Lake Minnetonka is a 14,528-acre lake that is fairly close to Minneapolis. The lake is only about 15 to 25 miles away from Minneapolis, depending on what part of the lake you drive to. The lake is an irregular shape with numerous bays and islands, which helps make up around 125 miles of shoreline. Lake Minnetonka is known for its tremendous largemouth bass fishery. You can also catch northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie and panfish.
Walleye Fishing
Lake Minnetonka has been stocked with walleye for years, but you will probably get some mixed messages about the walleye fishing depending on who you talk to. Some anglers have good success catching walleye on Lake Minnetonka, but many anglers have a tough time consistently putting fish in the boat. Because this lake is fished heavily, the fishing may be hit or miss, but there are decent numbers of walleye in the lake and big fish are here also.
Muskie Fishing
Lake Minnetonka is a very good muskie lake. This lake may be pressured, but with all of the anglers practicing catch and release, this lake has been able to produce some nice trophy-sized muskie that are caught on an annual basis. Big fish above 50 inches are reported every year with some fish into the mid 50 inch range too. If you are looking to stay close to the Minneapolis area and target some big muskie, Lake Minnetonka will definitely give you the opportunity to catch some big fish.
Northern Pike Fishing
The northern pike fishing is very good on Lake Minntonka. If you know how to target them, you can catch several fish on most trips out on the lake with some big fish mixed in. Some of the local fishing guides report 10 to 30 fish days being fairly common on a half day on this lake, but it will take some time to learn this lake and find the active pike consistently.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Lake Minnetonka has a very small population of smallmouth bass, but there are some smallmouth bass in here and they have been caught in the many bass fishing tournaments over the years. There are some big smallmouth bass in the lake also with some fish over 4 pounds being reported by local anglers. Just don’t expect to catch a bunch of smallies in this lake because it is definitely more of a largemouth bass lake.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
The largemouth bass fishing is very good on Lake Minnetonka. If you leave near Minneapolis, you can experience some excellent bass fishing without having to drive very far. Because most anglers catch and release when fishing for largemouth bass on this lake, it has been able to stay a consistent lake over the years. Numerous fishing tournaments are held here on the lake every year and big bass over 5 and even 6 pounds have been caught every year over the past few years. This lake just continues to put up good numbers of big largemouth bass.
Panfish: Crappie, Perch & Bluegill
This lake has good numbers of panfish, especially bluegill and perch. Crappie are here in lower numbers, but there are some quality fish in the lake. With all of the fishing pressure on this lake, most of the panfish will run on the small side, but there are enough cleanable sized panfish in this lake to catch enough for a meal.
