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
No Wake Restriction Updates – 6-10-22
Kandiyohi County Sheriff Eric Holien lifted no wake restrictions in Kandiyohi County except George Lake. On George Lake no wake restrictions will remain in force within 500 feet of shore.
Fishing Report for 6-8-22
As the water temperatures rise, the fishing action does as well in the Willmar Lakes Area! Water temperatures are well over 65 degrees in area lakes, causing many species of fish to begin their transition from spring to summer patterns. Walleye are starting to lose interest in minnows so try jigs and live bait rigs tipped with leeches and crawlers instead. The most active walleye have been found on Solomon, South Long, Willmar, Foot and Ringo lakes. Bass and northern pike have been very active on most area lakes. Sunfish…
Fishing Report for 6-1-22
It was another great week of fishing action in the Willmar Lakes Area! Anglers on Diamond Lake were pulling nice sized northerns and walleye from the 12-15 foot depths with blue colored crankbaits & daredevils. The most active time was after 4pm. Large sunfish have also been pulled using leeches in the shallows. When fishing Diamond Lake, make sure to stop and pick up your bait at Diamond Lake Resort. Anglers are also pulling up walleye as they troll with bottom bouncers and leeches on Long Lake. Active panfish are…
Fishing Report for 5-24-22
The spring fishing frenzy has arrived in the Willmar Lakes Area! The walleye and crappie are starting to be more active in the shallows on Willmar, Foot, Andrew, and Eagle lakes. Other lakes that had great walleye action included Long, Big Kandiyohi, West Norway, Ringo and Green. Stay near the shallows and use jigs tipped with minnows during the early morning or late evening hours for your best bet on those walleye. Anglers are pulling nice sized crappie from Green Lake around that 12 foot depth, while panfish continue to…
No Wake Restriction Issued for Kandiyohi County Lakes – 5-17-22
Kandiyohi County Sheriff Eric Holien issued a no wake restriction within 500 feet of shore for Big Kandiyohi Lake, Diamond Lake, Foot Lake, George Lake, Green Lake, and Nest Lake. With the increased boating there is a potential to cause damage along the shore lines. With the recent rain falls and anticipated rain we will continue to monitor and additional no wake restriction maybe added.
West Central Tribune Article – Southern Minnesota waters hold very good populations of walleye
West Central Tribune Article By Tom Cherveny May 12, 2022 Prairie Gold: Southern Minnesota waters hold very good populations of walleye There are plenty of walleye to be found in the waters of southern Minnesota. Advances in genetic “fingerprinting” are allowing fisheries managers to go local and stock the walleye strains best adapted for these waters. WILLMAR — For many walleye anglers, the compass always points north to destinations from Mille Lacs to Lake of the Woods. Staying close to home in the Spicer and Willmar area, or venturing south…
Fishing Report for 5-10-22
Anglers are catching crappie and sunfish under the bridge and in the bay of Nest Lake as well as from Foot Lake near the culvert. Active panfish are also being pulled from the shallows of Point, Andrew, Diamond, Elkhorn, and Eagle lakes. Lake Florida is also seeing active crappie near the dam. Stick near the shallow water and the northern and western sides of the lakes for the warmer water temperatures and the best action. If you’re looking for active perch, head over to Big Kandiyohi Lake as reports of…
Fishing Report for 5-3-22
Few fishing reports are available as most anglers stay ashore, preparing their rigs, gear and boats for the Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 14. Will your favorite lake by free of ice by the opener? This Saturday and Sunday, May 7-8, enjoy a day out on the water with your mom during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend! This summer, anglers can participate in a fun fishing tournament and support a worthy cause! The virtual Hook, Line & Shelter Fishing Tournament is open to anglers on any Minnesota lake across seven fish categories…
Fishing Report for 4-26-22
Areas of open water are expanding in the Willmar Lakes Area. Ice is piling up at the shorelines and islands.
Fishing Report for 4-5-22
Minnesota lakes continue their transformation with more ice giving way to open water each day. During this interim phase, prepare for Minnesota’s Fishing Opener by inspecting your tackle, rods and reels, PFDs, boats and trailers to make sure all is in order by May 14! (Info from Explore Minnesota) And don’t forget to purchase your new 2022 Fishing License if you haven’t done that yet. Purchase online by clicking here. Order the New Minnesota Fishing Guide by Clicking Here
Fishing Report for 3-22-22
Few fishing reports are available as anglers put away their ice fishing gear and wait for the open water season to begin. While the late ice panfish bite has been very good, the warm temperatures and strong sunshine have taken a toll on the ice, making lake access difficult. Please consult with an area bait shop or resort for the most current conditions before traveling. Anglers need to be extremely cautious on and around the ice since conditions can change rapidly, sometimes in a matter of hours. Anyone considering one…
Fishing Report for 3-8-22
As of the past weekend, the lakes were still in good shape for ice travel, but with the current warm temperatures and the expected warmer weather, ice will rapidly deteriorate. Anglers should expect ATV travel and walking to be the only ways to get out on the ice. Just a reminder to check ice thickness often since conditions can vary widely, even on the same body of water. With the warm up, panfish have been very eager to bite, especially on Foot, Elkhorn, Diamond and Calhoun lakes. Panfish will soon…