Fishing Opener 2010

The sunrise, sunset, and night bite continue to be the best time periods to be on the water for walleyes. Throughout opening night we had many reports of quality fish being caught in the 16-19” range. Big fish have also been reported since opening night. We have seen a 30”, 27 ¾”, 27”, and 25 ¼” brought in. During the night most anglers are working the shallower water, 10ft or less. Shad raps, a jig and minnow, and lighted bobbers with leeches seem to be working best for catching walleyes at this time. Most people have been trying the shallow parts of the reefs and shoreline weed edges in the evening.

Since the water has warmed up about 10 degrees since Friday morning 5/14, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start working your way a little deeper. The water temperature is currently hovering around the lower 60’s. If your not getting fish shallow, try fishing in the 10-16ft ranges, as the fish will move into their summer patterns. Some areas you might want to consider are Kegs Reef, Cemetery Reef, Center Reef, and Nelsons Flats.

For those of you that are interested in sunnies and crappies, we are still seeing an ongoing bite. The panfish continue to be caught in water depths ranging from 4-12ft. Sorting is necessary in order to find some of the keepers. Try either using a jig with a grub or bobber fishing with a crappie minnow or angleworm. The south shore and northwest side of the lake continue to be the best areas for panfish.

Lake Waconia Fishing Report 2010 – Opener Edition

The 2010 game fish season is finally here!!!

This Saturday, May 15, 2010 is the start of the inland water, game fish season. Walleye will be the main attraction, but don’t forget the northern pike as well. I’m sure most of you have been awaiting its arrival ever since ice out. For the last month, not only have you been reading articles on how to persuade our state fish in to biting, but also stocking up on new tackle and baits, hoping for a trophy class fish.

Lake Waconia is one of the pristine walleye lakes found just outside the metro area. If you’re looking to go out this weekend, but not willing to travel far; Lake Waconia is the place you want to be!

The conditions this Spring, have been somewhat extreme. We have seen a very mild April with highs approaching 80 degrees at times too the month of May being very cool and damp. This means two things, the water temps have drastically changed as well as the fish habits changing. On a typical opener you’re going to find a majority of the fish near or within shallow water. The depth of water you would want to keep in mind is and around the 4 – 9ft range. Usually the night fishermen have their best chances, shallower in the evening with either slip bobbers, casting/trolling shallow rapala’s, or even a jig and minnow works great too.

For anyone that plans on venturing out during the daylight hours you might want to try just a little bit deeper using a jig and a minnow or even try running lindy rigs with a leech or a minnow. The depth of water you would want to concentrate on, is around 8 - 15ft. Leeches and minnows are going to be your best bait for this time of year. Typical colors you might want to try are chartreuse and red glows.

With the variance in water temperature this past month you may have to consider revising your game plan, as fish patterns change. If you’re not having any luck in the shallow water, try deeper. Keeping switching things up whether it’s lures, bait choices, or depth of water. Find something that works for you!

Some of the predominant shallow water spots are the Carp Trap, Rock Dock, swimming beach, Clay Banks, and the shallow water areas located west of Nelson’s Flats. If deeper water is on your mind try fishing one of the many reefs, Pillsbury reef, Center reef, Kegs reef, and the east side of the island just to name a few.

We have a full supply of bait and tackle, whether you’re coming to Lake Waconia or venturing up north. Our bait shop has a wide variety of bait including shiners, fatheads, leeches, and crawlers. We also have rental boats ready to go, so if you don’t have a boat feel free to give us a call and reserve one! The bait shop will be OPEN ALL NIGHT on Friday 5/14 for the guys that want to head out at midnight. Our hours Monday through Friday are 7:30 a.m.– 8:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. on the weekends. Feel free to stop on by!

Almost Over

Where did February go? If your hungry for a meal of Walleye then you better catch your dinner no later than 11:59PM Sunday 2/28/10! After the weekend the gamefish Season is closed. Fish Houses have to be removed by the same time if left unattended.

Thanks everyone for a great Winter Season! We appreciate ALL of our loyal customers, and hope you have enjoyed the 2009-2010 Ice Fishing Season as much as we did!

