Latest news with #LakeMinnetonka


CBS News
30-06-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
St. Peter woman catches 53 inch muskie on Lake Minnetonka
A St. Peter, Minnesota woman had a day on the lake she will never forget. On Sunday, June 22 on Lake Minnetonka, Greta Weix caught a 53 inch muskie, with the help of her fishing guide Tanner Talbot. "I knew it was a big fish, I just didn't know how big. It was definitely a tough fight the entire time. The only thing I can think of is not to let go and not fall in," said Weix. "It was by far the biggest fish I've ever seen. I never expected to catch a fish that big. It was just pure excitement. I'm pretty sure the entire lake could hear our excitement, so that was pretty fun to experience." Weix is an avid angler. She's part of an all women angler group, who connected her to her guide that day. Weix says she had one goal in mind while on the water, land a lunker. "I love trying to target different species. This was one of my first times targeting muskies, so it was definitely a lot of fun to catch a pretty nice fish," said Weix. In a male dominated sport and past time, Weix encourages more women to get on the water and get the chance to experience an elusive catch like hers. "Don't let anything stop you. Just get out there and do it because you can do anything a man can do," said Weix. "Just get out there and try." Weix and her guide released the large muskie back into the lake, hopeful that another lucky angler will get the chance to have a similar day on the water.


Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I'm an avid bookworm and these 12 SPICY beach reads are so hot they might melt your popsicle - and trust me, they're worth the heatstroke
If there is one thing I know — it's spicy books. I consider myself an avid reader who dabbles in a plethora of genres. But still, by far, my guilty pleasure is a good old-fashioned steamy romance novel or, as readers call them, ' smut ' books (aka super sexy). After years of indulging in these so-called 'smutty' books, I have rounded up the top 12 that will have you sweating at the beach this summer (and not just from the sun!). From enemies to lovers to summer camp flings, whatever your style is, there is something on this list for you. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez Two words — Abby JIMENEZ! As an avid reader I find myself continuously impressed with each book of her books. 'Just for the Summer' is by far my favorite Lake Minnetonka tale with sweet romance, spicy tension, and perfectly thoughtout characterization. Trust me, reading this will feel like you are right at the lake with Emma and Justin! (P.S. — This is the 3rd book of the series!!). $10 (was $18) Shop Book Lovers by Emily Henry It seems Emily Henry has earned the title 'Rom-Com Queen' amongst romance readers — and we understand why. Henry's voice is undeniably unique with sweet, feel-good tales that take readers all over the United States. 'Book Lovers' is in my top two of her novels with its homey energy and small town charm! Falling in love with Nora and Charlie is inevitable. If you love books, stolen kisses, and small town romance this is for you. $9.69 (was $17) Shop Love and Other Words Paperback by Christina Lauren Never has a book destroyed me so viscerally as Christina Lauren's did. 'Love and Other Words' is truly a beautifully tear jerking tale that will leave you sobbing on the beach (but in the best way!). It's sad, it's hopeful, it's real, it's romantic — all puns aside, no words can put this specific pick into clear focus. Just read it. Do it. $7.49 (was $17) Shop Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout Book 1) by Lucy Score Of late, Lucy Score's 'Knockemout' series has been my afterwork page turner! Book #1 is a must-read (as are the other two!) with mystery, action, drama, and of course — SPICY scenes. If you are a lover of crime dramas and smut, you will become obsessed with these books. Namoi and Knox are polar opposites and endlessly adorable together #MeantToBe! $10.61 (was $19) Shop Just One by Gayle Forman To this day, 'Just One' is still one of, if not the, best romance novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I have reread this 3-in-1 book close to four times now because it truly is a European romance for the ages! Taking place long distance, this whirlwind book spans years of love (all based on one single day). A dutch boy meets and American girl — and the rest is, well... you'll have to read to find out! $14 Shop Unfortunately Yours: A Small-Town Rom-Com by Tessa Bailey Vineyards and an ex-military hottie? Say less! Tessa Bailey is another rom-com writer whom I regularly read and her work is some of the best for decompressing. This swoon worthy novel takes place in Napa Valley where a country girl gone city unites with an unlikely ex-military/wine making match. It is love at first insult and oh so swoony! $11.20 (was $19) Shop The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore As a girl who grew up on the East Coast in an extremely small town — the 'Dream Harbor' series is my comfort place. Seriously reading any of the books from this series feels like sipping a warm mug of hot chocolate! 