PHOTO BY J.G. MILLER, HUTCHINSON
This health-conscious angler enjoyed a day of fishing along the rock arch rapids on the Crow River near the Main Street Bridge in downtown Hutchinson.
Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area 2021 fishing outlook BY HUTCHINSON AREA FISHERIES Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
T
he 2020 fishing season was unique for everyone due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fishing license sales were higher than they’d been for almost 10 years and subsequently fishing pressure was high with full boat ramp parking lots. It’s likely that 2021 will be similar with high fishing pressure as people look to get out of the house. For the Hutchinson area, ice out was as early as it’s been for years, with all lakes fully open before April 1. This should give plenty of time for the water to warm and
could produce some very good sunfish and crappie fishing this spring. The 2021 fishing opener will be May 15 — a week later than normal due to May 2021 having five weekends. The drought from last year has had lasting effects into this spring as lake levels are still down 1-2 feet in many places. Luckily this hasn’t had much effect on winterkill. Only Winsted Lake had significant winterkill outside of small ponds. 2021 fishing prospects should be good. No lakes stand out for that red hot bite, but walleye fishing should be steady at a number of lakes. bass fishing should be as good as always, but anglers should be advised that bass fishing has seen a rise in popularity
in the past few years and subsequently many popular lakes can be very busy most weekends. This is a great opportunity to try a new lake, fish during the week, or fish for different species. The Minnesota River in the southern part of the Hutchinson DNR fisheries management area is always great for getting away from others and catching something unique. Walleye: For anglers looking for walleye, two lakes come to mind: Lake Marion, south of Hutchinson, and Big Swan, north of Hutchinson. Both of these lakes have had full parking lots for the past year and sam2021 Forecast to 16
SPRING 2021 | DOCKSIDE 15
