Waconia

[JiggingSpoon]

It isn't that bad, especially if you like to fish in the morning, then there won't be that many boats around, especially during the week, there have been times where it seems like i have the whole lake to myself, i fish it all the time all year, and it doesn't compare to tonka with the boat traffic,
JS

[Hillbiehle]

New to the area. Used to fishing Lake Erie. Excited to fish Waconia among other areas, but messages that I read tell me that walleyes are difficult and boat traffic is pretty bad? Hopefully, I'll deal with the walleye, but please tell me it's not thaaat bad as far as boat traffic (I was hoping to get away from that). Any advise would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[iFishMN.YT]

Its bad but not as bad as minnetonka. It is still fishable.

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"Better get the net!"
-Fishin Chad

[Hillbiehle]

Thanks for the info guys. I plan to be out on the water alot more this year. Last year, I fished alot of club level tournaments. This year I'm taking it easy, spend more time with the family and relax. Amazing how many more times a man can fishing when he takes the family......10 minute drive, I have no excuses to be out there alot....

[Guest]

Also new to area - just moved to Waconia in November. Can't wait to get out on the lake this year!

I've been on Waconia a couple of times, I dropped in at the public ramp once, and at In Towne once. I had heard there was a ramp at The Boathouse Bar as well?

As I remember, I had to pay to drop in at In Towne - but it was well worth it! Very nice ramp, friendly people, etc. I seem to remember In Towne offering a seasonal access pass - anyone know if they do, and what the cost might be? Also curious what ramp people use?

Thanks,

mnhrubes

[scalescratcher]

As stated, you won't find anyone as helpful as the folks at In-Towne. Their facilities are great and they're all class acts. I buy an anuual pass every year and I believe last year was $80-$90. Their ramp is by far the best and most well maintained on the lake especially if you're launching a larger boat. You won't be disappointed!

[Guest]

Exactly what I expected and wanted to hear. Just upgraded from a 17' to a 19', and wanted the easiest drop possible until I'm comfortable with it!

[WALLEYENUTZ]

Limited parking at In-Towne. Most people park on the street at the top of the hill. I use the public ramp on the east side of the lake or the one next to Nancy's Landing.

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Rip Lips

[Hillbiehle]

Thanks for your reply. Any problems with using the East side? Looks like that could get plenty full as well as the others. I respect the other posting advising that a yearly pass is worth it and I have no problem with the $90 fee, just want to make sure that I'm not getting parked in etc....Guess I just need some reassurance!

[scalescratcher]

Parking at In-Towne will include the diagonal area up from the ramp as well as space they make available where they now have sailboats and fishhouses. During prime conditions (weekends with primo weather) parking can be tough but I have never had any problem with getting boxed in. The staff at the marina is very good at controlling the traffic going through. Worst case you may need to park on the street and hoof it in. I found out the hard way that there are overnight parking restrictions during the winter but I have not had issue during the open water period. Perhaps one of the locals could add to this. The east access can be a pain during low water periods as it gets pretty shallow. I've launched at Nancy's but not enough to comment.

[Hillbiehle]

Drove over to In Town Marina, conveneint to my house, but was wondering if there is enough space to park? Do alot of people use that ramp? It looked like it would only be able to hold 8 trailers etc....Am I missing an additional area to park? THX

[JiggingSpoon]

I am very familiar with all the staff at In Towne Marina and have launched my boat there for many years, some of the weekends it gets busy, but like previously mentioned there is always someone there to help you back into spots and someone to regulate parking so no one ever gets parked in, and as far as the parking lot holding capacity, yes, the sailboats and docks all will be gone and there is space for up to atleast 20 boats and trailers and some single car parking, it is a very very convenient place to launch your boat if you dont mind the charge, cuz it is well worth the money, at times the east launch has trailers parked all the way to parley lake road, and you would never have to walk that far at In Towne, anyways, just my opinion, Way to go In Towne, i think you guys do an excellent job there!!! Keep up the good work
JS

[Hillbiehle]

Thank you and thanks to everyone else. I will go there this weekend and write them a check. Good luck to a successful season.