Tanager Lake

Located just west of the Twin Cities, Lake Minnetonka offer something for everyone. There are 15 communities and plenty of nice houses that surround a series of interconnecting lakes and bays, that when totaled, is rank as the 10th largest lake in Minnesota. Recreational traffic can be extremely heavy during the summer. However, if you can handle the traffic, Lake Minnetonka offers one of the top fisheries in the country. High-quality largemouth bass, bluegills, walleyes, muskies, crappies, smallmouth bass and northern pike are all available. Largemouth bass being the most popular, attracts many local and national bass tournaments every year. Many of the largest bass caught during the year come from Minnetonka. Anglers can expect good populations and above average size for most species.

Many different species of minnows are present and include; golden shiner, common shiner, emerald shiner, bluntnose shiner, brook silversides and darters. Juvenile panfish, perch and bullhead are also a favorite forage for many gamefish. Crawfish and suckers are also present.

During the spring, walleyes move into rocks, sand and shallow shorelines to spawn. Spawning usually takes place from early May to mid-June. During the summer fish will move throughout the lake. Smallmouth bass will also move into shallow gravel and rock areas during the spring to spawn. Look for areas with gravel and small boulders which are preferred by smallmouths. From ice out to early summer crappies and bluegills also head for the shallows to spawn. There are many different shore fishing areas located around the lake that offer fantastic fishing opportunities for anglers.