Southwest Minnesota Fishing Report – January 30th, 2015

FARIBAULT AREA

Crappies and northern pike can be had with minnows on Cedar Lake in 12 to 16 feet, while crappies are being found suspended over 35 feet on Kelley Dudley Lake. French Lake is producing walleyes and crappies in 22 to 26 feet and Roberds Lake is giving up perch and crappies in 12 to 17 feet. Hit Cannon Lake in 10 feet of water for perch, walleyes and northern pike.

Nagel’s Live Bait (507) 334-8341

MANKATO AREA

Hit Second and Third Point on Lake Washington for crappies and sunfish in 18 to 24 feet. You’ll also hit walleyes on Washington in 16 to 18 feet during the evening hours. German Lake is giving up a few walleyes at night in 16 to 20 feet and the narrows on Madison Lake continue to hold crappies in 14 to 16 feet. 

The Bobber Shop (507) 625-8228

ORTONVILLE AREA

The Bayview and Schmidt’s Landing areas on Big Stone Lake are giving up a few perch, crappies, and bluegills in 12 feet, but the bite has been inconsistent. Keep moving and your odds of catching fish increase. The north end of Big Stone, around Yankee Town has produced some walleyes in 8 to 10 feet. The north end of Lake Traverse is kicking out walleyes.

Artie’s Bait (320) 839-2480

STARBUCK AREA

Work the west side of Lake Reno for crappies and the east end for walleyes at night. The Glenwood end of Lake Minnewaska is giving up northern pike, crappies and a few sunfish in 14 feet, while shiner minnows are turning a few walleyes on the Starbuck end in 16 to 18 feet.

Minnewaska Bait and Tackle (320) 239-2239

WATERVILLE AREA

The east end of Sakatah Lake is producing perch and northern pike in 4 to 6 feet. Work the swimming beach area of Lake Tetonka for crappies and sunfish in 12 feet. Clear Lake by Waseca is a safe bet for crappies in 10 to 12 feet.

Axel’s Tackle Box (507) 362-4444

WILLMAR AREA

Look to Green Lake in 25 to 35 feet for walleyes, crappies and sunfish. Nest Lake and Willmar/Foot Lake are giving up panfish over 20 to 25 feet, as is Diamond Lake in 20 feet. Norway Lake is worth noting for crappies and a few walleyes in 15 to 20 feet and northern pike action has been strong on all lakes with sucker minnows in 8 to 14 feet.

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

WINDOM/MARSHALL AREA

Jigging spoons and dead sticks are producing walleyes in 6 to 8 feet on Lake Shetek and Lake Shakotan. You’ll catch a few walleyes and crappies off Lac qui Parle Lake in 8 to 12 feet during the evening hours.

Borch’s Sporting Goods (507) 532-4880