Minnetonka

[Griggs]

Alright, so I finally got a bigger boat and I want to try Minnetonka. The only thing I'm worried about is traffic, but I think if I stick to weekday mornings, it won't be terrible.

If I were to start fishing Minnetonka for Muskies, could someone give me some ideas of where to start? Which bay etc.. I've never been on this lake, although I plan on taking a few boat rides just to check it out before hand. Also, if theres a bay you recommend, where should I launch from, and any advice on that part of it. Thanks!

[markkstanley]

Muskies are everywhere on Tonka nowdays. Almost any weed edge/flat is holding a few.Try around Big Island and launch from Gray's. On the west end of the lake the islands area is good. There you might as well launch at the regional park or Spring Park. Do a search from last year reports and you can get a good idea of where to fish and what to bring.

[Down to Earth]

Get a copy of the Minnesota Musky Guide. For Minnetonka they identify multiple "community" spots to try. But as Mark said, muskies are everywhere so don't limit yourself to the areas marked on that map. I've caught & seen fish in areas not talked about in that book.

If you really want to feel alone on Tonka the best time is after Labor Day during the week. I went out one day in September and had the whole lake to myself.

[scsavre]

Weekday mornings are definately a good start.

This entire lake is fishable, get the muskie book and fish whatever looks good.

For me the lake wasnn't as big once I got out there.

I like Big island, Spirit island, and crystal bay.

You will soon notice that boat traffic doesn't have a huge impact on the skis. I guess theyre used to it. Keep your bait in the water at the end of your retrieval. Theyll surprise you.

[Tonka Boy]

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You will soon notice that boat traffic doesn't have a huge impact on the skis. I guess theyre used to it.

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Very true

I hear way too often how people are intimidated by these huge boats, etc. Truth of the matter is, boat traffic does not affect the fishing out there. I have caught many, many true trophies right in the thick of things. Sure those wakes can be brutal sometimes, but stay alert and it won't make any difference in any reasonable sized fishing boat. There are places to hide out in smaller rigs as well.

[muskieboy46]

id also reccomend a good map. This was reccomended to me last year when i asked about minnetonka and it showed me a bunch of little humps that i was missing.

[markkstanley]

I personally think we should thank those big cruisers. Thanks to them Tonka always has a musky chop going in the summer no matter the wind Now if they would just quit chopping up the milfoil..

[Griggs]

Yea I'm going to get one of those big fold out water proof maps of the lake. I just wanted an idea of where to start. I've got a 16.5 footer so I think I'll be fine out there

[Trailblazin]

You'll be fine in a 16.5 footer. I have a 16 footer and have no problems....Early is good, but even in Juky with the boat traffic, you can catch muskies. Something about the boat traffic that gets the muskies moving!!!!!!!!

[Griggs]

I might go for a little boat ride there tomorrow. Scout it out a bit before the opener, before there are tons of people there. If you could suggest just one bay or part of the lake, where would it be and where should I launch? Then I'll just head out to that one tomorrow and scout it out a bit.

[Tonka Boy]

Griggs,

Since you are coming from Apple Valley I would suggest launching out of Gray's and hitting the Big Island area. It is the easiest spot to fish, with good numbers. Later in the Spring/Summer when that area is consumed with joy riders, move to the south and beat some of the points between Excelsior and Carson's bay.

Once you have the basics down (structure, depths, presentation, etc.) you can pull out your maps and mirror those techniques on similar areas throughout the lake.

A good hint...look for buoys. Skies hang around the edges of these structures more often than not.

[Griggs]

Thats where I'll head. Thanks everyone