Southwest Minnesota Fishing Report – October 4th, 2013

FAIRMONT AREA

You’ll find bluegills in three to five feet on Hall Lake, Budd Lake, and Lake Sissiton. A jig and minnow will produce crappies in six to eight feet at Hall and Budd. Minnows are producing walleyes during low-light periods on the shorelines or in eight to 12 feet during the day on Hall and Budd. There aren’t many geese to be had, but teal, wood ducks, and mallards remain in good numbers.
Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

MANKATO AREA

Work Second and Third points on Lake Washington for panfish in 10 feet. You’ll hook a few walleyes with minnows on Washington in 18 to 20 feet. Look to Madison Lake for crappies in 10 feet and to the deeper holes of the Minnesota River with minnows for walleyes. After a good start to the waterfowl season there seems to be more geese than ducks in the area this week.
The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228

ORTONVILLE AREA

Perch and bluegills are hitting in 10 to 12 feet in the Rocky Ledge and Hartford Beach areas of Big Stone Lake. Anglers working the south end of Big Stone are catching numbers of silver bass from shore. Look to Artichoke Lake with minnows for crappies in six feet. Duck hunting is good with numbers of wood ducks and teal in most bags.
Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

STARBUCK AREA

Walleyes are hitting spinners and shiners in 10 to 12 feet on Lake Minnewaska or on the points in 12 to 14 feet. Anglers fishing from shore on the west side of Lake Emily are catching a few walleyes with minnows. Look to Lake Reno for walleyes in six feet, most of which are hitting minnows and jigs or crankbaits. Teal, wood ducks, and a few geese continue to be shot by hunters.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle              
(320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA

Walleyes are hitting crankbaits or Lindy rigs and minnows in 18 to 20 feet at Diamond Lake and Eagle Lake during the morning and evening. On Green Lake, walleyes are hitting crankbaits in the evenings over eight feet or minnows during the day as deep as 35 feet. There’s some evening walleye and crappie action near the culvert areas of Willmar/Foot Lake. Hunting reports have been limited to a few geese and wood ducks being shot.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097