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 1-12-23
Fishing has been great in the Willmar Lakes Area with active fish on almost every lake! Walleye fishermen are excited to get out on Green Lake, which has roughly 16 inches of ice with 14 inches of snow on it (except where it is plowed). Ringo Lake has had a great crappie bite lately. Eagle Lake has active walleye in the middle and southern part of the lake whereas northern pike have been found more in the northern part of the lake. Anglers have reported that South Long Lake has…
Fishing Report for 1-5-23
Green Lake has roughly 14-16 inches of ice depending on the different areas. We just recently got another 5-8 inches of fresh snow on top. Be careful as you travel across the lake as you may get stuck. It’s best to wait for them to plow a road. Crappie have been pulled from Long, Nest, Florida and Foot lakes. Perch have also been active on Long and Eagle lakes.
Fishing Report for 12-30-22
Despite extreme cold temperatures earlier this week, some anglers continued to head out and catch fish. Many area lakes are sitting with 16 inches of ice on them, but it can vary around the lake. Always check the ice thickness as you venture out. Anglers are pulling crappie from Florida, Foot, and Long lakes as well as perch on Long Lake and Eagle Lake. Those fishing on Foot Lake have also reported active walleye. Much milder temperatures have arrived and anglers are excited to get back out on the ice!
Fishing Report for 12-23-22
This week’s snowstorm kept many anglers off the lakes, but those that did head out reported nice numbers of walleye and panfish. Effective presentations included jigging spoons with minnows, and minnows on deadsticks, especially during early morning, late afternoon and evening hours. Please note that this week’s heavy, thick snow has affected ice conditions on many lakes, resulting in slush pockets and making travel difficult. In addition, the insulating factor of the snow will inhibit ice development, leaving inconsistent ice thicknesses. Anglers must use caution and check ice thickness often…
Fishing Report for 12-16-22
Warm temperatures and heavy snowfall have stalled ice development. While anglers are venturing out onto the ice in many areas of the state, everyone must use extreme caution and check ice thickness often. It is very important to work with a resort of outfitter that is knowledgeable of current ice conditions, especially early in the ice fishing season.
Fishing Report for 11-29-22
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. 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 same body of water. It is extremely important to wear a life jacket, bring along an ice…
Fishing Report for 11-15-22
Few reports have been available as anglers await ice fishing season. Those that have ventured out have been catching crappie and perch on Long Lake, Eagle Lake and Lake Florida.
Fishing Report for 11-8-22
Few reports are available as anglers put away their boats and wait for the upcoming ice fishing season to begin. Anglers that continue to venture are having success with walleye, crappies, perch, northern pike and muskie. Jigs with minnows remain the best tactic; for panfish, use ice fishing jigs. Anyone heading out this weekend should be prepared to launch their boats without access to public docks. Please remember that water temperatures are very cold on most Minnesota waters. It is extremely important to wear a life jacket when out on…
Fishing Report for 11-1-22
Few reports are available as anglers put away their boats and wait for the ice fishing season to begin. Walleye anglers that continue to venture out are having success using jigs and minnows, especially during morning and late afternoon hours. Cooler temperatures late this week will push fish towards their winter locations. For the most action, use a jig and minnow in ice fishing hot spots. Anglers will want to bring along some waders or rubber boots since docks are being removed from public water accesses.
Fishing Report for 10-27-22
Not as many anglers have been out on the lakes lately as many put away their boats for the season. Anglers that continue to venture out are taking nice numbers of walleye and crappie. A live bait rig or jig tipped with a large minnow remains best for the walleye, especially during afternoon hours when the waters are warmest. Crappie anglers are having the most success when using a jigging presentation. Northern pike remain active in the bays and along the shorelines. Trolled crank baits continue to work well. The…
Fishing Report for 10-20-22
Fish remain in their fall feeding frenzy and are eager to bite, especially from mid-morning to late afternoon when the water has had a chance to warm. Jigs or spinners tipped with a sucker minnow or a fathead should catch the most fish. Walleye anglers are finding walleye in the shallows on Minnetaga Lake, Big Kandiyohi Lake, Lake Florida and Lake Lillian. Shore anglers are having success when using shallow-running stick baits. Slow presentations are the key this time of year. Other lakes to try this week would be Green,…
Fishing Report for 10-5-22
Fall fishing remains excellent on many area lakes, especially from mid-morning to late afternoon when the water has had a chance to warm. Walleye anglers continue to take the majority of fish with jigs and fathead minnows. Look for crappie and walleye in the 15 foot depth or along the weedlines on Diamond, Big Kandiyohi, Green, Norway, Florida and Eagle lakes. Slowing down your live bait rigs from traditional summer speeds should increase your catch rates. The bass are in their full fall patterns and tend to be more active…