you to have an enjoyable day on the lake!  Call (952) 442-2096 to reserve.

See you at the lake!

In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Fishing Report - 6/1/16

We hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Weekend and Graduation festivities!  While Saturday was rainy, Sunday and Monday couldn’t have been better!  While Memorial Weekend is considered the beginning of summer for most, and the beginning of pleasure-boating as water temps begin to climb, we had plenty of anglers hitting the water as well.  Water temps hovered in the upper 60’s and even low 70’s in the shallows. 

Andrew Bandelin & 6-yr old Shaun Bandelin
with a basket full of Sunfish & Crappies!

Sunfish and crappies continued to bite very well.  We saw plenty of filled fish baskets , with many having success fishing in 4 to 10 feet of water by the north side of Coney Island, the south shore below the cemetery, the reeds on the northwest side of the lake (trim up when going there as there are scattered shallow rocks) and by the Rock Dock and Carp Trap, among many other areas.

The bass season opened up this past weekend as well, with much success.  Wide varieties of sizes have been reported caught.  Anglers have been catching them in some of the same areas as the panfish, as well as off weedlines of reefs while fishing walleye.  Live bait like leeches and crawlers are obvious go-to baits, but if you’re into using artificials, lures like Spinnerbaits, Power Worms, Jigs and Topwater are all fun to use right now!

Daniel Totzke with a 25" Walleye!

As for the walleye, the bite has continued to be good for those fishing early morning or early evening and after dusk.  During low-light hours, you can still find them in less than 12 feet of water, jigging or slip bobber fishing.  Fishing in 14 to 20 feet of water has worked for those fishing late afternoon or early evening.  Fatheads have been the popular bait of choice the past week, as there is a lesser chance to get bothered by the sunfish. Leeches and crawlers are great too, but expect a lot of nibbles by the active sunfish.

Muskie season opens up this upcoming weekend!  We’ll be seeing plenty of big lures flying in the search for those lake monsters.  Keep in mind, as of last year muskies in Minnesota  have to be over 54 inches to keep.  If you’re lucky enough hook into one, if it’s under 54, do what you can to get it released back in the water as soon as you can to be caught another time, as muskies are very sensitive fish after a long battle on the line.

Our Summer Hours are now in effect!  We are now open Monday thru Friday from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm, and on Saturdays & Sundays from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm.  We had plenty of families out renting our pontoons and fishing boats this weekend!  Keep in mind, if you’re looking to get on Lake Waconia for an easy, fun time at the lake, give us a call at (952) 442-2096 to reserve your day at the lake on one of our boats!  Click the following link to learn our prices and policies… http://intownemarina.com/Pontoon&BoatRental.htm

See you on the lake!

In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Fishing Report - 5/18/16

Another Fishing Opener has gone by with the weather stealing the headlines.  Cold temps and high winds made it difficult for the few anglers that braved it on Saturday.  Water temps dipped to just 50 degrees by mid-Saturday.  But, as conditions slowly improved, the bite did as well.  We have had some good walleye reports for the few days since the opening day.  While those out in the late evenings or early mornings have had success fishing in less than 8 feet of water, there have been a surprising number of reports of walleyes being caught late afternoon into the early evening between 14 to 18 feet of water.  Jigs with fatheads or leeches have been working, and not surprisingly, slip bobber fishing with a leech has been productive.  Areas like Kegs Reef, North Reef and Harms Point are a few locations to have success.  Don’t hesitate to fish the points of Coney Island as well, as they are worth hitting up.  So far we’ve had a couple of 3 pounders, a 5 pounder, and a 28 incher reported, along with several in the 17 to 18 inch range.  Not a bad start considering how difficult Saturday was!

As for the crappie bite, just like the walleyes, it was tougher over the weekend.  However, as water temps have climbed into the upper 50’s to low 60’s again, we are seeing more action happening!  Waconia Bay and the Pillsbury Reef area continue to pump out decent keepers on crappie minnows.  The north side of Coney Island has been great the previous few years, and would be a good option as well. Along with the crappies are mixed in sunfish.  While the sunnies aren’t quite spawning yet, if the water temps stabilize in the mid-60’s, we’ll see an influx of beds appearing in the shallows. Wax worms or a chunk of night crawler or angle worm would be a great choice to pair with your jig/hook and bobber rig, or small spinner.

Bass have been very productive since the warm-up, as they usually are in the spring.  If you’re trying for any of the above mentioned species, you will likely have a bass bite or several.  The favorite bait for bass generally is leeches, but they aren’t too picky at the moment.  Keep in mind, as of now, it’s still catch-and-release only for largemouths.  The bass season opens on May 27^th.

Our shop hours have extended since the Opener.  We are now open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 am to 8 pm. We will further extend our hours starting Memorial Day Weekend!

Our fishing boat and pontoon rental season has started!  We have anxiously waited for some consistently nice spring weather, and we now have it. Call (952) 442-2096 to reserve and get on beautiful Lake Waconia for some good fishing or relaxation!

 

 Here is a link to the Pontoon Prices: http://www.intownemarina.com/Pontoon%20Rental%20Prices.pdf

Here is the link to the Boat and Motor Prices: http://www.intownemarina.com/Boat%20&%20Motor%20Rental%20Prices.pdf