Waska and Reno - Fish On Bait and Sport

[LandDr]

Waska and Reno are both putting out crappies all day with the morning and evening tending to be a little better. But that also can change as yesterday it seemed to be more mid day. That is why it is fishing.

Most are parking at the DNR landing with ATV or walking out...not too far of a walk...200 to 600 yards maybe depending on how far you want to go out. Crappies are moving in so it may get to be a shorter and shorter walk.

I drove off the access with my truck yesterday and most are still doing that. It is also a short 100 yard walk plus or minus.

I have had several calls on ice conditions so thought I would post an update. Ice conditions on both Reno and Waska are in great condition. Still vehicles out on both lakes. Some are walking or using ATVs however. A lot of ice!

Currently 34 F with just a gently breeze. Supposed to be calm winds all day with a high of 54 F. Wow...nice day! Tomorrow is supposed to be windy with a high of 52 F.

Great fishing weather!

Fish On!

[LandDr]

Minnewaska Fishing Report
Fish On Bait & Sport
Glenwood MN 56334 (two blocks south of the stop lights)
www.HabitatNOW.com

Ice was off Waska last Saturday and several boats out...most are using the DNR landing.

Was out last night and just had a hay day with the crappies.  Threw some back but most were in the 10 to 11 inch range with about 3 that were 12+.  Out of the 3 12+, two were males and only 1 female.  Out of all of them, only about 4 or 5 were female.  3 of us kept a limit and headed in with about an hour of light still available.  Most people were fishing by Torgy's bridge but we headed out...and I think we caught just as many fish or more.  We tried in shallow to start and got nothing...so we moved out and really got into them.  I heard the Starbuck Marina was turning out fish as well.

PS...if you are looking for food plot seed, native grass seed, trees, feeders, etc. for your spring projects...check out our Habitat Outlet Store on-line at www.HabitatNOW.com.  We also have a FREE Property Review and Assessment service.

Fish On!

[LandDr]

Not a bad day to be on the lake...better have taken your mother along of course. Temps got up to mid 50s and should have the water temps increasing again. Week looks wet but the weekend forcast is really looking good with temps in the high 60s to 70s. That would be a change to have a opener not in the 30s in the morning! With temps rising, I would expect a renewed crappie bite which allows folks to fish for panfish as well as the traditional walleye on the opener. If I have time, I might try my luck for both of them.

Accesses...all accesses look good on Waska and ready to bring in the opener.

Glenwood Beach...good parking an d easy on-off from Hwy 104 south side of Glenwood. Although there are nice docks, watch for hoseclamps and other metal items sticking out that can cause some damage to fiberglass boats. Landing is also more shallow than some would like for bigger boats. I still like to land my Warrior at this landing because I do a lot of my fishing around this area and to the west. This access is not as protected either if the wind should pick up especially out of the north and west.

DNR Landing...good parking but can be a little tighter. Landing is really nice for depth and there is a really nice dock the Fire Department donated. This is also a very well protected bay if the wind should pick up.

Starbuck Marina...good parking and nice landing for depth. I don't know a lot about this access since it is at the other end of the lake but is also well protected.

I plan on going out around 1am after I close the store. I traditionally just fish around the Glenwood Beach but that will depend on wind direction. There are many good spots on Waska to try for the "Midnight" bite. You can either try the shallow feeding walleyes around the Glenwood Beach, Swenson Point, Halvorson Point, Barnes Point or even Priest's Point the the pencil reeds along the south side. I will probably be at one of those spots. The "flats" up from School Point are also good to consider.

The morning will offer many of the same locations...even into the day with the cooler water and walleyes possibly still feeding heavy. But there are also options for pulling crank baits along the 10 to 12 foot depths with raps or reefrunners. Live bait will also be very popular with jigs and lindy's using leaches, crawlers and fatheads. There are so many places to try live bait...too numerous to mention. Stop in if you want to ideas.

Nuight bite...after the day of fishing, don't forget the really good night bite at this time of year on Waska. Lighted bobbers with a minnow can really produce some great catches. This can be done just about anywhere on the lake with some success. I would expect to see some people on the Glenwood Beach and Glenwood docks in the evening and into dark after some eyes.

Hope everyone has a safe opener and good luck. We always encourage keeping the "eaters" and releasing the bigger females...take some measurements and a picture and let her go for another day and keep the resource going.

Good luck!

Fish On!
_________________________
Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[LandDr]

Tough day with the wind yesterday...today looks like a good day try to get on the water. Still a chance of rain but winds are much more reasonable.

Sounds like some walleyes were caught thru the week off School Point and Priests Point...there are many other good spots to try as well. I was too busy getting some of the last of our burns done and some tree planting to get out myself...I might have a chance today.

Several went out after panfish during the week but I did not hear if they were finding the crappies...sunfish are always abundant on Waska.

