Minnetonka Muskies?

[bigeyes75]

I have been fishing for Muskies on tonka for the past two years. I have had excellent success. I have caught a musky everytime I have been on the lake except onetime. The only problem is, they are about 3-5lbs. I really would be curious to find out if anyone has some decent spots that might hold some bigger fish? I know of one spot that I saw one big fish but I couldn't get it to bite. I really would appreciate some general spots that people know they have seen some fish pulled out. Even just a bay that is pretty hot. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bigeyes75

[AWH]

I don't have a lot of experience on Tonka, but have seen some good fish out there. I'm guessing the fish you have been catching are in the same general area most of the time? From what I've heard, there are a number of spots that are outstanding for numbers, but the size tends to run about what you've been catching. I've talked to guys that have said they could catch several fish a day fishing these spots. These areas are actually where the DNR does their stocking (from what I've been told).

For bigger fish I would just try different areas. There really are very few bad spots on the lake. Any and every piece of structure will hold muskies. Just be on the move and you'll see fish, eventually you'll see big fish. Fish these areas and you'll be rewarded. It really just takes time on the water and keep on moving. There isn't a bay on the lake that doesn't hold a good population of big fish. It's just a matter of finding the right spots in those bays.

I know this doesn't really narrow things down. But there's so many spots out there that wherever you're fishing, you're not too far away from an excellent spot. Hope this at least gives you a starting point.

AWH

[AWH]

One other bit of advice I would give you is this. Start on one small section of the lake, maybe just pick one bay. Concentrate on that bay, learn it as best you can and go from there. I would avoid trying to learn the whole lake all at once. But once you learn a bay keep on expanding. If you're someone that puts in a lot of time out there you will eventually become familiar with most of the lake and have your favorite bays or parts of the lake. Personally, I prefer the big part of the lake. But then I just like big water. I spend most of my time on Mille Lacs, Leech and Cass. Others prefer the east side or the west end, or any of the number of smaller bays.

AWH

[bigeyes75]

You are correct. I have been catching these fish in the same area. I have caught one 20lb out of this area but that is it. I did see that big fish just about a 1/4 mile from that spot I fish. I tend to stick to the west side of the lake. That has produced for me. I tried the east side of the lake last week without even a nibble. I seem to catch a lot of pike and muskies on the west end. Do you have any good bays to concentrate my attention on the west part of the lake. I have tried several spots but not to sure if they hold the big ones. Any info would help.

thanks,
bigeyes75

[Tonka Boy]

I'm really surprised to hear about all the small ones. I don't think I've seen a muskie on Tonka smaller than 36"!

AWH has given some good advice. Stick to one bay. Another thing to consider having a steep break leading to DEEP water close by. I find many of the 50"+ muskie are hanging over the edges.

------------------
Tonka Boy

[MJR]

I was bass fishing on Tonka last night and we were about to move to a new spot so I reeled in my jig & craw as fast as I could and I got it about 10ft from the boat when I saw a muskie following it I paused for a second and he hit my jig, 48" my biggest fish ever. Pretty much exactly wher Tonka Boy described them to be, edge of a big weed flat that goes into deep water.

Keep in mind I do not fish for muskies but I have caught them in Maxwell, Crystal, Browns, around Big Island, Phelps, Lafayette, Excelsior, and Wayzata if that narrows it down for you with the smallest being around 10lbs. If I were to try and catch muskies I would probably troll with a crankbait on the outside of the weedline. I mostly bass fish and I like throwing crankbaits but all I ever seem to catch is big northerns and muskies.

[This message has been edited by MJR (edited 07-17-2003).]

[TUMBLEWEED]

I know someone who waits for September,
October,and November to go after the
bigguns.

[EBass]

I saw three ski's on Browns bay going for bass. 1 16" bass by the way. And that was on 7/2 in the morning. One was on the small side like 32" and the other two were closer to 40". Not the biggest, but sure a surprise.

I did catch a 38" ski in the middle of Grays bay last year. Again going for bass. Pretty fun on 10 lbs test

[MJR]

Got a 42" Muskie with black spots on the side not sure what variety that is. Fishing Bass with the same Jig & Craw combo as I caught the 48" a couple of weeks ago with. This one came from under a dock. I saw it swimming around after my jig and I thought it was a carp until he jumped 2 feet out of the water. I think I am going to have to start trying to catch these things they really go nuts when you get them hooked.

[MJR]

Had another Muskie up to the boat last night but got off, this one was in the mid 40's I would say and hit on a Senko. The last couple of times out on Tonka I have seen quite a few Muskies. The pike are on a terror, I got about 15 on Sat with the largest about 8-10 lbs, too bad I was trying for bass, have not been doing real well on them lately.

[MJR]

You've got mail

[SWMuskeye]

MJR,

Care to share where you found the pike? I always release em and haven't been on the lake in a while. Also, how deep were they?

If you don't want to share over this, give me a holler at [email protected]. I need to get in one more day on Tonka before I move up to school for my last year here on Sunday.

Thanks, and good fishin'