Southwest Minnesota Fishing Report – November 29th, 2013

FAIRMONT AREA

A handful of people have started walking on and fishing some small lakes and it looks promising for increased foot traffic by this weekend. It appeared as though every lake was covered with ice with as much as four inches on the small lakes as of Tuesday morning.
Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

MANKATO AREA

Everything appeared to be ice-covered early this week and anglers were just starting to walk on some small lakes. Fishing success has been limited, but three to four inches of ice was being reported where people were fishing.
The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228

ORTONVILLE AREA

With the exception of one hole being kept open by geese, Big Stone Lake is covered with ice. Most reports indicated three to four inches early this week and some anglers were walking out near Kite Island and catching perch in 10 to 12 feet. Foot travel should be an option on most lakes by this weekend.
Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

STARBUCK AREA

Most lakes were completely covered with ice before the strong winds hit and they have stayed intact. Even the big lakes in the area are covered so ice fishing is an option, especially on any small lake around. A few people have begun walking on these small bodies of water and they’re saying three to five inches of ice is pretty common.
Minnewaska Bait and Tackle               (320) 239-2239

WATERVILLE AREA

The big, wind-swept lakes in the area were still ice-free early this week. But most small, shallow lakes were covered with three to five inches of ice and those will be the first spots to offer fishing opportunities, possibly as soon as this weekend if it stays cold and the wind doesn’t bust them up.
Axel’s Tackle Box (507) 362-4444
www.axelstacklebox.blogspot.com

WILLMAR AREA

Most small lakes in the area capped with ice last weekend and some fishing has started on them. There are up to four inches of ice was being found on these water bodies. As of Tuesday morning, open water could still be seen on many big lakes and only a thin layer of ice had formed where ice had taken hold on these bigger bodies of water.
Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports
(320) 235-4097