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
Fishing Report for 6-24-26
Fishing has been productive across the Willmar Lakes Area, with Green Lake providing some of the best action in recent weeks. Anglers are finding success targeting both walleyes and sunfish, making it a great option for a day on the water. Walleye anglers are reporting consistent bites in 10–20 feet of water along weed edges and break lines. Live bait such as leeches and nightcrawlers continues to produce results, while artificial presentations have also been effective. Sunfish are being caught along shallow weed edges, with several shoreline locations around Green…
Fishing Report for 5-20-26
The start to the game fish season has been a bit slower than usual for walleye anglers, likely due to inconsistent weather patterns and windy conditions since opening weekend. However, anglers are still finding success on several area lakes, including Big Kandiyohi, south Long Lake, and Norway Lake. Early season walleyes have been more active in shallower water — generally less than 12 feet deep — with live bait producing better results than artificial presentations so far. Northern pike activity has been much more consistent, with eager fish being caught…
Reminder of MN Fishing Regulations
Planning to fish the opener? Here’s a quick guide to the regulations: – Residents age 16-89 will need a valid Minnesota fishing license. Find exceptions on pg. 26-27 of the Minnesota fishing regulations. – Conservation officers will accept both paper and digital copies of licenses. Printed copies need to be signed. – The statewide limit for walleye (+ sauger and hybrids) is six combined with only one over 20″ allowed in possession. Some water bodies may have different regulations, so be sure to check the limits for the water body…
Spicer Area Fisheries Pre-Season Forecast – April 2026
Spicer Area Fisheries – covering Kandiyohi County and portions of surrounding counties including Stearns, Swift, Chippewa, Yellow Medicine, Lyon, and Lac Qui Parle. As of this writing (April 21, 2026), it appears that spring may be here for good this time after rollercoaster temperatures and weather. Ice-out occurred slightly earlier than average with water temperatures now again on the rise as the area’s cool water fish species (northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker) are either finished with their annual spawning activities or nearly so. There was no indication of…
Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge May 9-10, 2026
Join the statewide challenge! Let’s get reel, moms! Join the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Student Angler Organization and Women Anglers of Minnesota for a free virtual fishing challenge just for Minnesota moms during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend from May 9-10, 2026. This year, like every year on Mother’s Day weekend, all moms across Minnesota can fish for free without a license. And, for the fourth year in a row, moms who want even more fun can take part in the online Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge! Sign up today Click below to join…
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…