Lake Waconia Fishing Report - 8/17/15

It's been an enjoyable summer on Lake Waconia so far, not only for the fishermen, but all boaters! Lake levels are high for this time of year, water temps are still hovering around 80, and the lake has had minimal algae blooms affecting it, making it all-around comfortable for any water-sports activity.

While the numbers of fishermen using the lake have been lower this month due to the heat and humidity, those who have gone fishin' continued to find fish!  Largemouth Bass have been a lot of fun this summer.  We are getting good reports for big ones around reefs like Cemetery, North, Center and Pillsbury.  You'll still catch them shallow too up in the reeds or by the Carp Trap or Rock Dock as well. Spinnerbaits, Jigs and Plastic Worms have worked well for those using artificials.  Crawlers, Fatheads and Sucker Minnows are producing fish for those using live bait!

Walleyes are still running deeper off the weeds on Keg's, Red's and North Reefs or off the corners of the island. Jigging with a fathead still has been the method of choice.  Some are drifting with crawlers and having success as well.

Those wanting to get their kids some action can still rely on Lake Waconia to come through.  Sunfish and Crappies have been biting well around the weeds by the island and some of the reefs in 8 to 14 feet of water most of the summer and you can continue to find them there, but we're also getting some nice reports a tad deeper as well. Don't be afraid to go off the weeds from 15 to 20 or more feet of water. The usual spots like Center, Keg's, North and Anderson's have worked well for fishing in the weeds or outside of them in deeper water. Wax worm and crawlers are still the go-to Sunfish bait. Crappie minnows continue to work for the Crappies.

Our rental season is winding down soon.  There's about 4 weeks left to rent a pontoon or fishing boat and motor!  It's still a great time to get on the lake, as the lake generally isn't as busy this time of year. We suggest making a reservation as our hours will be changing, so call (952) 442-2096 and we'll set you up for a fun day on the water!  As of now, our hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to Sunset, and Saturday/Sunday from 6:30 am to Sunset.  After Labor Day, our hours will shorten.

This past Saturday, we had a party to honor our slip and buoy members at the marina.  We had a free lunch and gave away hundreds of dollars in value of drawing prizes!  We also had a free, short, informal fishing contest that was enjoyed by many.  The winners were Mike Pittelkow, who caught a 1# 2 oz Crappie that was caught within the first 15 minutes, and Marcy Russell, who caught a 14-inch Bass!  Overall, it was a hot, beautiful day to enjoy at the lake!  Thanks again to all of the wonderful families who share their summers with us by keeping their boats at our marina!

Lake Waconia Fishing Report - 7/29/15

It's been a hot and humid July on Lake Waconia. Water temps have been in the high 70's to low 80's for several weeks now, making it enjoyable for those who want to swim, tube, ski, wakeboard or just cruise the lake.  While most summers we experience the mid-summer fishing doldrums, this year has been different!  Lake Waconia has continued to produce plenty of action for anglers!

We've had lot's of big bass reported between 3 to 6 pounds on numerous locations, examples being Pillsbury, Center, North and Cemetery Reefs in the weeds or on the edge. They haven't been picky, biting on most live bait options, especially leeches and crawlers.  Those using diving crankbaits, bass jigs and plastic worms have been successful too! Plastic jerk baits and topwater lures have worked in the shallows early in the morning.

If you're still looking to get into some panfish action, you're in luck!  The sunfish and crappie bite is still quite good.  While sorting must be done to get some keepers, anglers have had success with wax worms or crawlers for sunfish, as well as crappie minnows for the crappies.  A wide variety of locations continue to produce.  The north side of Coney Island is always a safe bet to find action. Also fishing the weeds on reefs like North, Center, Kegs and Anderson's Reefs are worth trying as well.

The walleye bite has moved deep.  Fishermen have been working the deep drops off the east end of the island, Kegs and North Reef, as well as the rocks around Reds Reef. Fatheads are still the bait of choice, although a Jumbo or Large Leech are a good bet too!  Jigging has proven to be the most consistent method of attack, although some have done well dragging spinner rigs too.

Don't forget, we are THE place to rent Pontoons and Fishing Boats on Lake Waconia!  Get on the water while it's still Summer! For a limited time, SAVE 10% off Pontoon Rentals, Monday thru Friday from August 3rd until August 14th (1-Day Advance Reservation Required).

Stop into the shop to check out our selection of clothing! We have some fun new designs!  During the Month of August, receive 25% off in-stock In Towne Marina T-shirts, Sweatshirts or Hats!

We hope to see you at the lake!

Lake Waconia Fishing Report and 4th of July Activities - 7/2/15

The 4th of July is almost upon us, and Waconia is booming with the Taste of Minnesota here through the 5th, as well as the Lake Waconia Fireworks show which will be occurring on 7/4 at 10 pm from the Lake Waconia Regional Park on the southeast side of the lake. Stop in to say hi and pick up a snack or last minute item while you go boating to watch the show! Also, the Taste of Minnesota will have fireworks on 7/2, 7/3 and 7/4 at 10:20 from the Carver County Fairgrounds grandstand. Lots of activity and road construction, so check here to see where it’s closed and how to get to town…
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/5waconia/

With the beautiful weather, the lake has been warming up nicely! Water temps are now in the upper 70’s, so it’s very comfortable for all of your summer water activities. Take advantage of this wonderful weather pattern we’ve been in, and join us on the lake! If you don’t have a way to get on the water, rent a fishing boat or pontoon from us! Call (952) 442-2096 for information and to make a reservation.

