The E.J. Henderson Celebrity Bass Challenge | June 25-26, 2008 Lake Waconia - Waconia, MN

Lake Overview

Waconia is touted as one of the best multi-species trophy lakes in the metro area, and the regulations on this lake are bound to increase the big-fish potential. (See Special Regulations on the map.) Huge numbers of walleye fingerlings are stocked annually, and muskies were added in 1984. It's not uncommon to see 5 to 7 pound bass and 20-pound plus northerns. Located in northern Carver County, this huge, spring-fed lake is loaded with rock, gravel, and sand reefs that attract all species throughout most of the season. Waconia is a good winter lake, but use caution in the spring-fed areas.

SPECIES Bass Northern Pike Walleye Muskie Crappie Sunfish

POPULATION Good Good Good Fair Very Good Excellent

AVERAGE SIZE Medium to Large Medium Medium Medium to Large Medium Medium

BASS Start the season in Wagener's Bay; in Waconia Bay; on Reinke's Reef; under the trees along the shoreline on the south side of Coney Island; and in the area between the rock jetty and the camp on the west side of the lake. In summer, the rock jetty is still productive. Also work Cemetery Reef and the cabbage weeds around the carp trap area and down the western shoreline. In late summer and fall, concentrate on the deep weedlines on Nelson's Flat and North, Pillsbury, Center, Keg's, and Red's Reefs.

NORTHERN PIKE & MUSKIE The best locations throughout the year are Center Reef; Wagener's Bay; from Pillsbury Reef up to Nelson's Flat; and the area between Harm's Point and Waconia Bay. The Whistle Post area on the north side is known for big fish. In the summer, you'll find northerns in 8 to 12 feet of water anywhere on the north side from Reinke's Bay to Nelson's Flat. Stay on the weedline all season and use red and white spoons, sunfish colored crankbaits, or sucker minnows. In the winter stay in the 14 to 18 foot depths. Early and late season muskies can be found in Reinke's Bay, on Nelson's Flats, and in Wagener's Bay. In the summer, troll the outside edge of the weedline on the north side of the lake. Also work the drop-offs at Pillsbury, Center, and Reinke's Reefs.

WALLEYE In early season, try drifting over all the reefs in 2 to 8 feet of water with a live-bait rig. Nighttime will be best. In the summer, work the deep weedlines in the same locations. Try night crawlers, minnows, or leeches. In the fall, fish the sharp drop-offs on Red's, Keg's and Cemetery Reefs during the day and the shallows at night. In early winter, fish the 8 to 15 foot depths on all the reefs. Drop down to 16 to 24 feet as the winter progresses.

CRAPPIE & SUNFISH In early spring, crappies and sunfish can be found in Waconia Bay, the rock jetty, and Peterson's Creek. As the water warms, move to Center, Keg's, Anderson's and Pillsbury Reefs. Start at the top of the reef and work down using black, white, or yellow jigs with wax worms. In the summer, also try Red's Reef. You'll find winter crappies on Pillsbury, Cemetery, and Keg's Reefs and sunfish on Pillsbury and Center Reefs.

Download Lake Map

This information was provided by Tom Hedtke, Cindy and Jim Mase, and Gary Swiers.