Minnesota fishing guide Matt Johnson of Matt Johnson Outdoors gives his latest Lake Minnetonka fishing report on October 7th, 2024.
Lake Minnetonka Fishing Report: 10-7-24
It’s beginning to feel like fall here in Minnesota. It’s still been unseasonable warm, but the first signs of fall are beginning to show here on the Metro area. Water temperatures are in the sixties and we are starting to see some fish move shallow. Overall, the bite has been very good. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and panfish are beginning to transition to their fall areas.
Lake Minnetonka Fishing Report: Bass
The weeds are still up and look like they did throughout the summer. We are beginning to see some die-off, but most weed beds are in good shape. Largemouth bass can still be found along the weed lines and in the weed beds. Docks and sand flats are also holding some bass. Anglers can expect the bass to move shallower as we progress further into fall. You can catch bass a number of different ways. Crankbaits are working great. Swim jigs and swimbaits are also producing fish. Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits are also great options this time of year. Cover water with any of those presentations and you will catch fish.
Lake Minnetonka Fishing Report: Northern Pike
Northern pike continue to be caught on Lake Minnetonka and the surrounding area lakes. Anglers can find northern pike along the weed lines and on the weed beds mixed in with the largemouth bass. Some fish can also be found on the shallow, sandy flats. Crankbaits, chatterbaits, swim jigs, and spinnerbaits have all caught numbers of northern pike this past week.
Lake Minnetonka Fishing Report: Walleye
Walleyes are beginning to show up on their typical fall spots. We have caught a few walleyes on heavy ned jigs, working them slowly along the bottom. Tikka Minos are also producing some bites, but we are still waiting for the weeds to clean up a bit. Anglers can expect the walleye bite to only get better.
Lake Minnetonka Fishing Report: Panfish
Crappies can be found out on the shallow basins in depths between fifteen and twenty-five feet of water. Almost all of the fish are schooled up and suspended several feet off the bottom. Small jigs paired with plastics are a great way to catch them. You can also vertically jig them with Tikka Minos.
