Waconia Lake Fishing guide

A Standard Survey (12 trap nets/12 gill nets) was conducted on Lake Waconia during the week of 8/4/2025 to monitor water characteristics and fish populations. Water color was clear, with moderately good water clarity, measured at 7.0 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen fell to zero parts per million at 28 feet, meaning fish would be unable to use water depths greater than 18 feet during mid-summer. Eurasian Watermilfoil and Zebra Mussels have been found in Lake Waconia and remain present, providing a good reminder of the clean, drain, dispose law which helps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species:

Clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other invasive species from boats, trailers, and water-related equipment.

Drain water from your boat, ballast tanks, motor, live well and bait container. Remove drain plugs and keep drain plugs out while transporting equipment.

Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. To keep live bait, drain the water and refill the bait container with bottled or tap water.

High numbers of Walleye were sampled with gill nets (7.1/net), above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 85 Walleye sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 18.1 inches and the largest measured at 26.6 inches. Walleye size structure was balanced (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Growth rates were fast compared to the statewide average, with an average length of 13.3 inches by age 2 and 17.4 inches by age 4. The current Walley population is providing excellent angling opportunity with no signs of slowing down.

Muskellunge are not effectively sampled with the gear used in the summer fisheries survey. However, six Muskellunge were incidentally captured with trap and gill nets, averaging 40.7 inches with the largest measured at 44.9 inches. Angler reports reflect establishment of a viable, consistent muskellunge fishery with a desired size structure.

Largemouth Bass are present in Lake Waconia, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2025 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught 27 Largemouth Bass, with an average length of 10.0 inches and the largest measured at 19.3 inches.

Low numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (3.2/net), below the expected catch rate of similar lakes. Waconia has historically been a low abundance Norther Pike Lake; however, catch rates have been trending up in recent surveys, with 2025 marking the highest catch rate in the previous 30 years. There were 38 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 27.3 inches and the largest measured at 33.9 inches. Northern Pike size structure remains balanced with over 40% of pike sampled measuring greater than 28 inches.

High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (90.5/net), well above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 1,086 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2025 survey. Bluegill averaged 5.5 inches, with the largest measured at 7.6 inches. Although Waconia currently lacks the largest Bluegill (8"+), those looking to harvest a limit of smaller fish will be pleasantly surprised with nearly 1/3 of them measuring between 6.5-7.5 inches.

High numbers of Pumpkinseed were sampled with trap nets (19.6/net) and gill nets (8.5/net) above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 337 Pumpkinseed sampled during the 2025 survey. Pumpkinseed are often lumped in with Bluegill and collectively referred to as "sunnies." However, Pumpkinseed in Lake Waconia are typically larger than their relatives (Bluegill), with an average length of 5.8 inches, with the largest measured at 8.1 inches. Size structure was balanced, with nearly 20% of fish measured greater than 7 inches.

Moderate numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (3.8/net) and trap nets (1.8/net), above the expected catch rates of similar lakes. Despite above average catch rates, the 68 Black Crappie sampled during the 2025 survey, marked one of the lowest in the previous 30 years. Combining gill and trap net catches Black Crappie had an average length of 7.7 inches and the largest measured 12.2 inches. Despite lower abundances and small average sizes, Black Crappie in Lake Waconia have consistently shown the ability to reach memorable lengths (12"+).

Moderate numbers of Freshwater Drum were sampled in gill nets (3.5/net), near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. Freshwater Drum in Waconia boast a phenomenal size structure with an average length of 22.1 inches and the largest measured at 25.1 inches. Freshwater Drum are a highly sought after species in many systems; while this trend has not emerged in Lake Waconia due to low abundances, the current trophy (25"+) size structure of these individuals should attract increased attention from anglers.

Other fish species sampled during the survey include Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.