Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Lake Minnewaska Fishing Reports - Ice Conditions


Recommended Posts

That could be said for just about any lake. It'd be nice to have a good chance at a "picture fish", not just a "few and far between" chance.

Goose, there are exactly zero lakes in MN that you have "a good chance" at a wall fish, they are always few and far between...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And on a side note for Goose, I don't think I have to tell you what will happen in front of Torgy's again this spring if these pictures surface on here...

Just as the crappies were making a comeback frown

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are looking for "one" picture...not limits on limits on limits. Let's keep it in perspective here. We are looking for one picture to satisfy the arguement and that is it.

Crappie fishing on Waska in the spring is no secret...nor a secret of all the other lakes in the state that have great crappie fishing in the spring.

I think there are plenty of lakes in the State the hardcore guys know they can go to for good chances at wall fish. Some species are harder to get than others of course. I know of a certain lake in the area a certain group goes out after paper plate sized gills for their wall. They will fish all day but they usually end up with 3 to 6 fish of that huge size.

Just one photo of one fish!

Fish On!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think there are plenty of lakes in the State the hardcore guys know they can go to for good chances at wall fish. Some species are harder to get than others of course. I know of a certain lake in the area a certain group goes out after paper plate sized gills for their wall. They will fish all day but they usually end up with 3 to 6 fish of that huge size.

+1 I know of a few and none of them are over 1000 acres. The people who know of lakes that produce the true giant's dont talk about them much wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Goose, there are exactly zero lakes in MN that you have "a good chance" at a wall fish, they are always few and far between...

Stcloud, you misunderstood and misquoted me. I didn't say "wall" fish. I said "picture" fish. It's all subjective, I know. By picture fish, I mean a quality fish worth remembering and showing off, while realizing it's also has increased importance to the lake it came from - passing along genes of quality fish, and keeping the less common sized fish in the fishery. IE 10" sunfish, 12-13" crappie,25"walleye, ect. "Wall" fish, are lifetime fish (12" sunny, 16" crappie, 30" walleye), and yes are more rare. Again, those sizes are SUBJECTIVE, and everyone has there own.

But there are "exactly" MANY lakes I know I can go out and get some above average (not run of the mill) picture fish. Waska is one of them, IMO, fo Walleyes and SM. I think, no, I know, Minnewaska could easily have a "panfish picture" quality fishery as well, with some thoughtful harvest practice (much like the voluntary Selective Harvest practices of more and more in other areas of the state, esp. the resort and fishing/tourism dependant areas.) I'm getting ahead of myself now....

Ya, I don't think a photo context is gonna help anything, except settle a freindly disagreement. Hopefully that will end wehn the first photo(s) come in. No one really thinks there's NO fish left that sized, it's just that a 'picture" fish is getting to be about as comon as a wall fish (sunny / crappie). Unless you are as skilled as CrfappieSniffer at taking awesome photos of average fish, which I am not. wink

The Torgies deal will still take place, but maybe some will come to realize the importance of Selective Harvest not just to the apex predators, but the panfish as well. Minneswaska has the potential not just to put meat on the table, but pictures on the wall at the same time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What would be the better place to fish, in front of the ballroom or bottle bay area

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know of a certain lake in the area a certain group goes out after paper plate sized gills for their wall. They will fish all day but they usually end up with 3 to 6 fish of that huge size.

Would be nice if "average Joe" could come out with his kids and be able to "sort through" a few "picture fish" along with the usual small ones and keep a nice meal to boot, instead of "sorting through" the smaller ones to keep only the biggest. That's the only way we'll ever have what I'm hoping for some day. That's all.

Fishing all day with a group of "hard core" anglers for 3-6 fish for their wall?? Interesting....That's not what I'd like to be able to do with my kids, nephews, or nieces, (nor would they) but interesting, none the less crazy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks goose for the kind words. I for one know's that there are very nice crappies in waska, but I will not fish it in the spring because how nuts it gets out there. There are other lakes that I fish that produce the kind of crappies I am looking for. Now with that being said,95% of the crappies I catch will go back in the lake. And most of the guy's I fish with know that and I have a standard when in the boat.

Kyle is right, 13-16" are in waska and I have seen them.

Sniffer

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks goose for the kind words. I for one know's that there are very nice crappies in waska, but I will not fish it in the spring because how nuts it gets out there. There are other lakes that I fish that produce the kind of crappies I am looking for. Now with that being said,95% of the crappies I catch will go back in the lake. And most of the guy's I fish with know that and I have a standard when in the boat.

Kyle is right, 13-16" are in waska and I have seen them.

Sniffer

Your welcome. Those pix of fish still part way in the whole....very cool!!