If I get out today, might go after some pike as well for pickling. Pike are still very active and good sized.

I have not heard any good reports from Reno as of yet.  Reno is usually good from the open and until a few weeks after...but a lot of poor reports so far.

Sounds like there were several out at Amelia for the opener.  Great structure on that lake and a lot of fish...but very hard to fish that lake.

Fish On!
_________________________
Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[LandDr]

Great morning with just a little breeze. Supposed to get up to 90F today with winds out of the south. DNR Landing or Glenwood Beach would both be good landings for this morning...but Glenwood Beach might be better later on in the day with more windy conditions out of the south.

Getting some really good reports on crappies in Torgy's Bay again. Sounds like they are catching them shallow off shore as well.

Still a lot of great reports on walleyes off school point...sounds like they are doing really well.

Pike and Bass everywhere...no problems catching fish on Waska! Should be a great weekend for everyone and no one should starve to death.

Many people going out after sunfish but I have not had anyone come back with reports as of yet. But Waska is full of great sunnies so I would assume they are doing well. Jig and panfish leach is always a great way to fish them since you can even pick up a walleye that way.

We have some extra trees from spring planting at the store as well if anyone wants to check those out...plum, chokecherry, lilac, dogwood, etc.

Have a great weekend!

Fish On!
_________________________
Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[LandDr]

Rain...rain...rain. Still a chance of rain today and Thursday but weekend is forcasted as dry.

Not many going out due to the weather so not a lot of reports. I have not been out since the good night bite I had as well. Busy in our native grass planting schedule so that takes up a lot of my time.

There have been really good reports on sunfish. My parents went out on Sunday and caught a mess of 1/2 to 3/4 pound sunnies near Priest's Point in 6 fow. Others have reported really nice sunfish off School Point. I have also heard good reports near School Bars, Torgys and Swenson Point.

Pike and bass are pretty much everywhere and a person can catch them all day long. Visitors and kids really like it because they can catch a lot of fish on Waska.

Walleyes are here and there. I think the weather has kept many off the lake but there are a few out. Best bite I had was at night in 5 to 6 fow with an F11 Vampire. Hopefully I can find some time to get back out soon.

Reno is putting out some nice crappies and sunfish...but have not heard any good reports on walleyes.

Fish On!
_________________________
Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[LandDr]

Wind is finally going down. Crazy weather for the past few weeks...either raining or windy. Lake looks really good this morning already however and I expect Waska to be pretty busy this weekend.

Many have been going out after sunfish using panfish leaches. Good chance of picking up a walleye along the way with the leaches. Many of the sunnies have been reported as 1/2 to 3/4 pound. Weedlines and just out from weeds have been popular spots especially along the north side.

Pike and bass are still everywhere. Just troll with a crankbait or thow spinner baits and you should have a lot of action. Bobber and a bike leach will also get you some bass...or just try to fish walleyes and you should catch plenty of bass and pike.

Walleyes have been biting but not many out due to the weather. I haven't been out since my last great night bite but maybe this weekend with the nicer weather. People going out have been using a diverse amount of bait...crawlers, shiners, fatheads and leaches.

Fish On!
_________________________
Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[LandDr]

Got out a few times over the holiday...lots and lots and lots of bass and pike! Plenty of action and kept the kids and wife entertained. Went out for a couple hours Sunday and she beat me 13 to 9...mostly pike but a few bass in there as well. We just pulled Reef Runners in 12 to 14 fow in some traditional spots just for fun and to spend some time on the lake...nothing serious. Did not pick up any walleyes this time...not sure if we need to go deeper water or change up the technique...just not enough time to check all the options. Night bite is still my preference for walleyes and that is where I have done the best.

Sunfish bite is the big attraction...still consistently nice big sunnies with many in the 1/2 lb or larger range. They are getting them anywhere from 6 fow out to 16 fow. We picked up some dandies trolling with Reef Runners as well. A lot of action, good sized and good eat'in!

Probably better lakes to catch walleyes in but hard to beat Waska for great sunfish and just numbers of fish the family can catch.

Just have not had any good reports from Reno.  Heard of some crappies being caught but that is it.

Fish On!
_________________________
Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[LandDr]

Good amount of ice on the Glenwood end this morning. Temp is reading 7 F so making ice. My truck wasn't so happy this morning however.

Could be a great winter on Waska this year. Summer fishing was down due to the bad weather on the weekends...should be a lot of panfish to be caught. Spear and pike guys should have a hayday with the pike. Not a lot of walleye fishing this summer or not many caught so there should be a good population of eyes as well. Some of the best walleye fishing on Waska is early ice.

Fish On!

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Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[LandDr]

Ice as far as I can see across Waska this morning...I would expect it is froze over completely based on what I seen from top the hill yesterday.

