Has anyone noticed any sunfish spawning?

We’ve been finding a lot of sunfish in the staging areas but haven’t found any beds. I was wondering if they water temp just isn’t cooperating with them.

Not sure, but Ive caught a few on poppers, which I have not before. Maybe I was entering their terrirtory or something with the popper.

Thanks Joe.
Can I ask what lake and if they had any size? I know Madison a couple weeks ago had some chubby ones ready to go but that was right before the all the rain and the big water cool down. I know Francis hasn’t warmed up enough yet.

They are spawning in central MN, in the Hutchinson/Litchfield area.

My grandfather has been getting the big sunnies shallow on Francis.

James.
That’s where we have been getting some 2 weeks ago. Now we have gotten a couple in 20 feet of water. Go figure. Maybe we just need a new spot. We’ve been fishing the north side between docks.

In the past my grandfather has always gotten them on the west end, im assuming thats where he has gotten them this year too.

The west end of Francis has always been a good spot for bluegills and crappies too. Beetle spins work very well [try black and yellow] and also the good o’l bobber and hook and splitshot with bait once they are located.
Thanks, Bill

Thanks Bill.

We were getting crappies on the west end earlier in the year but then it got awefully weedy. That south shore past carpenter’s is what I’m referring.

I’m going out Sunday so if there is a place you’d like me to try I’ll bring back a report. PM me if preferred.

There are many fish spawning at Lake Winona a little further south. Tons of beds along the shore but I don’t think the bass have quite moved up yet, I have caught many just on the outside weed edge and they don’t look roughed up at all. We have caught many bright orange gills and many still full of eggs. Over the past 2 weeks it almost looks as if they are finishing up and moving off the beds, it could have been the water levels and the fronts moving them in and out too.

Good luck!

Have you tried the east end of the lake and the north far end for panfish? Fish close to the weedbeds and lilly pads. Let us know how you do. Thanks, Bill

Hiya Bill.
I read your post after the fact but I did fish that area. We did pretty well. Some nice panfish in there.
We also caught some nice ones off Cedar in 16 feet of water along with a 6 lb Sheephead…for the 3rd time this year.

Sounds like you had a good time. What was you best producing bait/lure and depth for the panfish? Thanks, Bill

Pretty much the same as fishing for walleye. Just a jig and a crawler throwing it towards shore. A smaller jig size of course. And the just keep retrieving it just letting it drop above the weeds. If they are in there, you’ll know within a coupld of casts.