Southwest Minnesota Fishing Report – November 2nd, 2012

FAIRMONT AREA

Minnows are turning crappies and perch from the shorelines out to eight feet on Budd Lake and Lake Sissiton. Work the shorelines of North Silver Lake and Iowa Lake with minnows for perch. On Hall Lake, you’ll catch walleyes in less than 10 feet on crankbaits or minnows. Pheasant hunters are offering mixed reports, but most say they’re seeing more birds than last year.
Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

MANKATO AREA

Minnows are producing walleyes, crappies, and some keeping-sized perch on Lake Hanska in six feet. A jig and minnow continues to produce walleyes in 20 to 30 feet on Lake Washington. Pheasant reports continue to be poor, but duck hunters are shooting more birds this week with some divers now in the mix. Archery hunters have seen more buck activity this week.
The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228

ORTONVILLE AREA

Fishing pressure has been minimal, but those that continue to go are catching perch from shore on the south end and from boats in the Rocky Ledge area of Big Stone Lake in eight to 10 feet. There’s been a good push of ducks into the region with hunters shooting a mixed bag including mallards, canvasbacks, redheads, wigeon, shovelers, and geese. Pheasant hunters also are doing well, at least better than expected, with decent numbers of roosters being seen and taken. With the corn gone deer hunters are anticipating a good start to the gun season as they’ve been noticeably on the move this week.
Bud’s Bait (320) 839-2480

STARBUCK AREA

Walleyes are being caught with minnows  by anglers fishing from shore on the west side of Lake Emily, off Priest Point on Lake Minnewaska in 12 to 14 feet, and by trolling crankbaits at night on Reno Lake in six to eight feet. There’s been a slight push of northern ducks into the area and pheasant hunting has not been as good as anticipated.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA

A handful of fishermen continues to hit the north end of Hultgren’s Bay on Green Lake and catch walleyes in 50 feet or more, but that’s been it on the fishing front. Pheasant, deer, and duck hunting reports also have been limited this week.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097