Lake Waconia Fishing Report 8-28-14

The end of Summer is fast approaching and since the kids are off to school, you'll notice the lake will have less traffic, which is good news for fishermen!  It's been an unusual summer, and since we never really had any long stretches of extreme hot weather, the lake bite has been better than most years during August.

We've continued to have some nice bass reported and brought in to share before releasing. Fishing the weeds on Center, Pillsbury and North Reefs have been productive.  Sucker minnows have been good for those using live bait.  If artificial lures are your thing, spinnerbaits, Texas-rigged worms and Jigs are working. We still recommend trying shallow water with topwater baits as well for a fun bass bite. Also, after a rainfall, its always good bass fishing near the Carp Trap (Peterson's Creek) on the NW side of the lake.

Crappies and sunnies continue to be active for those of you looking to get some fun action with kids. A lot of sorting is needed to pick out keepers, but it's possible to get some for the fry pan. The north side of the island is still a popular spot in 10 to 12 feet of water. Of course, fishing the weedlines of Center, Pillsbury, North and Kegs reefs almost always produce a good amount of panfish, with some of the bigger ones coming from those locations.

The muskie bite has started to turn on.  While it has been an up and down season for them, we've had some of the nicer reports of this summer during August.  The big fish of the season on our shop's photo counter came in on 8/16 from Kelsey Johnson.  She got into a 52 incher on her first attempt at fishing for these monsters.  We've also seen and heard of several in the mid-to-upper 40 inch range as well.  Fishing around the island and reefs like North and Anderson's are good bets.  Bucktails and big spinnerbaits have been some of the baits of choice for these successful catches.




Walleye activity has been hit or miss for a lot of the summer.  While we've certainly seen an increase in successful catches, they are still generally under the legal slot size of 16 inches.  Lately, we've been hearing of anglers getting action on Red's Reef in 14 to 17 feet of water off the rocks.  Kegs, North and Anderson's reefs, right off the weedlines have also produced some "marble-eyes".

After Labor Day, we will be starting new shortened hours.  Starting on Tuesday, September 2nd, our hours are Monday-Friday 10 am - Sunset, and Saturday/Sunday from 8 am - Sunset.  We will be renting boats and pontoons into early September, but please call (952) 442-2096  to reserve as we have limited staff this time of year.

We want to thank our staff for another great summer this year!  Most of them are back to college or heading back to high school soon, and we're lucky to have such quality employees.  Earlier in the the month, we had an Employee fishing contest, and this year's winners were Carl Wenning and Nick Hughes, who teamed up to catch the most weight in bass for the night.  Here's a nice pic of the crew... from left to right (Avery Aalfs, Carl Wenning, Isaac Kluver, Eric Wolf, Jimmy Mase, Ben Mase, Curt Hodgin and Nick Hughes).

Lake Waconia Fishing and Lake Report 8-04-14

GREAT NEWS! The Carver County Sheriff has lifted the remaining wake restrictions on Lake Waconia. We are now back using the lake under the normal laws!

Now that the weather has finally settled down and things are back to normal at the lake, it's time to take advantage of the rest of the summer and get boating or fishing on Lake Waconia!  We're here with all of the basics to make your day on the lake a memorable one!  If you need re-fueling, we have 91-octane non-ethanol marine gas.  If you need the latest word on the bite, bait, tackle or if you just want to stop in for a snack or ice cream, we'll be here to greet you!  If you don't have a boat, we rent fishing boats with motors and have nice options for pontoon rental as well.  Take advantage of our Weekday 20% Off coupon for pontoon rental, which expires on Thursday, 8/21.  Just call to reserve at (952) 442-2096.

The bite has been good during this stretch of summer.  Bass have been active with multiple depths and styles of fishing working.  With the August algae bloom, it's always a great idea to throw topwater baits, like Scumfrogs in the shallows, especially early in the morning.  Some of the most fun is watching a lunker largemouth slam your bait at the surface!  If you're not into fishing the shallows, anglers using live bait such as leeches have had success in the weeds or on weed edges in 10 to 15 feet of water in areas like North, Center, Pillsbury and Cemetery Reefs.  If you're into artificial lures, some good options are Texas-rigged worms, jigs and spinnerbaits.

Sunfish and Crappie action has been surprisingly steady this summer.  There has been no shortage of panfish caught, although sorting has to be done to get keepers.  Working the weeds around Coney Island has been a good bet all year and continues to produce between 8 to 14 feet of water.  Fishing any of the reefs with good weeds is also productive.  Chunks of night crawler or wax worms have been the bait of choice for sunnies, along with crappie minnows for the crappies.

Walleye and northern pike have been more active this summer compared to previous years.  The walleyes have been best during low-light times, with action coming from Kegs, Anderson's and North Reef, and between the marinas.  The weed theme continues, as we're hearing of more fish coming from the weedlines than the deep water.  Expect to do a lot of catch and releasing for the walleyes, as a majority of the catches have been under the 16 inch Lake Waconia size limit as of late, although we've seen our fair share of keepers this summer too.   As for the pike, we've been seeing anglers bobber fishing with sucker minnows, as well as using artificials like spinnerbaits and trolling with cranks or spoons. 

We hope to see you at the lake!

Here are some of the best pics of the month of July...

