Lake Minnetonka
Hennepin County, Minnesota
🌤️ Current Conditions
🏞️About Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka is the Twin Cities metro's premier fishing destination. While it's known for boating and recreation, serious anglers know that "Tonka" produces excellent bass, muskie, and panfish. Its 14,528 acres and complex multi-bay structure create diverse habitat just 20 miles west of Minneapolis.
⭐Why Fish Lake Minnetonka?
- ✓Convenient metro location with great fishing
- ✓Trophy muskie with fish over 50 inches
- ✓Excellent largemouth bass on docks and weeds
- ✓Surprising walleye fishing in main lake areas
- ✓Good crappie fishing, especially in spring
Best for:
💡Local Tips for Lake Minnetonka
- 1Fish early morning before recreational boat traffic
- 2Docks and lily pads hold bass all summer
- 3Muskie patrol the weed edges in Grays and other bays
- 4Spring crappie stack up in St. Albans and Carsons bays
- 5Night fishing avoids the crowds and can be very productive
🐟Fish Species
Based on DNR fish surveys, the following species have been documented in Lake Minnetonka:
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Good population of eating-size walleye
Minnesota's state fish, prized for excellent table fare and sporting qualities.
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
Healthy pike population
Aggressive predator fish found throughout Minnesota waters.
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Good bass fishing in summer months
Popular sport fish found in warm water lakes and rivers.
📋Fishing Regulations
Note: These are statewide regulations. Lake Minnetonka may have special regulations. Always verify current rules at DNR Fishing Regulations.
| Species | Possession Limit | Size Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | 6 | No minimum (special regulations on some waters) | May 10 - Feb 23 |
| Northern Pike | 3 | 24" minimum (some waters have slots) | May 10 - Feb 23 |
| Largemouth Bass | 6 | 12" minimum | May 24 - Feb 23 (catch & release May 10-23) |
🗺️DNR Resources
📊Lake Details
- DOW Number
- 27002900
- Surface Area
- 14,528 acres
- Maximum Depth
- 113 feet
- Average Depth
- 21 feet
- County
- Hennepin
- Coordinates
- 44.9040°N, 93.6208°W
📍Location
Open in Google Maps →💡Quick Tips
- •Check ice conditions before winter fishing - never trust visual appearance alone
- •Early morning and late evening are typically best for walleye
- •Always have a valid Minnesota fishing license before fishing
- •Clean, drain, and dry boats to prevent invasive species spread