Week in review 8/1/25
Notable Lake Minnetonka–area news items from July 25 through July 31
Here are notable Lake Minnetonka–area news items from July 25 through July 31, 2025:
📰 Key Updates (July 25–31, 2025)
1. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Treatments Draw Public Pushback
The Lake Minnetonka Association and local lake improvement districts have continued chemical treatments targeting curlyleaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil through September 2025. However, Harrison Bay residents and fishing guides have raised concerns about impacts on native vegetation and declining fish populations, prompting a petition surpassed 1,300 signatures demanding a halt to the treatments. A public comment session is scheduled at an Mound City Council meeting in early August.
2. Fishing Report: Summer Bite in Full Swing
As of July 28, 2025, water temperatures around 77–81°F and storm-trend weather have created productive conditions for bass fishing. Anglers are catching fish both shallow and deep—especially along weedlines with jig worms and around docks with various presentations. Larger fish are found amid grass around 8–12 ft deep, though the bite can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
3. High Water Prompts Boat Wake Restrictions
Due to elevated lake levels, central Minnesota counties have reinstated no‑wake zones within 300 feet of shorelines on affected lakes. While Lake Minnetonka was not explicitly listed among those lakes, similar restrictions have been typical in our region during high water events. Boaters are urged to follow local ordinances to minimize erosion.
4. Wake Surfing Under Review
On July 30, a FOX 9 report highlighted new research from the University of Minnesota examining lakebed erosion caused by wake‑boat waves on Minnesota lakes—including Minnetonka. The findings have reinvigorated debate over the environmental impact of wakesurfing in popular recreational areas.