I also appreciate it when a frequent poster promotes and actually practices Selective Harvest.

IMO, it's essential to a pond with slab pannies, or a 7000 acre panfish factory with countless areas to fish. Our forefathers proved it....we can't continuously take the "cream of the crop" (biggest of any species) and expect to have quality fisheries down the road.

We p i s s and moan about the poor job the DNR does...lol...It starts with us, IMO. The DNR doesn't have much chance keeping up with us if we don't voluntarily practice S.H. They've forced it pretty much on Mille Lacs. Lotta P & M'n about that as well. I don't understand that. Look at that lake compared with the mid-late 80 and early 90's. We could have those kinds of improvements on our own with a bit of sacrifice.

It might not be what we grew up with, but if we want our kids to enjoy the sport, we might have make a small sacrifice and keep a notch or two smaller panfish, and let the bigger, braggin' size fish go...after a picture or two of course... easier to brag with a picture than just saying we slayed a limit of 12-14ers...

I love and own all the new technology (Side Imaging, Down Imaging, Weather sense / barometers, Ipilot, Vexilars, portable and hardside house, ect, ect). Heck, I'm one of the crazy people that wants two lines legal in open water. I also think about the future when I post about fishing reports, and harvest fish. I want to continue to enjoy fishing and would like to pass it along to the next generation. From your posts, I think you agree.

The 13-16" crappies in waska is besides the fact. Catch a 16"er....Awesome...put it on the wall. Lifetime fish, in most lakes...for sure waska.

The 13-14"ers...when you've got oodles of9-11"ers to catch and filet....take a pic, make a memory, imagine your kids catching that fish tomorrow or next year, and maybe think about putting it back.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Really a great crappie bite yesterday. Had all the intentions of taking the house off the lake, but ended up taking the boys out for a sleep over. Caught crappies until 11:30pm...a lot of fun. Must have caught 50+ fish and kept a limit for supper tonight.

Got a few on minnows but most where caught on a jig with a tube/tail combo. Just have to lift and get them chasing...and then they would nail it. Really helped to have a spring bobber.

No 14+ this time. smile Got a couple of 12s though...most were around 10 inches and smaller.

Fish On!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice work!!!

Me and a buddy are going out tomorrow morning and are thinking about fishing bottle bay, is this a good spot.

Where did you get your crappies and where there any suns mixed in?

Is the ice still good to pull and big house out with my truck?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I haven't heard any reports from today as of yet but several out trying. Nice day on the lake.

Bottle Bay or out from Lakeside...or even venture out to some areas off from there. Lake conditions are excellent and accesses are good. Ice is almost to the bottom of my auger. Unless the weather really warms up, there should be a lot of good fishing left on Waska.

Crappies mixes with mostly gills during the day...gills mixes with mostly crappies during the evening.

Shrimp worked really well for the gills on a #14 and a white shrimpo type jig (I have been making my own out of a jig and a tube with a tail...same thing) tipped with a red uro. Just what I used but I am sure you can catch'm on other stuff too.

Good luck and...Fish On!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a friend of mine who is a taxidermist. And just last year he was mounting a 1 lb 8 oz sunfish that came from Waska last winter--I saw it and it was a total pig!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

was out tonight with the girlfriends dad, caught 30+ crappies and few sunnies. we were out in front of the ballroom 17 ft of water. kept a dozen to eat tomorrow night and the rest went back. lime glow ratsos and red euros were the ticket. thanks landr for the info we got out there just in time smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was out over night and got 30+ sunnies and a few crappies. Started in bottle bay and got the majority there. We moved over in front of the ballroom and got a few but did better in bottle bay.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can anyone give give me a report on conditions of the ice and the glenwood accesses? Are people still driving larger vehicles out there or should I bring my 4-wheeler? How much water should I expect to find on the ice?

Thanks in advance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's been quiet here lately, maybe everyone is busy fishing, which I hope to do on Sunday am, kyle can u chime in on Ice thickness, possible hazards on waska?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Teejay...Wish I could give a report but I am out of town...Mexico. Will be back later next week. I am sure the ice is still in great shape and people are driving...but maybe some others can report in that have been out recently.

Fish On!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just got off the lake driving conditions are great, no snow, if it gets warm enough it will get pretty slushy. But all in all good morning, drilled alot of holes and got enough for a meal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have not been to Waska, but the warmer temp's have not hurt the main parts of the lake for ice. Landings.....well that could be tricky. Ice is getting roughed up with all the melting the last few day's.

