Southwest Minnesota Fishing Report – May 17th, 2013

FAIRMONT AREA

Walleyes are hitting jigs and plastics in less than six feet at Tuttle Lake. Crappies are  shallow during low-light periods and in eight to 12 feet during the day at lakes Budd, Hall, and Sissiton, which are giving up walleyes on minnows and jigs in five to 10 feet.
Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

STARBUCK AREA

Crappies have moved into shallow water in the Starbuck Marina and Fish Hatchery Bay of Lake Minnewaska. The ice went out on most lakes last Friday, so walleye and pike fishing has been slow.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle              
(320) 239-2239

WATERVILLE AREA

Walleye action has been slow on the lakes, but minnows and jigs are producing walleyes and pike on the Blue Earth, Minnesota, and Cannon rivers. Panfish reports also have been limited, but the lagoons and mud-bottom bays should start holding crappies soon.
Axel’s Tackle Box (507) 362-4444

WILLMAR AREA

It’s been a slow start to the walleye season with just a few fish being taken with minnows at night in shallow water at Willmar/Foot Lake and Long Lake. The north shore of Nest Lake is producing sunfish and crappies, but look to most bays or northern shorelines on area lakes to start holding panfish.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097

ORTONVILLE AREA

Walleyes are hitting a jig and minnow along the shorelines of Big Stone Lake from Rocky Ledge and points north. Minnows also are turning pike and a few walleyes on the Minnesota River near the Highway 75 dam.
Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480