Fishing is a great opportunity for recreation in Kandiyohi County for locals and visitors alike. With so many lakes, ponds, streams and the Crow River, the opportunities for angling enthusiasts are nearly endless.
Game fish found in Kandiyohi County Lakes include Sunfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye and Northern Pike making the Willmar Lakes Area a popular Minnesota fishing destination.
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Fishing Reports
Bass Fishing Update
The Minnesota fishing regulations for 2026 include a new catch-and-release season that makes fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass open all year on inland waters. The DNR made this improvement in bass fishing opportunities after hearing strong support from anglers for earlier bass fishing. Bass populations are thriving, with increased abundance and sizes. And compared with past decades, bass have broader geographic distribution in our state. Since bass spawning peaks in late May, which is later in the year than some other species, there is no biological evidence that catch-and-release…
Fishing Report for 3-12-26
Late ice is typically one of the best times of the year to catch panfish. As the season winds down, fish begin moving into shallower water and often become much more active and willing to bite. If you’re able to get out on the lakes, focus on shallow areas where things are starting to come to life. Melting shoreline ice and runoff can bring in fresh water and oxygen, and early weed growth can attract hungry fish. Fishing pressure over the past week or two has been fairly light since…
Fishing Report for 2-27-26
Many ice anglers removed their permanent fish houses from the lakes before the first February thaw three weeks ago, as ice and public access conditions began to deteriorate. A subsequent cold spell has brought some renewed fishing activity. Reminder: all unoccupied fish houses must be removed from the lakes by midnight on March 2. The Walleye–Northern Pike season closed on February 22. Panfish fishing for crappie, sunfish, and perch is still open, but 2026 fishing licenses are required starting March 1. On Green Lake, walleye fishing was steady through February…
Fishing Report for 2-13-25
The deadline to remove fish houses from the ice on inland waters in the southern two-thirds of the state is quickly approaching, and the DNR reminds anglers to start planning for their removal. The statutory shelter removal deadline for inland waters in the southern two-thirds of the state is 11:59 p.m. on March 2. The DNR reminds all fish house owners to pick up any trash before hauling their shelter off the ice. As they venture out, anglers always should keep in mind that ice conditions vary widely, that ice…
Fishing Report for 2-6-26
Fishing activity has slowed over the past few weeks due to the extended cold weather. However, angling pressure increased this week and over the weekend as temperatures warmed slightly. On Green Lake, anglers are still catching a few walleyes and the occasional northern pike in 15–25 feet of water. Most fish have been on the smaller side, though a few larger walleyes have been reported during overnight hours. Panfish pressure on Green Lake has also increased recently, with some anglers starting to locate small numbers of crappies and sunfish. Foot…
Fishing Report for 1-23-26
The recent cold snap has brought one big benefit—ice thickness has increased significantly. Deeper-area lakes such as Green Lake and Lake Koronis are now averaging around 17 inches of ice. With very little snow on the ice, travel has been relatively easy. However, the frigid temperatures have limited fishing activity, with many anglers choosing not to fish or opting to keep their houses in place rather than moving around. Overall, reports indicate fishing has been slow. On Green Lake, walleye action has been fair, with fish of all sizes being…
Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend
Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend is Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19 During this three-day weekend, any Minnesota resident can go fishing for free if fishing with a child 15 years old or younger. Minnesotans 15 years old or younger don’t need fishing licenses any time of the year. Tips If You’re New to Ice Fishing Want to learn how to go ice fishing? We have helpful information on our website to get you started. Check the DNR learn to ice fish page for more information about ice fishing, including a recorded…
Fishing Report for 1-8-26
Fishing pressure around the area continues to increase as the ice gets thicker and it gets easier to get around on the lakes. Snow on lakes remains fairly light with many bare spots and drifts making travel not too much of a problem. Several accesses around the area are heaving up already making it difficult to get on certain places and creating some slush right at the base of the ramps. Green Lake continues to have a pretty good walleye bite in mornings or evenings in 15-30′ of water. Fish…
Fishing Report for 12-18-25
It’s been a slow start to the ice fishing season, with frigid temperatures, changing weather, inconsistent ice conditions, and enough snow to make travel tricky on many lakes. A few waters that have seen some activity include Norway, Andrew, South Ringo, Long Lake near Willmar, Foot, Wakanda, and Big Kandiyohi. There have been some reports of crappie action on Foot Lake around Robbins Island, as well as on Long Lake near Willmar. Norway Lake saw a bit of early walleye success before crowds moved in, but there isn’t a consistent…
Fishing Report for 12-9-25
Some of the shallower lakes have frozen over and have seen some walking and portables. Reports have been around 5-7 inches on the shallower lakes. Those that have been out have had good walleye and crappie action on Norway Lake. With our recent cold snap, we should be making ice at a steady rate over the next week or so. Anglers must use extreme caution when venturing out onto the ice. Ice is never 100% safe and ice conditions can vary greatly from one lake to another, and on the…
Fishing Report for 11-12-25
Few reports are available as most open water anglers have called it quits and eagerly await the ice fishing season. Those that have been out are still catching crappie from Lake Florida, perch from Eagle Lake, and crappie and perch from Long Lake. Please remember that water temperatures are very cold on most Minnesota waters. It is extremely important to wear a life jacket when out on the water due to the risk of hypothermia. Learn more.
Fishing Report for 10-24-25
Fish across the county are still in prime “late-fall” feeding mode. As blustery winds have subsided and frosty nights have warmed, this weekend may be the last best chance for some good action, at least without your snow suit and insulated boots. Although water temps have dipped to the low 50’s in the deeper lakes and into the upper 40’s in the shallower lakes, a slight warming trend should keep fish in the feeding mood for another week. Look for the best bite window to be from late afternoon to…