YOUR GUIDE TO LAKE MINNETONKA
Lake Minnetonka is located just 15 miles from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Expanding over 14,000 acres, this lake is not just a hot spot for recreational boating but it is also an incredible fishery.
We have lived on Lake Minnetonka for 10 years and spend a majority of our time fishing it year round. To help you navigate this massive body of water and the area, we have put together the "RĒL Fishing Guide to Lake Minnetonka". Whether you are new to the lake or looking for the latest fishing report, we are your Lake Minnetonka resource!
The RĒL Fishing Guide to Lake Minnetonka
Below you will find a complete guide to fishing, boating, local hot spots and resources for Lake Minnetonka:
-
REL Fishing Guide Services (Summer & Winter)
-
Fishing Tales (our past client photos & fishing reviews)
-
Latest Lake Minnetonka Fishing Report
-
Best Times to Fish Lake Minnetonka
-
Recommended Boat Launches
-
Where to Eat
-
Bait Shops
-
Resources (DNR, Fishing Licenses, etc.)
-
FAQ
RĒL Fishing Guide Service
Open Water Season
Spend a day out on the water targeting a variety of species with our customized guided fishing trips. We provide you with all the gear you need to fish like a professional for the day. All you need to do is show up and fish, we take care of the rest.
Types of Guided Trips on Lake Minnetonka
-
Multispecies Guided Fishing Trip (Bass, Northern Pike, etc.)
-
Walleye Guided Fishing Trip
-
Offered in September-November
-
-
Musky Fishing Guide
-
Offered in June, August (late) - November
-
From May - November, we are running guided fishing trips on Lake Minnetonka guiding fisherman, families, special events - you name it! If your looking for a day out on the water, catching fish and enjoying being out on the lake, take a look at the different guided trips we offer.
BEST TIMES TO FISH LAKE MINNETONKA
Lake Minnetonka can get pretty busy on the weekends with recreational boating so if you are looking to get out the weekend, early morning is best and off the lake by 12pm.
You can catch fish all day on Minnetonka but there are certain times that fishing is more productive which are early morning to mid-morning hours and evening hours when the fish are typically more active.
RĒL Icehouse Rentals
Lake Minnetonka Ice Fishing
We provide you with all the gear and everything you need for the ultimate day of ice fishing! We offer a variety of Ice Castle Fish House Rentals on Lake Minnetonka to accommodate small and large groups for a day, night or weekend of fishing.
When you arrive, the holes will be drilled, the house will be warm and everything you need will be provided. From pick up to drop off, we are there to oversee you have the ultimate ice fishing experience!
INCLUDED WITH ALL ICE HOUSE RENTALS
-
Rods
-
Rattle Reels
-
Tackle
-
Bait: Fatheads, Crappie Minnows, & Shiners
-
Generator
-
Fishing Electronics (minimum of 1 Vexlar/Humminbird & 1 Aqua View)
-
TV & DVDs
-
Bluetooth Stereo
-
Cooking Utensils/Cookware
-
Paper Plates, Utensils, Paper Towels, etc.
-
Coffee Maker & Coffee
-
Access to Outhouse (just steps away from house)
-
Ride out to/from Ice Castle by Polaris Ranger or Truck (type of transportation depends on ice conditions)
Best Places to Launch your Boat
Places to Eat on the Lake
There are a few iconic places you don't want to miss if you are visiting Lake Minnetonka and want to experience dinning on the water.
My personal favorite is Lord Fletcher's. With one of the largest patios on the lake, they have 2 outside bars, an endless amount of dinning space, live music on occasion, sand volleyball courts and plenty of entertainment watching boats pull in and out of the harbor.
Another one of my favorite, more quiet places on the West End of the Lake, is Al and Alma's. Known for their dinner cruises, they also have amazing food with a small bar area for inside dinning and drinks. People often think of them for their cruises and forget (or don't even know) what a great little spot it is to dock your boat and swing in for a bite to eat or just get off the lake to enjoy a cold one.
Lastly, a place that would make any Lake Minnetonka dinning list, is Maynard's. Located in Excelsior, Maynard's has a massive outside patio along with a large inside dinning room. They have a fantastic menu that has something for everyone. Not to mention, extremely fast service.
WHERE TO FIND BAIT
If you are on the West End of the lake, below are our go-to stops for bait and tackle:
DH Custom Rods
3445 Shoreline Dr, Wayzata, MN 55391
BP Gas Station
4311 Shoreline Dr, Spring Park, MN 55384
Waypoint Angler Supply (Tackle/Gear)
4677 Shoreline Dr, Spring Park, MN 55384
Resources
Purchase your Minnesota Fishing Licenses HERE (MN DNR website)
2024 Minnesota Opener Dates
Walleye, Bass & Pike
May 11th, 2024
Musky
June 8th, 2024
Possession Limits
Total is per individual fishing licenses
Walleye: 6 Total (not more than 1 walleye over 20" in possession)
Crappies: 10 Total
Sunfish: 20 Total
Northern Pike: 10 Total (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released)
Largemouth Bass: 6 Total (combined largemouth and smallmouth bass)
(View the Minnesota DNR Fishing Regulations for additional information HERE)
What Our Clients Say
Roger Turk
"This was the first time we booked a trip with REL Fishing. We met at the lake access and Britney led us out to a new 17' ice castle house. The accommodations were excellent, very comfortable. Britney and Brett were outstanding hosts, returning every few hours to check to see if we were needing anything. Making sure we had plenty of bait. Offering to drill holes if we wanted to use tips up's. We would recommend REL Fishing to anyone wanting a relaxing weekend of fishing. We are already planning our trip next winter."
Philip Johnson
"We had an outstanding experience fishing with the REL fishing team! Britney kept us on the fish all day. Bass and northern pike! Easy to book, well coordinated and lots of communication leading up to the day. We will definitely be repeat customers! Thanks for the great experience!"
Scott Wicks
"Just as advertised. We stepped on the boat with no more than a cooler and had an awesome day of fishing. Caught a monster muskie. Very knowledgeable about the lake. Top notch equipment and tackle used. We will be back for more."