Starting Monday 3/1/10 we will close for the Winter Season. We will reopen in the spring shortly after ice-out as usual. Access onto the ice at the marina will be available until we see reason to close it.

Thanks again everyone!

Sincerely, The Mases and Staff

Lake Waconia Fishing Report and News

The season is nearing it's end. Just 2 more weekends to fish walleyes, northerns and bass. February 28th is the last day for the gamefish season, as well as the last day fish houses can be left on the lake overnight.

This week, we've continued to see a good crappie bite. We've heard varying times for when they have been biting. Some days it's between 5 pm to 6:30, and other days it's been from 7 pm to 9. Crappies have continued to be found in depths ranging from 10 to 14 feet of water. If you're only able to fish daytime, the crappies have been a little slower, but the sunfish bite has been adequate. Be patient if you're looking for keepers as you'll have to do some sorting, although if your looking for something for the frying pan, you can certainly get enough. Look for the sunfish action to be around 8 to 14 feet. Locations to find these fish continue to be in the areas around Center Reef and Pillsbury Reef and to the north, although it's not a bad idea to try in Waconia Bay this time of year. We've also seen the northern pike bite continue to be active. Small to medium sucker minnows have been the usual bait of choice. You'll find these pike in the similar areas you're fishing for sunfish and crappies. For the walleye angler, patience is the key. We've had some nice reported fish, but those with the best success have been putting time on the water overnight into the early morning hours. Nelson's Flats and North Reef would be a couple areas worth trying. See you on the lake!

Lake Waconia Snow Report

We ended our last post mentioning we might get more snow soon, and boy were they right! After all of the "stages" of the storm we ended up with almost a foot of powder. The winds were gusting, giving us some impressive drifts. The established roads really filled in with snow, Jim and his V-Plow and Ben in his Bobcat had quite a bit on their plate. Roads have been opened back up to Center Reef, Pillsbury Reef, Waconia Bay, and Cemetery Reef. Jim and Ben have made some nice chutes off the main roads so people can get off the beaten path a little. Long distance off-roading has gotten pretty difficult due to hidden old roads, hidden paths and just plain deep snow. If You do feel adventurous, bring a good shovel and tow strap. Having a buddy handy in another four wheel drive doesn't hurt.

Call with any questions.

(952)442-2096

Lake Waconia Fishing report and News

The Northern Pike Continue to Impress! Since our last posting we have been getting consistent reports of respectable Pike from the Tip-up fisherman. Areas these fish have been coming from, are still this years "standby" spots. Center Reef, Pillsbury Reef, Waconia Bay, and Wagner's Bay have all been giving up nice pike in, or near the weeds. A Sucker minnow set up in 9'-15' of water is still the route to go.

The Crappie bite would not be described as "HOT", but the action has picked up as of late. The pre-frontal bite has been the key. With all this weather we have seen lately, the action before the weather change has been noticeable.
We have not seen much of a deep water bite yet, just like most of the fish right now aim at the weed edges. Wax worms or Euro larvae are sometimes outperforming minnows, so don't be afraid to leave the worms on after dark.

Today is Saturday, February 6th and we have had a couple blasts of snow since our last post. The snow has smoothed things out on the roads, and given us some good banking material for the fish houses. Off-Roading is still doable with four wheel drive, but tough for two wheel drive vehicles now. More snow is in the forecast so if you need the latest lake news call the Bait Shop anytime!

See you on the ice!

(952) 442-2096

Lake Waconia News

Stop by the Bait Shop this weekend, grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and watch history motor by. The 20th Annual Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Event is in town Saturday 1/30/10 and Sunday 1/31/10. As usual they will be set up in the south east corner of the lake by the beach, but you will see the old machines zipping along almost anywhere on the lake this weekend. Seeing those old concoctions buzz by is always a hoot.

Temperatures have dropped significantly since our last posting and the lake has firmed right back up. The roads are pretty bumpy in spots, but thanks to Jim and his V-plow, getting around is still just as doable. You will find that off-roading isn't bad on the main lake, as long as you stay out of an old abandoned road or path. The snow has really depleted out there, but a little fresh stuff from earlier in the week sure prettied things up giving us some needed banking snow.

See You on the Lake!