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.
Find a Bait Shop Explore Our Lakes
Fishing Reports
Fishing Report for 5-5-20
Anglers have been hitting the lakes in full force lately. Area lakes are sitting around 55 degrees for a surface temperature so although some panfish haven’t started spawning yet, walleye likely has. The Nest Lake Bay is putting out sunfish and crappie as well as the northwest end of Eagle Lake in the 2-10 inch depth. Anglers have also found active panfish on Foot Lake by the fairgrounds, Point Lake, Diamond Lake, and Lake Andrew. Crappie minnow and wax worms are the most popular bait right now. Fishermen are also…
Fishing Report for 2-18-20
It’s going to be a great weekend for an ice fishing trip in the Willmar Lakes Area! Starting Friday, high temperatures will range from the low to upper 30’s, with mostly sunny skies through Sunday! Recent cold temperatures have improved ice conditions on many area lakes by building ice and solidifying slush. Panfish are still biting on Nest, Norway, Green and Eagle lakes. Walleye are still biting in the evenings around sunset on Big Kandiyohi and Norway lakes. The walleye, northern pike and largemouth bass season will end this Sunday…
Fishing Report for 2-11-20
It’s that time of year where you’ll have to try harder to find and get the fish to bite. Move around on the lakes and change depths and lures until you find the right spot. A few walleye have been caught on Norway Lake and Big Kandiyohi Lake. The most active time for the different species of fish has been 30 minutes before sunset. Most anglers are still pulling panfish from Nest, Norway, Green, Eagle, Diamond, Point and Big Kandiyohi lakes in the 10-25 foot depths. The most popular bait…
Fishing Report for 1-28-20
Get out and enjoy a fishing adventure on one of the many beautiful lakes in the Willmar Lakes Area this weekend! Most area lakes have 16-18 inches of ice on them. The crappie have been quite active on Diamond Lake during the daytime hours as well as the east side of Foot Lake in the evening hours. Big Kandiyohi Lake is still a great location for those looking for large perch. Anglers looking for walleye can expect to pull some from Foot Lake during the daytime hours. Panfish have been…
Fishing Report for 1-14-20
Although there have been a few anglers taking their full sized trucks and fish houses out on the area lakes, we wouldn’t recommend that quite yet. Most area lakes are sitting between 11-14 inches of ice. Look for a great crappie and northern pike bite during the day on Point Lake between the 15-17 foot depths. Unfortunately the walleye bite has run its course on that lake. Two more lakes that are great for daytime fishing are Big Kandiyohi and Minnetaga with anglers pulling both perch and walleye. Eagle Lake…
Fishing Report for 1-7-20
Anglers are finally getting out on the lakes in the area by walking, 4-wheelers and ATVs. The ice thickness varies greatly throughout a lake so caution should be taken when heading out. Green Lake varies from about 10-14 inches of ice with crappie and walleye being caught most often in the evenings. Foot Lake can vary anywhere from 8 to 12 inches with crappie being more active near the pier by the fairgrounds in the evening hours and the walleye near the aerators. Diamond Lake has been good for those…
Fishing Report for 12-24-19
Anglers venturing out in the past week have reported varying ice thicknesses throughout the lakes. Green Lake can vary from just an inch or two up to ten inches. Make sure to check the ice thickness often as you move across the ice. Those that have been out with portable houses on Green Lake have reported a good walleye and crappie bite in the evenings. Walleye are also biting on Norway and Big Kandiyohi lakes. Extreme caution should be taken on Big Kandiyohi and Diamond lakes as the ice has…
Fishing Report for 12-17-19
The ice thickness on area lakes can vary greatly from less than an inch to eight inches, even from one side of a lake to the other. Please use extreme caution when heading out on the ice and stick to walking, snowmobiles or ATVs. Some anglers have reported a good mid-afternoon walleye bite on area lakes as well as active crappies. The mild temperatures should stick around for at least another week. Take advantage and enjoy time out on the ice with family and friends this holiday season!
Fishing Report for 12-10-19
This week’s temperatures should cause ice to build rapidly on the area lakes not covered with a heavy layer of snow. But before heading out, anglers should consult with a local bait shop for the most current ice conditions. And always use extreme caution and check ice thickness often since it can vary greatly.
Fishing Report for 12-3-19
While the small lakes are covered in ice, the quality of the ice is pretty poor due to warmer temperatures and the latest snow fall. All the weight on the ice has caused water to soak through, leaving lots of slush. Some of the bigger lakes are still not frozen over. Next week’s cold front will help immensely. We recommend not heading out onto the ice until conditions improve.
Fishing Report for 11-26-19
Few fishing reports are available at this time due to unsafe ice conditions. The snow predicted for tonight could create an insulating blanket on top of unstable ice conditions in the area. Anglers are advised to stay off the ice.
Fishing Report for 11-19-19
Few fishing reports are available at this time due to unsafe ice conditions. High temperatures will be above freezing this weekend causing early ice to change rapidly and deteriorate. Anglers are advised to stay off the ice. Extreme caution must always be used early in the season when ice conditions can change quickly and ice thickness can vary greatly. Before heading out, anglers should consult with a local bait shop, resort or guide service for the most current ice conditions, especially early in the season.