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New guy on Tonka

n_iceguy

By n_iceguy
in MN Twin Cities Metro Area Fishing Reports - Hunting

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n_iceguy Rookie

n_iceguy

Posted
Posted

Since I am new to the list, I thought I'd introduce myself and get to know a few folks on here. Due to a fabulous stroke of luck, I find myself living on the banks of Jennings Bay, Lake Minnetonka. No, I'm not rich. Just renting a small cottage here. I don't even own a boat! I figure I can learn everything there is about ice fishing right on this forum. I'm new at that too.

I was out on the ice today. It was 5 inches thick in some spots, but mostly around 3. I chopped several holes but couldn't find weeds, just mud bottom-5 to 8 feet down. Any suggestions where to find fish in Jennings Bay?

Norm

pikehunter Rising Star

pikehunter

Posted
Posted

Welcome to the forum!
You're right, you can learn all you need and more right here. I came here a couple years ago, simply looking for ice reports on lakes near where I was traveling to and have been hooked ever since. (I used to think I was a great fisherman before reading some of the absolute genius things written here!) This past summer was my best by far on the lakes, due mostly to the advice I've been given here.
Good luck, and be patient waiting for replies this time of the year ... most of us our focussing on trying to find good ice and our PC time dwindles a bit. Good info always comes in time, though. Sorry I can't help with your info request, I'm new to the metro area myself ... again, Good luck!

bailey27 Enthusiast

bailey27

Posted
Posted

I'm new to the site too. Posting at least. I have been checking the site regularly to find current ice conditions. Tonka is a hard lake to fish, so many possibilities so little time. I have tried a few spots in the winter but have very little experience. My best luck has been for panfish in Excelsior Bay. Early ice to mid January seems to produce good amounts of crappies (some rather large), lots of bluegills, and the occasional monster northern. We pulled a 10+ pounder up 2 years ago. As for the rest of the lake I'm as curious as you are. And where the walleyes roam, for the most part, nobody's talkin'. Good luck, but since you are so close, check out Independence, that's my metro lake of choice.

Ice9 Rising Star

Ice9

Posted
Posted

Maybe we should start a "new on Tonka" forum. I live right up the street. Had good success last year, mostly on Brown's for crappies, and good open water success with walleyes too. You tell me where you've found good ice and I'll hook up with you and we can compare notes and get skunked together. There's strength in numbers.

Dave

SportFishin' Rising Star

SportFishin'

Posted
Posted

Has anybody seen if Spring Park Bay is iced over yet? Out in front of the Water Patrol?

Thanks
Chris

waterfowler Enthusiast

waterfowler

Posted
Posted

It is iced over, however, I've only witnessed this from my car on the way home each night. I have no idea how thick the ice is.

I'm game to meet with you guys anytime. I'm also new to the area, so I'm up for getting skunked anytime. I'll have my permanent out there as soon as the ice is safe.

tonkabach Contributor

tonkabach

Posted
Posted

I saw two guys out in front of the bait shop out about 50 yards or so. I think this was on Saturday about noon.

Tonka Boy Proficient

Tonka Boy

Posted
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I've seen people out there for about a week now. They seem to be accessing on the east side of the launch. The ice looks a little sloppy out in front of the Sheriff headquarters.

I haven't been out there so I don't know how thick the ice is.

n_iceguy Rookie

n_iceguy

Posted
  • Author
Posted

A "New on Tonka" forum might be fun, but I'm thinking there would be a lot of people on shore, pointing and snickering. I'm told by the neighbor that a guy puts an ice house out every year just off the point where Bluebird Lane in Mound points north into Jennings Bay. According to the topo, it drops off there to what he referred to a "nice walleye hole." He's lived here all his life but has never been much of an angler.(?)

I would have to walk over deep water/thin ice to get there, so it will have to wait until this weekend. The ice looks pretty shushy tonight.

Norm

bailey27 Enthusiast

bailey27

Posted
Posted

Anytime you guys want to hit the lake post a place and time. Im a realtor and this is my slooooooowwwwwww time. I could hang out with the wife but I can't catch fish when I do that, so fishing it is. I would very much like to learn more about Tonka, it produces some real nice fish every year, so I hear. I would like to see some on the end of my line for a change. I'm heading up to Mille Lacs Wednesday night to fish all day Thursday. Hope fully we can find some of those big perch. By next week we should have some good ice on Tonka so I'd like to hit it if anyone's interested.

local boy Collaborator

local boy

Posted
Posted

i havent seen the lake in a long time, do u know if smiths bay in frozen

tonkabach Contributor

tonkabach

Posted
Posted

I am also new to the area. It seems like I got skunked about 50% of the time I was out this summer. Although I spent more time looking for fish than actually fishing. There was some good ice in Emerald Lake/Bay on Saturday. I might try it this weekend again.

Icebreaker Explorer

Icebreaker

Posted
Posted

saw alot of slish on Emarald and Spring Park. two guys(or people) were out on Black and didn't look to busy. was going out this morning but with the new snow and warmer temps i chickened out.

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

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    • LakeofthewoodsMN
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      By LakeofthewoodsMN · Posted

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