Southwest Minnesota Fishing Report – September 14th, 2012

FAIRMONT AREA

Crappies and perch continue to hit minnows in six to 12 feet on Hall Lake and Budd Lake. North Silver Lake is producing perch in three feet, while catfish and a few walleyes are coming off Fox Lake in eight to 14 feet. Muskie reports also have improved on Fox with large blade baits. Youth hunters did well and there has been more geese moving into the area.
Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

MANKATO AREA

The deep holes on the Minnesota and Blue Earth rivers are holding catfish and walleyes. Look to Lake Hanska for walleyes and crappies in eight to 10 feet. A few sunfish are being caught on Lake Washington in less than six feet. Youth Waterfowl Day went well with the local rivers holding good numbers of wood ducks and teal.
The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228

ORTONVILLE AREA

Perch and bluegills continue to be caught around the islands and Manhattan Reef area of Big Stone Lake in 10 to 12 feet. The Rocky Ledge area of Big Stone is producing perch in 12 to 14 feet. Trolling Shad Raps from the Peninsula up to the islands on Big Stone has produced walleyes in 11 feet. On the south end of Artichoke Lake, bluegills and crappies are being caught from shore and the dam on the Minnesota River is producing northern pike. Most reports from Youth Waterfowl Day were good with mallards, teal, and wood ducks in most bags.
Bud’s Bait (320) 839-2480

STARBUCK AREA

Walleyes are hitting Rapalas during low-light periods around the edges of the bulrushes in six feet of water on Lake Minnewaska. Look for sunfish on the Glenwood end of Minnewaska in 12 feet, while bass and northern pike remain active throughout the lake. The hunters who continue to scout are finding good numbers of geese and having quite a bit of success on area fields.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle               (320) 239-2239

WATERVILLE AREA

The north shore of Lake Tetonka is giving up sunfish and small crappies in 10 to 15 feet. On Lake Francis, crappies and sunfish are hitting in 10 to 12 feet. Walleye and northern pike action has been slow.
Axel’s Tackle Box (507) 362-4444
www.axelstacklebox.blogspot.com

WILLMAR AREA

Walleyes are hitting redtails on Green Lake in 20 to 40 feet, the bass bite remains strong in shallow water here, and look for sunfish in the milfoil. Lakes such as Eagle, Nest, Diamond, Andrew, and North Long are safe bets for panfish in 10 to 15 feet. Northern pike are an easy catch on the weedlines of Games Lake and Andrew. Youth Waterfowl Day went well for most groups and there seems to be a few more geese in the area this week.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097