Minnetonka Public Access

[daveyred]

I have only been in the cities a year now. I fished Tonka once in 99' but would like to start fishing it more. Question if you all, which of the accesses on the lake are free and on the south side what are the fees at the ramps? Which ones are good to use during the week or weekend. Which ones do you have to be there early to get a spot at or are so far away from the fishing its not worth it? Which ramps are for the skiers?

Thanks for any advice.

Good Luck and be safe.

[Matt C]

I prefer Gray's Bay access on the south/east side, also Three Rivers Parks has a decent ramp on the west side.

I can't post a link for you, but if you Google lake minnetonka boat ramps, you will get a map and the list.

Most ramps on weekends, you will need to get there early. Weekdays, not an issue.

[Scott M]

This link should help.

DNR Twin Cities Boat Launch Guide

I don't fish Minnetonka enough to tell you which ones are best to use on week or weekends (you might not get that information from those that don't want their favorite ramp filling up). But when I worked at the accesses, they'd fill up pretty quick, especially on weekends. Fishingwise, your best bet is to get there early because #1 you get a spot and #2 you beat the recreational traffic.

[daveyred]

Thank you for the replys. Is there one ramp that is on the south side of the lake and is free that you would recommend?

[Lured_In]

Surfside in Mound is free, parking for maybe 8 to 10 boats and also parking available in the street. Weekdays you can park in the access lot, weekends and holiday you can't, but can park on the street.

[KTroller]

Gray's Bay is closest to the Cities, is free and is the biggest. 3 wide, fairly new concrete ramp. If you're coming from just about anywhere in town East of the lake, it is easy to get to. From the south get to Hwy 7 to 101 North, It's on 101 just after the jog in the road. Or you can take 394 to the Wayzata (101 S) exit and just stay straight on 101. Busy on weekends like all Tonka ramps from Memorial day on, but if you get there early, the 3 lanes make it fast even if there is a line. The only downside is if you're looking to fish Upper Lake, it's a bit of a ride since it's you'll be on the far East side. I'm not familiar with the Tonka ramps that are maintained by Three River's park district but I do know that the fee is $5/day or a season pass is $30 (I usually get one of those for other lakes I fish). If you do want to put in a little further west there are two decent ramps on Maxwell and North Arm. 394 to 15 to N Shore. They're not south - sorry. If I had to pick one, it'd be Gray's. If it's busy the upside is you stand a good chance of coming home with a whopper of a launch story - I've seen people do some of the funniest things there.

[Farley]

All I know is dont go off your GPS if you are looking for landings. I checked most of the landings on the east, north, and west sides, just a few weeks ago, going off what my GPS said were public accesses, you'll be suprised how many are gated off or are just for the neighborhood to use. They will have no parking signs all over or have a sign that says no "parking without trailer".

[JBMasterAngler]

Is the access in cook's bay an "actual" access then? And why is it only open for trailer parking during the week?

[PerchJerker]

 Originally Posted By: JBMasterAngler

Is the access in cook's bay an "actual" access

Yes

 Originally Posted By: JBMasterAngler

why is it only open for trailer parking during the week?

Very small parking lot, next to apartments or townhomes, and a park with a beach. It's so small it would only take 10 or so vehicles with trailers to fill it up. Guys that use it on the weekend park their rigs on the street, usually quite a ways down from the access.

[JBMasterAngler]

Well luckily for me I'll be going there during the week. Probably gonna be a little more time for the ice to go and the water to warm for the crappies though?

[vikingmeatwad]

 Originally Posted By: da_chise31

This link should help.

DNR Twin Cities Boat Launch Guide

I don't fish Minnetonka enough to tell you which ones are best to use on week or weekends (you might not get that information from those that don't want their favorite ramp filling up). But when I worked at the accesses, they'd fill up pretty quick, especially on weekends. Fishingwise, your best bet is to get there early because #1 you get a spot and #2 you beat the recreational traffic.

The problem is that when its warm and even if you head out early when you try to load your boat you will usually find an hour wait on weekend non crappy days.

[jigginjim]

Sometimes it pays to find out of the way accesses. 3 rivers is a good ramp, for the west end of the water. Find a ramp close to where you plan on fishing.

[bassNspear]

that way you dont have to burn this 3.50 gallon gas. fewwww, its going to be some money to filler up this year.

[rattlem'up]

i guess it matters on what your fishing for. I access through halstads bay area and i dont go to far from there and fishings great! The main access by the park i believe you have to pay and should be easy to get in now but give it a month or a couple weeks at that matter and she will be full!!!! just concentrate on what you will be fishing for and the closest structure and then you can determine your access point. less gas+good fishing= a great day.

[EYESTALKER]

I'm just glad the ramp I use primarily hasn't been mentioned yet...:-) Seriously though, Tonka is one lake I really try to get to early, and avoid the ramp-orama fun.