Minnetonka?

[randallt]

I am a new muskie angler and am going to start finding my way around Minnetonka. I was curious what colors you guys think are best for this lake? Bucktail color of choice? Jerkbait? and cranks? Also any techniques that seem to out perform others?

[CommonSense Guy]

I like a bright green or chartreus. Just like the bass they eat.

[TBone1]

I like natural colors for early season, brown ,yellow, white ,black with brass or copper blades (silver doesnt seem to produce for me and I catch alot of snot rockets W/ silver). I don't fish alot of jerks or crankbaits, but perch colored cranks have put fish in the boat for me. Try topwaters on overcast and or windy days.

[DitchPickle13]

Had success with cranks, but haven't fished it enough to establish patterns yet. Heading over there tonight...just enough weather to keep a lot of the pleasure boaters off. Nice!

[cjac]

You'll be "finding your way" out there a long time, lots of water and different structure.

Bass guys hit skis in the milfoil, fall trolling cranks for walleyes produces them too, so the muskies are all over the water column in varying structure, depending on the time of year. That means if you're targeting them in particular, keep an open mind.

I fish 'tonka more in the fall due to traffic, and went after any remaining green weeds and moved fish. Speaking of green, the Maxwell Bay fish like green, the color of money! The rich muskies live up there!!

[randallt]

Thanks for the info guys. I know it will take a long time to learn the lake, but I just moved here about a year ago and you have to start somewhere. I live a few miles from the west end and plan to be here for years, so I will learn as fast as I can. Any other color or general pointers are very much appreciated. I also would love to hook up with some other local anglers as I get out several mornings during the week and usually have no one to fish with.

[TBone1]

randallt- Weekday mornings don't work for me, but if you would like to get out evenings or weekends I'd like to meet up with you.

[markkstanley]

Try bucktails and big spinnerbaits - brown, orange, black and sometimes white. Either cast or troll. Save the cranks for fall although I have had some lick with Ernies trolled deep and Jakes over the weed tops. You can throw topwaters all summer and fall. I lean to black and orange there. I have also been using swim baits either as a trailer on a 1 1/2 to 2oz jighead or the 9" ones you can cast with good results. But most days a good old Suick will outdo every other lure. Been slow for me so far this summer seeing lots of fish but not getting bit.

[TommyJ33]

hands down the best lure I have for Tonka is a red and white bucktail with copper blade.

Black and red is also good.

fish are still pretty shallow hangin out in the shallower flats. Try 6 to 12 feet.