Welcome to the Nisswa Weekly Fishing Report

Find out all about the latest fishing action on the lakes in the Nisswa area from several of our top, local fishing guides!

With the Minnesota walleye opener just around the corner, we are in full gear at the bait shop.  The bait tanks are filled up and the shelves are fully stocked with all the newest gear.  We are ready for the big week-end.  
While most anglers will be chasing the elusive walleyes over the week-end, the best bite going may be for crappies.  The crappie fishing has really turned on in the last couple of days.  Crappie minnows or puddle jumpers are the ticket.  Some of the best spots have been Bar Harbor, Lake Margaret, North Long Lake, and the docks at Breezy Point.  
Speaking of Breezy Point, that is where the governor and first lady will be enjoying the fishing opener.  Hopefully they can land the big one.  Many people keep asking how will the opener be?  It is hard to say, but my gut feeling tells me it will not be too much different than a normal year.  Which lake will be best?  I guess we will find out, but historically some of the better lakes for opener are Gull Lake, Round Lake, Upper Hay Lake, and Mille Lacs Lake.  There are plenty of others, but those are the few that I would choose from.  
With water temps still a little chilly because of the late ice out, minnows should be the preferred bait.  I would stick with a shiner minnow on a small jighead or a plain live bait rig.  Fish it slow and close to the bottom.  After the sun starts dropping in the evening is a good time to pull out the #11 floating Rapalas.  Troll slowly in 4 to 8 feet of water and hold on tight since this is the best way to land a trophy during the springtime period.  
However you decide to fish, good luck and have a safe fishing opener.  If you are in the area, stop by the bait shop and say hi.  We have a few local experts that will be in and out throughout the week-end.  They will be here to offer their advice and as always, we have free cookies!