While the water temps are higher, the fishing action has stayed strong on Lake Waconia. Sunfish and crappies are still biting best. Fishing between 8 to 14 feet of water with crappie minnows and waxies or crawlers has been the ticket. Areas like Center Reef, Pillsbury Reef and North Reef have been very good. Also, fishing the weeds around the island has been productive. Bass have bitten well in these areas as well, so don’t be shocked to get a lunker on the line!

Walleyes are starting to bite a little deeper now, although we continue to hear of catches in less than 10 feet too in the early morning hours. We’ve had reports of good success in 14 to 22 feet of water by Keg’s Reef, North Reef, Red’s Reef and the east side of the island. Fatheads are still the bait of choice, although it never hurts to have a large or jumbo leech or night crawlers with.

We hope you have a safe and fun-filled 4th of July! We’ll see you at the lake!

Explanation of Fish Kill on Area Lakes...

If you've been on the area lakes, including Lake Waconia recently, you will have noticed a large number of floating dead fish (mostly sunfish). It is a common thing to see in the springtime, as the waters warm and a common bacteria that affects fish can kill the weakened ones that have just gone through their stressful spawn. This year, with the up-and-down spring, the spawning patterns have extended longer than normal, which we believe to be the reason we are seeing a longer period of dead fish. The healthy fish you do catch are not harmful to eat. Here is a link to a full description of this common occurrence from the MNDNR...
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/eastmetro/columnaris.html

Lake Waconia Fishing Report - 6/5/15

The bite continues to be strong on Lake Waconia.  Fishing around Coney Island has been really good for a lot of species this week.  Sunfish are in prime spawning mode.  Expect plenty of bites, especially on waxies and crawlers in 4 to 10 feet of water.  Crappies and bass continue to be mixed in as well, with some good size too!  Crappies are biting well on crappie minnows and flu flus or small jigs. Bass haven't been too picky, as a lot of different things have worked.  Walleyes continue to bite well during the low-light periods early morning or at night.  We recommend fatheads or shiners right now, as they will give you the best shot to keep the active sunnies from tugging on your line.  We've started to see the northern pike bite pick up this week too, which has been a pleasant surprise. Spinnerbaits have worked well for both bass and northerns. With the Muskie season opening this Saturday the 6th, we expect a lot of big baits flying.  Waconia has recently been one of the best lakes to target them.  Don't forget, Muskies must now be 54 inches to keep statewide.

Don't forget to give us a call at (952) 442-2096 to reserve a fishing boat or pontoon!  We have 14 foot boats with motors that hold up to 3 or 4 people.  The pontoons hold from 9 to 12 adults depending on which one you rent.

The warm season is fast approaching! We look forward to seeing you at the lake!

Lake Waconia Fishing Report - 5/22/15

What a day to get on Lake Waconia! Enjoy the nicest day of the Spring. Plenty of fish are still biting! If you're looking to get a big tug on your fishing pole, bass are biting extremely well. We are seeing them biting in all depths. Lots of movement in the shallows for panfish too. Sunfish and crappies are well worth getting your line wet. For those interested in walleyes, it continues to be a strong bite. Fatheads and leeches are working best. We are still hearing anglers having success in 4 to 8 feet at night and 14 to 18 feet of water during the day. It's a great time to take the family out fishing.

We've got our pontoon and boat & motor fleet all ready to go, so contact us at (952)-442-2096 to reserve if you're looking to get on the lake!

Have a safe and happy Memorial Weekend!

Lake Waconia Opener Week Fishing Report 5-14-15

Despite the up and down weather, the overall bite has been solid for several species right now.  It’s especially a good time to get out fishing for walleyes on Waconia!  The Opener week was generally a success, as we heard good reports coming from multiple anglers catching plenty of nice keepers between 16 to 19 inches, with some released in the 22 to 26 inch range. The evening or early morning bite was good in 4 to 8 feet of water.  Jigging or slip bobber fishing with a leech or fathead worked well for some, while others casted crankbaits.  For the late-morning or daytime fishermen, we were hearing the bite was best between 13 to 18 feet.  Water temps remain in the upper 50’s, so the early patterns should stay in play.

While many were out targeting walleyes for this week, we had reports of a strong bass bite, which wasn’t much of a shocker since it’s their prime spawning time.  Expect those to be best in the shallows.  Just remember they must be released until Bass Opener on the 23^rd.  Crappies continue to bite well on crappie minnows, and the sunfish activity has started to pick up as well. We are seeing those in 5 to 12 feet.  It’s a fun time to get the family out fishing!

We are renting some of our boats and pontoons beginning this weekend!  We will have our full fleet ready to go for Memorial Weekend, so get your reservation on the books to enjoy a fun day on Lake Waconia!  Call (952)-442-2096 to reserve.

We have Gas available now!  Our 91-Octane, Non-Oxygenated (Non-Ethanol) Marine-Grade gas is recommended for use in all marine engines.  The pump is shut down 15 minutes prior to our store closing time.

Our Hours until Memorial Day Weekend continue to be Monday thru Friday: 8 am – 8 pm, and Saturday/Sunday: 6:30 – 8 pm.  We will be extending our hours after the Memorial Weekend.

We hope to see you at the lake!