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FeedSouthwest Minnesota Fishing Report - October 19th, 2012
FAIRMONT AREA
Minnows are turning crappies and perch in less than 10 feet of water at Amber Lake, Hall Lake, Lake Sissiton, and Budd Lake. Walleyes are hitting minnows or crankbaits in six to 12 feet on South Silver Lake and Hall. Hunter participation was high for the pheasant opener, but success wasn’t as good as expected. Duck numbers are limited and there hasn’t been much for new birds moving through the area.
Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225
MANKATO AREA
The pheasant season started slow with most groups struggling to find roosters and waterfowl hunters are shooting more geese than ducks, although a few divers are being shot. The deeper pockets on the Minnesota and Blue Earth rivers are producing catfish. Hit Lake Hanska in eight to 10 feet or Lake Washington in 16 to 20 feet with minnows for walleyes.
The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228
ORTONVILLE AREA
Pheasant hunters offered mixed reviews from opening weekend. By most accounts, it was a decent start to the season with some groups doing well and others struggling to find birds. Waterfowl hunters are seeing more divers and geese in the area this week with more mallards mixed in. Big Stone Lake continues to produce perch in the Rocky Ledge area over eight to 10 feet on minnows. On Lake Traverse, walleye action has picked up with crankbaits thrown along the shorelines. Hit the Highway 75 dam on the Minnesota River with minnows for crappies or an occasional walleye and northern pike.
Bud’s Bait (320) 839-2480
STARBUCK AREA
Walleye action remains consistent during low-light periods with a jig and minnow on the points, Glenwood Beach, and Starbuck Beach areas of Lake Minnewaska in 12 to 14 feet. Anglers fishing from shore on the west side of Lake Emily are catching walleyes on shiner minnows. Pheasant hunting reports were mixed and most groups said the dry conditions made it difficult on dogs. Duck hunters are doing well with good numbers of mallards and geese in the area.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239
WILLMAR AREA
A jig and minnow is producing walleyes in 18 to 20 feet on lakes Andrew and Florida, in 20 to 30 feet at Eagle Lake, and in 10 to 15 feet on Diamond Lake. Minnows also are turning walleyes off the bars and flats of Green Lake in 20 to 40 feet or 50 to 70 feet. Duck numbers are low, but geese are abundant. Pheasant hunters are finding pockets of birds, but dry conditions have made it tough on dogs.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097
