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 4-16-19
The lakes are starting to open up in the Willmar Lakes Area. We recommend not going on the ice as it is very weak from the last snow storm and the past few warm days. Shore fishing is starting to take off under the bridge on Nest Lake, along the highway on Ringo Lake, and near the culvert on Foot Lake. Anglers have reported active sunfish and crappies on all three of those lakes. No docks have been put out yet, but Ringo, Nest and Calhoun lakes are accessible by…
Fishing Report for 4-9-19
Anglers have been pulling quite a few perch from Long Lake and crappie from Foot Lake. Walking is the only way to get out on the lakes right now as the accesses have deteriorated. With more open water lately, some anglers have had success shore fishing for crappie on Ringo and Nest lakes. It’s also possible to launch a boat on Ringo and Nest lakes. With the past warm temperatures and the current snow storm adding weight to the already weak ice on the lakes, it would be a good…
Fishing Report for 4-2-19
Although there is still roughly 24 inches of ice on area lakes, it’s starting to get real soft. No driving of vehicles on the lakes is recommended at this point. Anglers are catching perch and sunfish on Long Lake, crappie from Foot Lake, and jumbo perch from Big Kandiyohi Lake. Look for the fish in the 10-15 foot depth and near weed beds as they are starting to stage.
Fishing Report for 3-26-19
It’s getting harder to get out onto the ice as the snow melts. The best way would be by foot, especially on Big Kandiyohi Lake as there is 15 inches of water on top of the ice. Most area lakes are still holding at 24 inches of ice, but be aware that this week’s warm up could effect that greatly. Always be cautious and check the ice depth as you venture out and always wear a life vest. Crappie are still being pulled from Diamond, Willmar, and Foot lakes and…
Fishing Report for 3-19-19
Even though the area lakes still have about 24 inches of ice on them, they also have about 4-12 inches of water and slush. Lakes with aerators are opening up as well as Nest Lake near the bridge. The best way to get out on the lake for ice fishing is by walking or by snowmobile. Crappie have still been very active on Foot, Diamond and Eagle lakes. With this week’s warm up, hopefully the snow will melt and the water will run off the ice to make for a…
Fishing Report for 3-12-19
The deep snow and slush has made it difficult to access the lakes throughout the county and most anglers are either walking out or using snowmobiles to get around. Anglers that have been out report good panfish action throughout the area including crappie on Willmar Lake. Please note that with the upcoming warm temperatures and rain predicted that there will be standing water on the lakes by the weekend.
Fishing Report for 2-26-19
Anglers have had a rough time getting out on the lakes after this past weekend’s blizzard. There is somewhat of a plowed path on Big Kandiyohi Lake, but it would be best to travel by snowmobile right now. The crappie are still biting on Willmar, Foot, and Diamond lakes, mainly in the evening. Perch continue to be active on Big Kandiyohi Lake. Just a reminder that gamefish season has closed until May 11th. Get your fishing and hunting licenses for 2019. Your 2018 license is good through Thursday, Feb. 28. Starting…
Fishing Updates for 2-22-19
The gamefish season (walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass) will close this Sunday, Feb. 24 for most Minnesota waters. Minnesota fishing opener dates for the 2019/2020 fishing season for most inland waters are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike, bass and lake trout, May 11; muskie, June 1. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous. For rules, regulations and other helpful information on fishing in Minnesota, consult the DNR’s Fish Minnesota web page.
Fishing Report for 2-19-19
Anglers continue to pull crappie and walleye from Willmar and Foot lakes near the fairgrounds and also on Diamond Lake after sunset. The bite at Big Kandiyohi Lake has slowed down a bit. Crappie are still active by the island on Nest Lake. Eagle Lake is now the most active lake with walleye being pulled from roughly 35 feet on the northern end as well as crappie from about 20 feet. A red hook with a crappie minnow has proven to be quite successful. Many lakes are snow packed with…
Fishing Report for 2-12-19
With over 24 inches of ice on area lakes, now’s the perfect time to plan an ice fishing trip in the Willmar Lakes Area! The crappie are still biting on Diamond, Willmar, Foot and Eagle lakes. The walleye and jumbo perch are still biting on Big Kandiyohi Lake. Walleye have started biting on the north end of Eagle Lake in about 35 foot depth of water and also in about 20 feet on Willmar and Foot lakes. Northern pike have started biting on Lake Florida and Nest Lake when using…
Fishing Report for 2-5-19
All area lakes are sitting with at least 24 inches of ice on them. Stay clear of the aerators on the lakes as they can make the ice near there weaker. The walleye bite has slowed down a bit in the area, especially on Foot, Diamond, Green, Long, and East Solomon lakes. Big Kandiyohi Lake is still putting out walleye and jumbo perch, but there is an ice heave on the lake and some open water near the island so caution should be taken when moving around on the lake….
Fishing Report for 1-29-19
In the past week, anglers have found active fish in many area lakes. The most active northern pike can be found in Big Kandiyohi, Diamond, Lillian, and Florida lakes. Blue is the color for the hottest lure for crappie and walleye on Big Kandiyohi Lake and Diamond Lake, which can be found at J & J Hwy 71 Bait & Tackle. Just be aware that when venturing out on Big Kandiyohi Lake that there is an ice heave that you should avoid. Crappie are still being pulled from Foot Lake…