Minnesota fishing guide Matt Johnson of Matt Johnson Outdoors gives his Lake Minnetonka fishing report, along with his report on the surrounding area lakes.
Lake Minnetonka Fishing Report: 1-22-2025
It’s been brutally cold and that’s really limited our fishing to inside of shacks. Hard house, flip-over houses, or hub houses are a must right now. With that being said the fishing has continued to be really good. We are finding about sixteen to eighteen inches of ice on Lake Minnetonka. Remember that ice conditions vary so always check as you go.
Lake Minnetonka Fishing Report: Crappies, Bluegills
Crappies and bluegills can be caught on most lakes in the Metro area. Both weed lines and basins have been good spots to find panfish. One big key to catching them has been to slow down. Once you find the fish, set up and wait for the fish to come in.
A 1/32-ounce gold metallic perch colored Clam Pinhead Pro Spoon has been our best bait for bluegills and crappies. If the spoon isn’t working switch to a small tungsten Dropkick jig paired with a plastic or wax worm. This is a one-two punch that will catch panfish all winter long in both the basins and weed lines.
Lake Minnetonka Fishing Report: Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye
Anglers can also catch northern pike, largemouth bass, and walleyes while fishing for panfish in the weeds.
If you want to target those bigger fish utilize tip-ups along the weed line. The best depths have been between ten and twelve feet of water. Medium sized sucker minnows or shiners have been the best live bait options for pike, bass, and walleyes.
For those anglers looking to specifically target walleyes focus on main lake points, humps, and weed lines. Set lines paired with a minnow seem to be the best options, but a few fish can also be caught on jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head. The best bite is during primetime hours late into the evening and after dark.