'The Cinnamon Book Store' is a fun take on a summer romance between a bookstore worker and boat boy with a scavenger hunt plot. Though the endings are predictable and the characters almost too good to be true, these books are the perfect cozy read. $10 (was $19) Shop Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams We love enemies to lovers! This sassy book is the school teacher romance you never knew you needed. From college to the school they teach in, Emily and Jack duel it out in every way possible. Then they end up in their bosses closet together... Spice up the summer with this absolute must-read Kentucky romance. $9.39 (was $18) Shop The Hating Game by Sally Thorne A classic! Sticking with the enemies to lovers theme, this viral read is a hands-down must-red for anyone and everyone. Sally Thorne just NAILS it. From co-workers to secretly in love, Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman love to hate one another. (That is of course unless they're in the elevator...) Catch the movie version with Lucy Hale on streaming platforms too! $10.44 (was $19) Shop A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set by Sarah J. Maas ACOTAR is the TikTok sensation that continues to leave readers jaws dropped and itching for more. Sarah J. Maas is an award-winning fantasy writer whose worlds are so detailed they feel real. The ACOTAR series, despite not being a huge fantasy reader is one of my favorite series to date. Packed with action, tragedy, hot scenes, and men with wings (literally). This series is mega so buckle in for the long haul. $32 (was $95) Shop No More Secrets: A Small Town Love Story by Lucy Score I never imagined myself as a farm romance gal until I read this novel by Lucy Score. The 'Blue Moon' series is seriously to die for. Three farm raised brothers, all single, and all get their own happy ending romances. 'No More Secrets' is all about Carter and Summer — Veteran and rising NYC gossip writer. But when secrets come out and decision have to be made things get real (and real steamy). $10.50 (was $19) Shop Wildfire: A Novel (2) (The Maple Hills Series) by Hannah Grace The latest SMUT trend is hockey. Yes, hockey. It seems there is something undeniably sexy about hockey players and in the 'Maple Hills' series I finally understood why. Burly, sweaty, muscly hockey player meets adorably feisty blonde with family drama. Will the two be able to stay away during a summer of camp counseling ayer an unexpected one night stand? Let's just say you'll need some major ice rink time to cool down after reading this book. $11.29 (was $19) Shop


CBS News
05-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Nighttime bowfishing temporarily allowed on Lake Minnetonka
Nighttime bowfishing hasn't been allowed in Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota for over 10 years. The local conservation district brought it back temporarily to deal with a growing carp population, but neighbors aren't thrilled with the lights and sounds that come with it. It was roughly a month ago when Jay Nygard took a video outside his Orono home. "It was just the lights! You'd be in there watching TV and everything was lit up like you wouldn't believe" said Nygard. From April 24 - June 30th, the agency regulating Lake Minnetonka approved a special permit allowing nighttime bow fishing in 4 areas: Harrisons Bay West Arm Jennings Halstead Bay Which Nygard wasn't aware of at the time of the video, so he took the initiative to se what they were actually doing and reached out to fisherman. "A I was out there, I was also considering the people on the shore. How do we solve this problem?" said Nygard. Curtis Cich is a bowfishing guide across the state, hoping to help find a solution to the problem these invasive species present. "They'll go down and dig up all the native plants and will eat all of the eggs of the game fish," said Cich. Cich says some of the bays are seeing over 900 carp per acre. But the best time to bowfish is at night with special lights. "With the lights we can see all the way to the bottom of the lake, where in the daytime we're seeing them in the shallows and chasing them," Cich added. "This little bit of light at night is a trade-off for making their lake better overall." "I haven't heard anyone disagree that there's a carp issue in Lake Minnetonka, there has been since I was young, but how do you deal with it?" Nygard added. WCCO received the following statement from the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District: "Common carp are invasive to Lake Minnetonka, and unfortunately, their growing population threatens the quality of this much-loved community resource. As part of our efforts to bring a greater range of recreation to more parties and manage the carp population, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District approved nighttime bowfishing on four bays, between April 24-June 30, bowfishing participants must have a permit to participate and follow all approved regulations, including hours, lighting and noise limits. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Water Patrol is enforcing these regulations, and we encourage community members to report any violations to Water Patrol at (612) will evaluate the effectiveness of this nighttime bowfishing event later this year to determine if the restrictions need to be adjusted and if additional opportunities will be permitted. Community members can provide feedback on this year's event by contacting the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District office." Learn more here.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New Minnesota boating law will take effect on July 1
