Southwest Minnesota Fishing Report – January 2nd, 2015

ORTONVILLE AREA

Perch seem to have moved shallower, 9 to 12 feet, on Big Stone Lake from the islands up to Rocky Ledge. Walleye reports off Big Stone have been best in the Yankee Town area in 8 to 10 feet. Lake Lac qui Parle continues to give up crappies during the evening hours. 

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

STARBUCK AREA

The Glenwood end of Lake Minnewaska continues to produce crappies over 15 feet from the Fish Hatchery Bay to the end of Bottle Bay. A few walleyes are coming off Minnewaska during low-light periods in 14 to 18 feet or 26 to 28 feet. The east side of Lake Reno is kicking out a few walleyes in 15 feet, and Maple Lake is producing sunfish and crappies of Highway 29 in 15 feet.

Minnewaska Bait and Tackle               (320) 239-2239

WATERVILLE AREA

The ice has firmed up again allowing for some northern pike spearing on Lake Tetonka, Lake Sakatah and Horseshoe Lake. Angling action has been limited, mainly due to the fact that people have just again started to get on area lakes. 

Axel’s Tackle Box (507) 362-4444

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

Fox Lake started giving up a few keeping-sized perch in 6 to 8 feet, and Current Lake is producing a few walleyes in 6 feet. Anglers are just starting to get back on the ice now that cold weather has returned and lake conditions are again improving.    

Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880

FAIRMONT AREA

Crappies have started hitting on the south side of Amber Lake in 11 to 13 feet, while walleyes and crappies are biting on Hall Lake in 15 to 20 feet. Work the east side of Budd Lake for crappies and bluegills in 15 to 18 feet. 

Sommer Outdoors (507) 235-5225

MANKATO AREA

Hit Second Point and Baker’s Bay on Lake Washington for crappies and walleyes during low-light periods in 12 to 14 feet or during the day for sunfish in 18 to 24 feet. The narrows on Madison Lake continue to hold crappies over 8 to 10 feet, while German Lake remains a safe bet for walleyes at sunset in 16 to 20 feet.

The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228