Southwest Minnesota Fishing Report – October 26th, 2012

FAIRMONT AREA

Jigs and fatheads are producing perch on the shorelines of Iowa Lake and North Silver Lake. Crankbaits or minnows are turning walleyes in four to 12 feet at Hall Lake and Tuttle Lake. Pheasant hunting has been poor, and duck numbers are minimal, but Canada goose numbers have increased.
Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

MANKATO AREA

A jig and minnow is turning walleyes in 18 to 30 feet on Lake Washington and in the deeper holes of the Minnesota and Blue Earth rivers. Shore anglers on Lake Elysian are catching walleyes on minnows as well. Duck hunters are finding mallards, wood ducks, and geese. Pheasant hunting is poor.
The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228

ORTONVILLE AREA

Perch continue to hit minnows in the Rocky Ledge area of Big Stone Lake in eight to 10 feet. A few more walleyes are being caught on the south end of Big Stone during low-light periods along the shorelines out to five feet. On Lake Traverse, crankbaits are producing walleyes along the shorelines and rock piles. Crappies and walleyes continue to hit at the Highway 75 dam on the Minnesota River. Pheasant hunting reports remain favorable and geese have started to pile up in the area.
Bud’s Bait (320) 839-2480

WILLMAR AREA

Walleyes are hitting shiner minnows at Green Lake in 50 to 70 feet or on the bars in 10 to 40 feet. Other lakes worth noting for walleyes include Eagle Lake, Diamond Lake, Lake Florida, and Lake Andrew in 15 to 28 feet. Pheasant hunters are finding pockets of birds in areas with good habitat, while duck hunters are starting to shoot a few divers and mallards.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097