late summer/early fall bass fishing

As summer winds down in Minnesota, Lake Minnetonka becomes one of the best places in the state to target largemouth bass. The cooler mornings, reduced boat traffic, and heavy feeding patterns make this one of the most exciting times of year to fish. Late August through early October is all about transitions. As water temperatures drop, largemouth bass become more active throughout the day, weed growth is at its thickest, and schools of baitfish gather near weed edges, docks, and offshore structure. In early fall, bass often push shallow again, chasing food into shallower cover, which gives anglers more opportunities to connect with big fish.

Even though Lake Minnetonka is a large and sometimes overwhelming body of water, certain areas consistently produce this time of year. Deep weedlines in the 12 to 18-foot range are prime ambush spots for largemouth bass, while boat docks provide perfect shade during sunny afternoons. Shallow weed pockets and inside weed edges also come alive in early mornings and evenings, making them great spots for frogging and flipping.

The best baits this time of year include topwater frogs for explosive strikes over mats during low-light hours, Texas-rigged plastics for punching through heavy cover, and jigs for fishing docks, weedlines, and structure. Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits are excellent for covering water quickly and triggering reaction bites, while wacky rigs and Senkos are consistent producers, especially around docks. Early mornings and evenings are prime windows for topwater action, and cloudy days often bring bass out to roam, making moving baits highly effective. Stable weather patterns over several days usually lead to the most consistent bites.

This is one of the best times to fish Lake Minnetonka because there’s less boating pressure than mid-summer, the largemouth are feeding aggressively ahead of winter, and the first fall colors make for incredible scenery. It’s a mix of big bites, steady action, and beautiful views. Whether you’re brand new to bass fishing or an experienced angler, this is the perfect time to get on the water and dial in on Lake Minnetonka’s late summer and early fall largemouth bite. Spots fill quickly, so book your guided fishing trip now to make the most of this incredible window.