Sniffer

Link to comment
Share on other sites

dont know where you were whitetailfreak but this morning was tough! only caught 2 sunnies and a crappie! drilled a hundred holes probably and was very upset with the results!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was out yesterday from 1:00PM until 6:00PM and ended up with a limit of sunfish. No crappies.

The ice on the main lake was great, but the accesses are getting pretty beat up. You needed a 4-wheel drive to get through the slush at the beach access.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A group of my fellow fire fighters where out on sunday to catch some for our annual fish fry we put on for our retired guys and only caught 8 per person. We were going to try and come over again this weekend any tips would be appreciated. I think they were fishing in front of the ballroom. Is there a better spot?.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How are the access on waska, thinking about coming up this weekend and planning to go off sacs access or the DNR access, are they in good condition to get on with a fourwheeler.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Its stated above that the accesses are in rough shape, Four wheeler would be a wise decision.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So i wont have a problem getting on with a fourwheeler pulling a small trailer?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

HammerTime: You might want to wait and check with one of the bait shops on Friday morning. We had 7 to 8-inches of new snow last night with extremely high winds. According to the news the Douglas Co. Sheriffs office is currently advising no travel.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was just out Wayne and I would not go anywhere today. That wind is brutal and created some nice drifts.

Sniffer

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • The title was changed to Lake Minnewaska Fishing Reports - Ice Conditions

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • leech~~
      Nope not me.  May want to go nextdoor and ask around?  
    • smurfy
      Looks to me like Leech brought his chair home!!😅😆
    • Brianf.
      I'm not there, so I can't tell exactly what's going on but it looks like a large area of open water developed in the last day with all of the heavy snow on the east side of wake em up Narrows. These two photos are from my Ring Camera facing north towards Niles Point.  You can see what happened with all of snow that fell in the last three days, though the open water could have been wind driven. Hard to say. .  
    • SkunkedAgain
      Black Bay had great ice before but a few spots near rockpiles where there were spots of open water. It looks like the weight of the snow has created a little lake in the middle of the bay.  
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   Thanks to some cold spring weather, ice fishing continues strong for those still ice fishing.  The bite remains very good.  Most resorts have pulled their fish houses off for the year, however, some still have fish houses out and others are allowing ATV and side by sides.  Check social media or call ahead to your favorite resort for specifics. Reports this week for walleyes and saugers remain excellent.   A nice mix of jumbo perch, pike, eelpout, and an occasional crappie, tullibee or sturgeon being reported by anglers. Jigging one line and using a live minnow on the second line is the way to go.  Green, glow red, pink and gold were good colors this week.     Monster pike are on a tear!  Good number of pike, some reaching over 45 inches long, being caught using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring in 8 - 14' of water.   As always, work through a resort or outfitter for ice road conditions.  Safety first always. Fish houses are allowed on the ice through March 31st, the walleye / sauger season goes through April 14th and the pike season never ends. On the Rainy River...  The river is opened up along the Nelson Park boat ramp in Birchdale, the Frontier boat ramp and Vidas boat ramp.  This past week, much of the open water skimmed over with the single digit overnight temps.   Areas of the river have popped open again and with temps getting warmer, things are shaping up for the last stretch through the rest of the spring season, which continues through April 14th.   Very good numbers of walleyes are in the river.  Reports this week, even with fewer anglers, have been good.  When temps warm up and the sun shines, things will fire up again.   Jigs with brightly colored plastics or jigs with a frozen emerald shiner have been the desired bait on the river.  Don't overlook slow trolling crankbaits upstream as well.   Good reports of sturgeon being caught on the river as well.  Sturgeon put the feed bag on in the spring.  The bite has been very good.  Most are using a sturgeon rig with a circle hook loaded with crawlers or crawlers / frozen emerald shiners. Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing is winding down up at the Angle.  Walleyes, saugers, and a number of various species in the mix again this week.  The bite is still very good with good numbers of fish.  The one two punch of jigging one line and deadsticking the second line is working well.   Check with Angle resorts on transport options from Young's Bay.  Call ahead for ice road guidelines.  
    • CigarGuy
      With the drifting, kind of hard to tell for sure, but I'm guessing about a foot and still lightly snowing. Cook end!
    • PSU
      How much snow did you get on Vermilion? 
    • Mike89
      lake here refroze too...  started opening again yesterday with the wet snow and wind...  very little ice left today...
    • Hookmaster
      A friend who has a cabin between Alex and Fergus said the lake he's on refroze. He texted me a pic from March 12th when it was open and one from 23rd when it wasn't. 🤯
    • SkunkedAgain
      I don't think that there has been any ice melt in the past few weeks on Vermilion. Things looked like a record and then Mother Nature swept in again.   I'll give my revised guess of April 21st
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.