There is on open spot out from Dairyland that has some coots or ducks in it keeping it open...not a big spot but that is something to watch for as it might be a problem thru early ice. This spot is about where a group of houses always form for early ice eyes. I would expec there will be some guys fishing this weekend...not me!...I like a good 8 inches before I drill a hole. Be careful!

Fish On!

[LandDr]

Several portables out from The Beach and a few other houses scattered around the lake. Most people think there is 5 to 6 inches closer in and I would expect to see ATVs and some permenants out this weekend with the continued colder weather.

My guess is that we have gotten 2 to 3 inches of very fluffy snow so far. With the ice we have, I don't think the snow is going to be an issue...in fact it might be what we needed to give a little banking on the houses.

No fishing reports yet...a lot of people in today but no one reporting back. Since most are after walleyes I wouldn't expect a whole lot of reports.

Several houses out in Reno Bay but people I have talked to said they were not catching much...a lot of pesty perch.  Guess you gotta go check for yourself.  :)

Fish On!

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Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[LandDr]

5 to 6 inches of very fluffy snow.

A local fisherman reported 7 to 8 inches of ice on Waska around the perimeter.

Good luck fishing today!

Fish On!

[LandDr]

Got a house out yesterday...Glenwood Beach landing was in excellent shape and easy on.

About 8 to 9 inches of ice...with the continued cold temps that is probably going up every day.

Only about 4 inches of very fluffy snow. Very easy to get around and can get to anywhere on the lake you want to...maybe even try out some new spots or spots you can't get to as well later. Snow was easy to shovel and banked the house very quickly. What a change that is from past years!

Fished out from the Beach from around 3pm til 8pm...and not one bite. I heard one house got 4 eyes but mostly there were not good reports. If after eyes, you might want to venture out to the Gravel Grade, School Bars, School Point, Priest's Point, etc. With the easy travel, maybe even try over by Peter's and Swenson Point. 99% chance I will be moving that house today.

Several panfish guys headed out yesterday and I am hoping they will be back in soon for a report...no reports on panfish as of yet but most are just trying to get set up yet.

Fish On!

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Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[LandDr]

Weekend's report for accesses and ice conditions...

Glenwood Beach...access is in great shape and pretty smooth grade down to the ice. Good access to get houses on and you can go anywhere on the lake from there. I have used this access to get houses on without any issues and then headed across the lake to other destinations. only about 3 or 4 inches of snow on the ice and the lake looks like a picture. A lot of parking available and many are parking on the lake now.

Lakeside Ballroom...good access for ATVs. I will check if the City can do some maintenance on the accesses for the weekend. It is still a very good access for ATVs and good parking.

DNR Landing...both sides are in great shape. ATVs have been going off the south side for some time now but more are using the boat ramp now. Ramp is clean and a nice grade for putting houses on. Not much snow so also a good access to head out from. Good sized parking lot.

Sherriff's Landing...also appears to be in good shape but I did not drive down into it. Nice level grade to come onto the lake.

I am seeing more cars and small trucks out on the ice. There is a good 10 inches or more of ice and should be making more every night.

Had some descent reports in today for walleye, sunfish and crappie. Getting good crappie reports which is good to hear. A lot of pike being seen and caught as well. Put the camera down in my new spot and right away there was a walleye on the screen...not bad. Had to come back into the store to work however so it'll have to wait.

Fish On!

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Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[rem]

hows the snow on the lake and are there any sunny action

[HUNTER2]

How thick is the ice on Waska?

[LandDr]

I think the bite was a little tougher yesterday from what I heard but still nice fish caught. Seemed like everyone was having a good time and the weather was great. Great day to be on the ice where ever you are.

Landing by A-frame house is called "Sheriff's Landing". It is privately owned by Rick Ronnie who lives in the A-frame...Rick leaves it open to public use free of charge so you are welcome to use it as long as the landing stays in good shape and everyone picks up any trash they see. Yesterday I had several people say it was in good shape and plowed roads going out from it.  DNR Landing is also in good shape and plowed roads going out from it.

Ice reports are 13 to 15 inches.  I have 13.5 inches under my house.

Light sprinkle on Waska this morning with a temp of 36F. I went out and checked on renters and to see how the lake looks...everything looks good from what I could see. There are some small puddles of water here and there but for the most part it is good. This light precip might actually flatten out some of the snow...and the cold temps in a couple days will freeze it back up hard. Feel free to check in on reports.

Fish On!

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Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[LandDr]

I think the rain yesterday might have help reduce the snow on the lake and with the cold temps (10F currently), everything hardened right up. Little rough but all in all it looks really good. We only got around 1/4 to 1 inch of new snow. Looks like good ice fishing for the New Year with the lake in good shape!

Happy New Year everyone!

Fish On!

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Fish On Bait & Habitat Outlet Store
320-634-3667
201 Franklin Street South
Glenwood, MN
(two blocks south of stop lights)

[HUNTER2]

How much snow on Minnewaska? Ice must be good by now.