Southwest Minnesota Fishing Report – November 7th, 2014

FAIRMONT AREA

Walleyes continue to hit minnows or crankbaits in less than 8 feet of water on Hall Lake, Lake Sissiton, and Budd Lake. Panfish reports have been slow and a few more ducks have moved through, but hunting pressure has been limited. The corn is coming out and deer have been active so gun hunters sound enthused for this weekend’s opener.

Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

MANKATO AREA

Minnows started producing walleyes on Big Jefferson Lake in 12 to 14 feet of water. German Lake and Second Point on Lake Washington also are giving up a few walleyes in 12 to 14 feet. Pheasant and duck hunting reports from the area have been limited.

The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228

MONTICELLO AREA

Minnows continue to produce smallmouth bass and walleyes on the Mississippi River. The sunken islands on Lake Pulaski are giving up walleyes at night, while the weedlines in 8 to 10 feet of water on Maple Lake are worth hitting for walleyes and crappies. Hunting reports have been non-existent, although there seems to be quite a few Canada geese in the area.

Monticello Bait & Tackle (763) 295-1187

ORTONVILLE AREA

Fishing pressure has been limited throughout the area, but pheasant hunting has improved now that the corn is out of the fields. Duck and goose hunting has been fair with a few divers and northern mallards moving through the area. Deer activity has really increased with numerous reports of bucks chasing does throughout the day. 

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480 

STARBUCK AREA

Now that the corn has been removed, hunters are reporting that they’re seeing more pheasants, including good numbers of young birds. The lack of corn should also help deer hunters during this weekend’s firearms opener and reports indicate that deer have become more active. Duck and fishing reports have been poor over the past week. 

Minnewaska Bait and Tackle               (320) 239-2239

WILLMAR AREA

Fishing reports have been non-existent with the wind and cooler weather. Pheasant hunters are starting to shoot a few more birds now that the corn is coming out. Duck numbers are limited, but it should be a good deer opener based on recent hunter sightings and sign in the woods.

Brad’s 71 Bait and Sports (320) 235-4097

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

Pheasant hunting has been favorable now that the corn has come out – birds are more concentrated and hunters are seeing more roosters than earlier in the season. Deer have also been more visible with the lack of corn and a few more ducks have moved into the area this week. Fishing action has been non-existent.

Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880