SET THE HOOK
Q & A
Lake Minnetonka is perfectly situated just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis.
The famous lake holds plenty of bounty for the seasoned pro and the rookie angler alike, from bass and pike to walleye and muskie. With Set the Hook as your fishing guides, Lake Minnetonka is your playground.
If you like a challenge at the end of your hook, we can do that, and if you prefer to just relax on the water with a drink in hand and soak up the sun while you wait for something to grab your line, we can do that, too.
Whether you choose to join us in the cold or warmer months, there’s never a bad time to go fishing with Set the Hook.
Ice Fishing On Lake Minnetonka
Set the Hook is experienced in taking people out on the ice, no matter their experience level.
We promote safety and best practices at all times and encourage you to do so, too. It’s completely safe to fish under our expert guidance, but we all know how cold it can get in good old Minneapolis, MN! Ice house rentals can help keep you warm while you fish, but all the same, every ice-fishing angler must respect the lake in wintertime. Safety is paramount and helps us all keep the focus squarely on the fun of the fishing itself.
HOW DEEP IS THE WATER?
The average depth of Lake Minnetonka is 30 feet, although, at its deepest points, it’s well over 100 feet in depth. The lake is almost 15,000 acres, but it’s still only the ninth-largest lake in Minnesota!
WHAT KIND OF FISH WILL WE CATCH?
Lake Minnetonka is known for its bass, Northern Pike, Muskie, and Walleye, but it also provides a home for sunfish, crappies, and more. The kinds of fish that bite most vary depending on the time of day and year. During the daylight, we usually catch more bass, pike, and sunfish. After dark, walleye and crappies are more apt to take a bite on your line.
DO WE USE LIVE BAIT?
Yes, we do use live bait! It’s the most effective bait for the kinds of fish we’re trying to haul in from the lake, especially the fighting fish that offer the best challenges. For live bait, we choose wax worms and minnows of several varieties: crappie, sucker, and shiner. We’ve found that these baits are the most enticing to the big fish.
HOW THICK IS THE ICE?
The thickness of the ice on Lake Minnetonka varies by the time of the year. On average, it’s about 12 inches thick when we take fishing trips out, which is thick enough to support safe ice fishing expeditions. As a general rule, we look for clear ice, not cloudy, and we test it thoroughly to ensure the safety of everyone on the trip.
DO WE DRILL THE HOLES?
You won’t have to drill holes on your ice fishing trip. When you arrive, you’ll find the holes pre-drilled so that you can get to the fun part - actually putting lines in the water!
WHAT KIND OF ICE HOUSES DO YOU HAVE?
Our ice houses are the best you can find in Lake Minnetonka. Houses are 8’ by 16’ and equipped with TV, generator, oven, cooktop, bathroom, & more amenities. This is more than just a simple shack set up over an ice-fishing hole! The houses expand in size & features as they scale up to our larger models, which include insulated floors to keep your feet warm. Whatever size you choose, there’s plenty of room and charm in each one, and we’ll be sure to get the heat on for when you arrive.
Guided Warm Weather Fishing
WHAT FISH WILL WE CATCH?
While the same kinds of fish inhabit the lake all year, the different seasons see some biting more than others as habits change with the environment. From May until about November, most of our trips feature a lot of largemouth bass and Northern pike catches. Occasionally, we’ll haul in walleye and musky, so if you’re a fan of either of these species, chances are you’ll get at least one!
In April and early May, before summer is in full swing, we typically target a lot of sunfish and crappies. It’s the best time of year to catch them before things get too warm and the other fish primarily take over.
HOW MANY PLACES DO WE FISH?
For most trips, in both winter and summer, we will fish 3-6 locations. In the warmer months, it’s easier to fish in more areas because it’s simply a matter of reading the weather and taking out the boat.