Metro Area Fishing Report – October 12th, 2012

LAKE MINNETONKA

Walleyes are hitting minnows in 24 to 30 feet throughout Brown’s Bay and Wayzata Bay. Northern pike and bass remain tight to the deep weed edges and they are hitting spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Look for crappies during low-light periods in the channels and sunfish have moved to the 10- to 12-foot milfoil. A few muskies are hitting large sucker minnows above the weeds over 10 feet. There seems to be more geese in the area and archery hunters are seeing better deer movement.
Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

NORTHEAST METRO

Fishing reports have been limited, although the wind has kept most anglers off area lakes. The only bite worth noting is taking place on the St. Croix River, where crappies are suspended and hitting a jig and minnow over the deep holes. Duck numbers have dwindled over the past week.
Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle                    (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO

Lake Waconia is kicking out muskies via topwater baits along the shallow weed edges. Look for walleyes on the deep edges of the reefs on Waconia, most of which are being taken on jigs and fatheads. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows in 10 to 12 feet on Steiger Lake and Lake Zumbra. Duck-hunting reports have dropped, but geese continue to be found in good numbers.
Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

ANNANDALE AREA

Walleyes are hitting minnows or crankbaits in eight to 16 feet on Clearwater Lake, Sugar Lake, and Lake Sylvia. Bass and northern pike are being caught on spinnerbaits at Maple Lake, Lake John, French Lake, Clearwater, and Sylvia. Look for panfish in eight to 15 feet on Clearwater and Pleasant Lake and muskies seem to be more active on Sugar. Waterfowl hunters are finding good numbers of puddle ducks and geese in the area.
Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

CHISAGO AREA

Trolling shallow-running crankbaits in the channel of Chisago Lake has produced walleyes. Pitch a jig and minnow off Needle Point at South Center Lake in eight to 16 feet for walleyes. The steep break on the northwest corner of North Center Lake is giving up walleyes, as is the channel on Green Lake. Look for crappies to hit minnows in 12 feet on Chisago and South Lindstrom Lake. There hasn’t been any new ducks moving into the area and archery hunters are registering more deer this week.
Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334