Metro Area Fishing Report – November 21st, 2014

LAKE MINNETONKA AREA

The big lakes are skimming with ice, but the wind continues to blow them open. About three-quarters of Lake Minnetonka was ice-covered as of Tuesday morning with the area’s small lakes and bays capped with a thin layer of ice. Check conditions daily, but if the wind calms, there’s a chance some of those areas that capped first could be approachable on foot soon.

Wayzata Bait (952) 473-2227

NORTHEAST METRO

The small lakes have started to cap with a thin layer of ice, while the big lakes remained mostly open as of Tuesday morning. The wind needs to calm down in order for the bigger bodies of water to cap, and foot travel on the small lakes might be an option within the next 10 days.

Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle                    (651) 777-2421

WEST METRO

Some of the small lakes had up to 3 inches of ice on Monday, while most big lakes were open or skimmed with ice. There was not enough ice to safely walk on in this area early this week.

Cabin Fever Sports (952) 443-2022

ANNANDALE AREA

With the exception of sections of open water on several big lakes, ice has taken hold throughout the area. While fishing was not an option earlier this week, that could change by the weekend. But even with the early covering of ice, caution is advised due to varying depths of ice. Look to the small, shallow lakes or bays to be the first areas to provide enough ice for walking.

Little Jim’s Bait (320) 274-5297

CHISAGO AREA

The wind has kept the majority of lakes open, but walkable ice has formed on most small bays and channel areas. The channel between Chisago Lake and South Lindstrom Lake has 3 to 5 inches of ice and it’s giving up a few walleyes, crappies, and sunfish in 8 to 10 feet.

Frankie’s Bait (651) 257-6334

MONTICELLO AREA

Anglers are walking on 3 to 5 inches of ice  on a few lakes, while thinner ice is being found on most big lakes so caution is advised. As of early this week lakes such as Eagle, Maple and Ida have had people fishing on them, though few have reported success.

Monticello Bait & Tackle (763) 295-1187