LAKE MINNETONKA
Muskie action has improved by ripping bucktails over the weed tops during the day or topwater baits at night. Walleye reports also have improved a bit with some fish being taken on crawlers and fatheads during the day in 20 feet or tighter to the weeds during low-light periods. Bass and sunfish are providing the most consistent bites with fish being found in the deep and shallow weeds. Look for pike to hit spinners and suckers in 12 to 14 feet. Goose-hunting reports have been poor with the exception of a few groups that found a hot field on opening day.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227
NORTHEAST METRO
Walleyes are hitting crawlers on the deep weedlines of White Bear Lake. Hit the bays on Demonterville Lake for sunfish and the deep holes of the St. Croix River for catfish. Pike are taking spinnerbaits or sucker minnows on Lake Jane.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle (651) 777-2421
WEST METRO
Northern pike are being taken with sucker minnows or spoon plugs at Lake Zumbra in 10 to 14 feet and Pierson Lake in 10 to 18 feet. Topwater baits thrown on the reef tops and weedlines of Lake Waconia have produced muskies. Look to the shallow weeds of Zumbra for bass and in 12 to 14 feet for panfish at Lake Bavaria and Lake Parley. Anglers wading the Minnesota River with sucker minnows are finding catfish in the deep holes. Goose-hunting reports have been poor.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022
ANNANDALE AREA
Suckers are turning pike in 12 feet at Clearwater Lake, Sugar Lake, Lake John, and Lake Francis. Walleyes have hit fatheads and crawlers in 16 to 24 feet at Clearwater and Sugar, while lakes Sylvia, Pleasant, John, and Clearwater are producing panfish in 15 to 20 feet. Bass fishing is good and Sugar has kicked out a few muskies during low-light periods. Goose-hunting reports have been OK, but limits have been an exception.
Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297