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.

Minnetonka Crappie Contest is back on


Recommended Posts

Just read this on the strib.

Crappie contest revived

The Lake Minnetonka crappie fishing contest -- for 43 years a harbinger of spring that kicked off the fishing season -- is being revived after dying last year.

Minnesota Bound host Ron Schara said he's bringing the contest back on May 5. It will be dubbed the Minnesota Bounty Lake Minnetonka Crappie Contest.

"It celebrates fishing in this state in a big way,'' Schara said, explaining why he decided to revive the event. "It comes when everyone is anticipating the fishing season. It gives us an excuse to get out there and bring our families.''

It again will be based at Lord Fletcher's on Lake Minnetonka. Details are still being worked out, but Schara said the entry fee will be $5 and portions of the proceeds will go to charities

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Ron. I really really don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth but May 5th? It's a week before opener.....

The one thing that I absolutely loved about the crappie contest on tonka was that it always coincided with the NFL Draft in late April. I can remember freezing my butt off in rain and wind listening to the Vikes blow another draft pick. I do remember the day we picked up AP. We got some good crappies that day, it was probably 65 degrees. I also remember when Tice and the gang skipped their first round pick and eventually got Kevin Williams. That was probably a 70 degree day. I remember when we didn't get Steve McNair like Denny wanted but we did get Randy Moss.

The crappie contest's lure was the harbinger of what was yet to come but better, what was yet to be fulfilled. I guess you must be a long suffering Vikes fan to relate.

May 5th? frown I will fish walleyes on the Croix instead.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

The local Lions Clubs around Lake Minnetonka are putting together a Charity Crappie Contest for April 21st, 2012 with the weigh in at Maynard's. May or may not be as big as Ron Shara's but it's completely for charity and the door prizes include a boat and motor package, trolling motor, fishing gear, etc. Definitely worth the $5 entry fee.

Check it out here - 2012 Lions Lake Minnetonka Crappie Contest

Suddenly Summer, I agree with you, May 5th is missing the boat, Mid april was always a great time!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.



  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • 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.