Tonka Crappies

[RHW]

Also, could I please ask about shore fishing on Minnetonka or any other metro lakes. My daughter lives in Minnetonka. When my wife and I go up to visit, those two usually go shopping and I am left at the apartment alone with nothing to do. I figure, I could do a little shore fishing for panfish while they do their thing. Any help or suggestions would certainly be appreciated. My first love are bluegills followed by a close second, crappies. If you just as soon not post it here, my email address is [email protected]
Thanks

[Trailblazer]

My dad is coming up in the next week or 2 and besides Tanager - what are some good locations to get into crappies?

[Trailblazin]

RHW - Minnetonka has a few places from shore, the Narrows bridge being the most popular. The closest to you I know of wouldbe in Bloomington, Hyland, Bryant and Normandale all have great shore access. If you get out to Hyland soon, you'll e in crappie heaven - although small.

The key in the summer to these lakes is to get a weighted bobber and toss it out there as far as you can. You'll know what the spots are to fish when you get there!

[RHW]

Thanks for the infomation. Now I have to get a good metro map showing these places and best ways to get to them.

[Trailblazin]

All 3 of the lakes are within 1-2 miles of each other. I like Hyland and Bush as you can walk the entire the lake rather than fish off the dock with 30 others.

Hyland has bass, crappie, and Muskie..
Bush has just about everything except for walleye. I managed a 15lb Tiger Muskie last fall out of Bush. Boat was in the shop for 2 days so I shore fished and got lucky! Again, weighted bobber, threw out a sucker and waited......

All these lakes are basically behind Jostens and whatever named of the road is by the 8500 Blng, maybe Normandale Blvd and it turns into West Bush Lake, I think????

[Tonka Bayt]

Bush is also a great crappie lake. In the spring people always "talk" about 1.5-2lbers
I also own the only bait store in west bloomington, (Dred Scott Automotive) and grew up in Bloomington. My brother and I have many memories from fishing bush and Hyland. Personally I have done better at Hyland, and it is less fished.

Tonka Bayt
Hooks,Lines, and Thinkers.....

[RHW]

Hey Tonka Bayt, what is the address of your bait shop, phone number and hours?

[Tonka Bayt]

The shop in Bloomington is 10800 Rhode Island Ave. (old shakopee rd and Bloomington ferry road The Shell Station. And in Minnetonka is 5680 Manitou rd (corner of 19 and Smithtown crossing) During the week both stores open about 5:45 and on the weekend 7:00. Tonka Bayt will be open at 6:00 on the weekends starting opener.
Dred Scott Automotive is 952-944-0010
Tonka Bayt-952-474-6433

Thanks
Tonka Bayt
Hooks, lines, and Thinkers...

[G_man]

What shore fishing areas would you recommend fishing on Hyland, Bush and Normandale?