The Brief A new state law will require boaters to have a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or jet ski. The law will start with boaters 21 and younger this year and expand to include older boaters by 2028. The new rules will take effect July 1. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says starting July 1, boaters 21 years old and younger will need a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or jet ski in the state. What we know Ellery Winter, 16, gets out on Lake Minnetonka three or four times a week. But soon other boaters will have to have an official Minnesota boating license like she does. "I think it's so important that there are no people going out onto the lake that don't know what they're doing, causing accidents. Don't want any injuries or anything," said Winter. The backstory Starting July 1st, boaters 21 and younger will need a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or jet ski in the state. The DNR says the requirement will gradually apply to older age groups over the next three years, and once boaters receive their boating permit, it will last a lifetime. They won't have to renew it. "That's probably a step in the right direction. Any chance to have some skills before you get out on the water is always good," said boater Chris Zastoupil. To get the permit, you have to go to a DNR website and pay a $34.95 one-time fee. Then study an online boater's safety course and pass a final exam, all of which is estimated to take about three to four hours. If you pass, you can print a certificate of completion until you receive your permanent permit in the mail within three weeks. "I think that it's busy and this is a busy lake and we all need to know what we're doing," said Chris' wife, Kacey. What they're saying The DNR says the goal is to make the state's lakes and rivers safer for everyone. Winter hopes word is getting out, so Minnesotans don't miss the boat. "I just think it's super important that everyone is aware of the regulations and that they follow the safety rules so that everyone can go about and have a fun time on the lake," said Winter. The DNR says boaters will have time to get their permits and adjust to the new rules. Full enforcement won't begin until 2028.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
A bright idea to tackle Minnetonka carp problem makes waves with some homeowners
The Brief A new pilot program allows nighttime carp bow fishing in four bays of Lake Minnetonka. It's by permit only and runs through June 30, helping rid the lake of a very invasive fish. Some homeowners say the bright lights being used by fishermen are becoming too invasive, as well. MINNETONKA, Minn. (FOX 9) - At 10 p.m., Jay Nygard wandered into his backyard and began recording on his phone. Just beyond his dock in West Arm Bay, a boat of bow fisherman were hunting carp. But as Nygard pans the camera to his home and those of his neighbors, the problem is clear as day. "Look at this, they're lighting up the whole house," he says in the video. "I guarantee right now our bedroom is all lit up, so is the neighbors." The backstory The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District launched this pilot program to allow nighttime carp fishing as yet one more way to tackle what's become a major problem. It's estimated there are at least 60,000 carp in the lake, and for years other programs have tried to eliminate as many as possible. The pilot program allows, by permit only, carp bow fishing in Halstead Bay, Harrison Bay, West Arm Bay and Jennings Bay from one half hour after sunset until 1 a.m. It also states that lighting in the water should be limited to downward-facing LED lights only, to keep from being a problem for those who live along the shore. What we know When Jay took his video, posted to his "Turbine Guy" YouTube channel, he clearly showed the lights are indeed a problem. He also recorded a bit of a confrontation. Another boater comes by, sounds the horn and begins yelling about the lights, which aren't just lighting up the water for the carp. They are illuminating all the homes beyond. A few minutes later, the other boater returns and yells some more. "I don't want to see a big confrontation," Nygard told FOX 9. "So the best thing we can do is there's obviously and issue so let's find a way to compromise and make this work." Nygard says they've been annoyed by the lights, too, blasting through their bedroom windows. He'd like the problem addressed before it escalates. "Shield the lights better, make sure they're all aimed down right. I'm not sure what the answer is, but I just want people to be able to get along. And I completely agree, let's get rid of the carp." The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District has shorter office hours on Friday and was closed before FOX 9 could ask about how they may respond to the concerns about the bright lights.