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With 14,528 acres of water and more than 125 miles of shoreline, Lake Minnetonka is unquestionably the most popular recreational lake in the Twin Cities.
This massive, sprawling body of water is actually 40 virtually independent bodies of water, which provide ample room for both recreational boaters and anglers. And best of all, it's chock full of fish.
Recent DNR studies indicate that the size of Minnetonka's abundant bluegill supply is above average compared to that of other metro lakes. Northern pike are very plentiful and average almost 3 pounds each. They should be hefty: they have been happily feeding on the young bluegills and walleyes in the lake, which in turn leaves more food for the remaining fish to grow larger.
Local guides and tournament anglers claim that even the largemouth bass have gotten bigger. The average size caught in tournaments is now 3 pounds; 5 to 7-pounders are not unusual. The muskie population has also exploded; most are over 30 inches.
So with all that water where do you start? The key to successful fishing on this lake is to understand that each bay has its unique characteristics and should be fished as though it were a separate lake.
The murkier water in the western bays are ideal for early season fishing or on sunny days. Fish will be in shallower water here, more active throughout the day and easier to catch.
The eastern bays (Crystal Bay and almost everything east of the narrows) have deeper, clearer water with rocky reefs and sandy bottoms. These areas offer the best fall fishing and can be very productive at night or when the sky is overcast.
Some tips from the experts: marker buoys indicate shallow, rocky reefs, points, and bars that can be sanctuaries for most species. Docks are notorious fish hangouts, especially those close to deeper water and healthy vegetation. Rock piles along embankment slopes are also natural fish magnets; they provide hiding places for insects, minnows, crayfish and other foods. Finally, the many channels between the lakes move food to the waiting fish hanging off on the sides.
Need a break? Try one of three lakeside restaurants: the Bayside Grill and Maynard's in Excelsior Bay and Lord Fletchers between West Arm and Crystal Bays. Want to picnic? Big Island below Smith Bay is a gathering spot for the party crowd.
When the boat traffic at the launches goes wild, try the facilities at Gray's Bay, Maxwell Bay or North Arm Bay.
Boaters need not venture far to find a good time on Lake Minnetonka. Enjoy.
Sybil Smith is the author of the Twin Cities Fishing Guide, Brainerd-Mille Lacs Fishing Guide
and the Twin Cities Shore Fishing Map (East and West).