UPDATE! Waconia "Entire Lake" Restriction Lifted....Now no wake within 300 feet from shore

Due to the high water back in late June, an entire lake No-Wake restriction was put on Lake Waconia June 21st, 2014. Lake levels are dropping and the "Entire Lake" portion of the restriction is being lifted at this time. Waconia will now be No wake within 300 feet from shore. Remember to give at least that much room, many docks are still close to being underwater around the lake.

Lake Waconia Fishing Report 7-7-14

As of this morning's writing, Lake Waconia is still under a no-wake restriction for the entire lake until further notice.  While pleasure boaters are patiently waiting to cruise at higher speeds, the no-wake has presented a great opportunity for some calmer day and night time fishing.  Areas that normally have a lot of high traffic are readily fishable. 

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!

"A Taste of Lake Waconia"

In Towne Marina WELCOMES “A Taste Of Minnesota” and VISITORS 7/03-7/06/14!

In Towne Marina is excited this great event will be held at Waconia’s  Carver County Fairgrounds           from Thurs. July 3^rd to Sun., July 6^th . Come enjoy Great Food, Music and Fun near  the lake! Get a Taste of Country Living…Near the City at Our Marina. We are conveniently located on the South  Shore of Lake Waconia within walking distance from the “Taste” event , held in downtown Waconia!

Plan to go fishing or boating for a few hours while you’re here!  Check out our website at InTowneMarina.com  to see photos of our RENTAL Pontoons or 14’ Fishing Boats- you’ll find prices & information to Call NOW- to RESERVE [Recommended].  Relax aboard the boat as you enjoy beautiful views and Great fishing as you cruise the lake! Own your own boat?  Bring it along to launch at our stable, double-wide Access dock. Our access is much easier to use than the Public accesses on the lake. Access fees are $5 weekdays and $10 Weekends and Holidays.

Stop at our convenient Gas Dock to fill up [Non-oxygenated No ethanol 91 Octane] head into our shop to find everything from ski tow ropes to a bag of ice!  We carry Marine supplies; Fishing Tackle & Live Bait.    Enjoy the view from our deck with a snack; beverage or ice cream treat- or just to find local information & pleasant conversation.    

TWO Fireworks shows begin at dusk this July 4^th in Waconia. Our shop remains open late that night until both Fireworks displays are over! Waconia’s’ show begins 1st at dusk usually 10pm [shot from the east end Carver County Waconia Regional Park over the lake] - followed by the “Taste of MN” - sponsored Show [shot near the event- over the West end of the city].  Watch the sky at 10:30 PM nightly 7/03 to 7/06 for the “Taste of MN” Fireworks  Display  for all to enjoy!

Don’t miss Great MUSIC; Great FOOD; Great BOATING & FISHING HERE with Waconia hospitality!     COME SEE US anytime  this Summer [Regular hours: Mon- Fri 7:30 am- 8:30 pm  & Sat/Sun 6:30am-8:30 pm].

                               

 PS: As of this writing “No Wake” 5mph maximum boat speed remains on Lake Waconia -until further notice.

No Wake Restriction on Lake Waconia (entire lake)

Due to the extreme rainfall and high water, Lake Waconia has been placed under a No Wake restriction on the entire lake by the Carver County Sheriff until further notice.  We will update as soon as we find out that the restriction has been lifted.

Summer-like weather is here! Rent a Pontoon or get on the lake for some GOOD fishing!

Now that the weather and the water temps have warmed up, it's time to enjoy the lake with a group of friends or family by renting one of our pontoons!  We have two 21 foot pontoons and one 20 foot pontoon that hold up to 9 adults each.  Our new edition to our fleet is a 24 foot pontoon that will hold up to 12 people and will be ready soon once it's completely configured for rental.  Gas is INCLUDED with Pontoon Rentals.  We also rent 14 foot fishing boats with motors!  Give us a call at 952-442-2096 to reserve and get on beautiful Lake Waconia!  Click the link for the Pontoon & Boat Rental page to learn more...http://www.intownemarina.com/Pontoon&BoatRental.htm

As for the fishing report, the bite has been good when the weather has allowed anglers to be on the lake.  The sunfish spawning period is on.  Expect plenty of action for sunnies in the shallows and weedlines.  Generally 3 to 8 feet of water is best right now.  Crappies can be found in the same depths or a touch deeper, although their spawning period is over.  Fishing in reeds, in Reinke's Bay, Waconia Bay, Harms Point, and the shallow parts of Pillsbury Reef are just some of the areas to give a try.

Bass have been biting well all over.  Anglers are catching them while panfishing as well as walleye fishing.  The Rock Dock, Peterson's Creek (the Carp Trap), and reeds are good shallow spots to try.  Center, Cemetery and North Reef would be worthy areas to target in the weeds and outer weedlines.

Those looking for walleye have been fishing low light times of day for the best success. Harms Point, the Clay Banks, North and Kegs Reef would be good places to start.  Large or Jumbo leeches have been a popular choice, with fathead minnows doing good as well. Don't forget, walleyes must be 16 inches to keep on Waconia!

With Muskie season almost here, we won't be shocked to hear of some big fish stories.  Fishermen have seen their fair share of them following up panfish catches and cruising the surface.  The season opens up this Saturday the 7th, so let the big baits fly!

We have all of your fishing needs, with bait, tackle, and good deals on rods and reels!  Stop in for a quick snack, beverage or ice cream.  Don't forget we sell 91 octane, non-ethanol marine gas as well.

We hope to see you at the lake!