Fishing Lake Minnetonka

AKA: Lake Minnetonka Regional Park

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike and tiger muskie at Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota.

Boating, water sports and fishing draw big crowds to the maze of lakes, islands and channels of Lake Minnetonka. This is a popular, 14,000-acre lake in the east-central part of the state, at Minnetonka.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Video

Lake Minnetonka, located in the western part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, is a beloved fishing destination in Minnesota. With its numerous bays, channels, and sprawling waterways, Lake Minnetonka offers anglers a diverse range of fishing opportunities and a chance to catch some of Minnesota's most popular fish species.

Largemouth bass fishing is a major draw on Lake Minnetonka. The lake's weed beds, submerged structures, and shoreline cover provide ideal habitats for these feisty and hard-fighting fish. Anglers can target largemouth bass using a variety of techniques, such as topwater lures, crankbaits, or soft plastics. Lake Minnetonka is known for producing quality-sized largemouth bass, making it a favorite among bass fishing enthusiasts.

Walleye fishing is another popular pursuit on Lake Minnetonka. Anglers can find walleye in the lake's deeper areas, rocky points, and drop-offs. Trolling with live bait or casting with jigs are effective techniques for targeting walleye. Lake Minnetonka's walleye population offers opportunities for both recreational fishing and pursuing trophy-sized catches.

Yellow perch can be found in abundance in Lake Minnetonka, offering anglers steady action and a delicious meal. These schooling fish can be targeted near weed beds, rocky structures, and drop-offs using small jigs or live bait. Anglers can enjoy catching yellow perch throughout the year, with peak periods occurring during the spring and fall seasons.

Bluegill, white crappie and black crappie are also popular panfish species in Lake Minnetonka. Anglers can target these fish near weed lines, submerged vegetation, and docks. Small jigs, flies, or live bait presentations are effective in enticing these panfish. Lake Minnetonka provides a great opportunity for anglers, especially those new to fishing, to enjoy a day of fun and rewarding panfish angling.

Lake Minnetonka is known for its trophy-sized muskie and northern pike. These apex predators inhabit the lake's deeper waters and offer thrilling fishing experiences. Anglers can target muskie and pike using large lures such as bucktails, jerkbaits, or topwater plugs. Lake Minnetonka's muskie and pike fisheries provide an adrenaline rush for anglers seeking a challenge and a chance at a trophy fish.

Lake Minnetonka's combination of excellent fishing, diverse fish species, and recreational amenities make it a prime destination for anglers in Minnesota. Whether you're targeting bass, walleye, perch, panfish, muskie, or pike, Lake Minnetonka provides a rewarding fishing experience in a beautiful setting, all within easy reach of the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

The waters wrapped by over 120 miles of shoreline are inhabited by a wide variety of fish species. Bass, crappie and walleye are at the top of the list, and the lake also has nice populations of sunfish, perch, pike and muskie. The Smithbay Public Boat Ramp is located at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in the southwest corner of the lake. The Carson Bay Public Boat Ramp and Gray's Bay Boat Ramp are located in the northeast corner of the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Minnetonka

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Minnetonka Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Minnetonka, with numerous access points, marinas, and boat rentals available. Anglers can explore the lake's vast waterways, discover secluded fishing spots, and enjoy leisurely cruises. Camping facilities near Lake Minnetonka offer opportunities for anglers to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Howard's Point Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
952 474-4464

Metro Lakes Marina & Rentals
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoon boats
952 472-9595

Rockvam Boat Yards
Rentals: Pontoon boats
952 471-9515

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Gray's Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Bushaway Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Maxwell Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off N Shore Drive, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Minnetonka Township Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, at the east end of the Minnetonka Blvd Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

North Arm Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off N Shore Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Smithbay Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Old County Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Shoreline Drive Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Shoreline Drive, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Surfside Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Bartlett Blvd, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

West Arm Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Shorewood Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with no designated parking.