Lake Minnetonka Crappies

[Guest]

I am new to the area and my dad is coming up here this weekend. I live near Lake Minnetonka and I was wondering what are some good places on this lake are to fish for crappies? Such a big lake, I would have no idea where to start and want my dad to catch a few! Suggestions and advice?

[Dave B]

back end of Tanager Bay.

[Guest]

It's called either Grampa or Grandma's Bay, Just NW of the Arcola Bridge? I suspect the Boat Channels in Halsteads would be pretty good too.

[Walleye_GFA]

I think one of the places that would be a very good choice that is well known is teh area near the Maxwell Bay launch. Folks catch them there from shore and boat. Shore can be pretty shoulder to shoulder, you may try areas like the back of North Arm, Gray Bay, or watch for clusters of boats. Since crappies school, fishing with the crawod can be productive. More over you want to start to learn the "historic" places crappies return to every year (sometimes 30' movement can make all teh difference).

Once they get to rolling, should not be too hard to get on them...

added by edit: or just get with someone here and Ill bet they will show you a good place or two on the water... imbass and jojo were kind enough to help me and my family find some nice ones...

Wally

[This message has been edited by Walleye_GFA (edited 04-15-2003).]

[Zdaddy76]

Black Lake and Seaton Lake near the Spring Park/Mound area are sure bets early in the year for spawning crappies. Get there early to avoid the crowds though.

---Zdaddy

[Guest]

Could anyone tell me what boat landing would be best for getting to Seton? I dont regularaly fish Minnatonka. but have wanted to give it a shot! Thanx

[Tonka Boy]

Spring Park launch (next to Sheriff headquarters) or Cooks bay launch. Both are close to Seton channel.

[Guest]

Tanka Boy, Many Many thanks

[Chev_trucks501]

Was on Tonka Yesterday and people were catching crappies off the Maxwell launch from shore. Didn't see what size they were. Also went to Black and Seton Lake, caught a few but nothing with any size. Went to Tanager Bay and there were 2 guys fishing from shore by the old Rail Bridge. They were also catching fish. 2 Boats in Grandpa Bay...never checked on em. I limited out on 11-13" Crappies in about 10 Ft of water in Tanager Bay. Was a good day...Till it started Raining.

Good Luck

Chev

[Chev_trucks501]

Opps...Forgot, Water temps were about 55 degrees in most of the bays and 45-47 on the main lakes.

[sandman469ss]

Zdaddy,

I'm in need of some of your knowledge.
Could you email me at [email protected] when you get a chance?
Thanks,
S

[sandman469ss]

Zdaddy,

I'm in need of some of your knowledge.
Could you email me at [email protected] when you get a chance?
Thanks,
S

[Fisher Dave]

I was in grandpa bay a few days ago ... it is still pretty dead. There were some crappies in there, but holding tight under the weeds ... lots of carp and bass .. also a big muskie and a couple northerns swimming around.

Browns bay can be excellent also. Greys bay can be good if you can find them on the main body, otherwise they will stack up in the inlets soon when it warms up.

[Chev_trucks501]

Sport,

Fished pretty much all day. Caught the majority of the bigger fish between 9am and 12pm. Died off in the afternoon and then picked up again in the evening. Especially as the clouds got closer and darker...
Prefered jig color was Green tipped with a crappie minnow. They were not biting Chart and Pink. Had to switch colors a few times to figure that out. Good Luck

Happy Fishing
Chev

[SportFishin']

Chev_trucks501 ?'s for you. What was the preferred jig & color. Then you said before it started to rain last night. Was that at dusk or after dark for the crappies?

Just trying to get a feel if the late night action has started or not?

Thanks,
Chris

[SportFishin']

Thanks for the Info Chev!

Tonka's Crappie's seem to always prefer green over other colors in my past experiences, but I have also done well with a Black Flu-Flu during the spawn. Might be out there on Mon. Eve. of next week.

Thanks Again
SportFishin'