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Black Dog Lake and swampy areas around MN River

steffanf

By steffanf
in MN Twin Cities Metro Area Fishing Reports - Hunting

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steffanf Collaborator

steffanf

Posted
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Has anyone ever fished Black Dog Lake? It looks like a huge shallow water basin that takes up the entire area between I-35 and Rte. 77 just south of the Minnesota River. Is there access by boat to it? Does it connect up with the MN River somewhere? Is there any fish in it? It looks like it might be a good spawning area for pike in the spring. I drive by this lake all the time and I am curious...

-Gregg B.

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fisherman-andy Experienced

fisherman-andy

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I'd used caution around there. There some shady people down there as well as it's a known place for public display nusiance meetings. Check the local PD. Always use the buddy system.

Alot of people fish for flatheads down there. Many of the backwaters pond or lakes could hold some nice bass or pike.

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steffanf Collaborator

steffanf

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Yes... I've heard about the certain questionable people that hang out at the park. I certainly would never try to get out there after dusk. Just wondering about the fishing possibilities...

-Gregg B.

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vikingmeatwad Proficient

vikingmeatwad

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have never fished it but I don't think you can get a boat back there.

Give a try and let us know.

Don't worry about weirdo's down there, if you see anything suspicious just call the fuzz.

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Mrkeb Contributor

Mrkeb

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fished it from shore a few times a few years back. didnt catch much except for a bunch of carp and sheephead. Wasn't really setup for much else though i guess...good luck

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Shack Grand Master

Shack

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Unless water is very high, I have not found a way to into this area by boat. The water has to be very, very high. I would post this question over in the Minnesota River forum and see what they say.

Good luck!

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Lured_In Contributor

Lured_In

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Is the area in question, by the power plant on the south side of the river???? Have been wondering if that area is accessible by boat, I do believe there is a landing on the river, under the cedar ave bridge..........???? Would think that area would be great, especially if they have gotten that power plant fired back up..........

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RossT Enthusiast

RossT

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Both outlets that feed from Blackdog Lake into the Minnesota River are blocked by dams controlled by Xcel Energy. One is located just to the east of the 35W bridge and the other dam is slightly west of the Cedar Ave Bridge (hwy 77).

The powerplant uses Blackdog as a cooling pond and some of the lake is kept ice free year round. I assume you could drop a canoe into the lake, but to my knowledge, there is no boat ramp on Blackdog.

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steffanf Collaborator

steffanf

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OK... I guess the next thing I should ask... is it legal to fish in Black Dog Lake? If both MN River acceses are blocked off by dams, is it actually legal to drag a boat into there? I have never seen a boat in there of any kind, not that much more than a small boat would be advisable anyway. Also, if this lake is completely cut off from the MN River, wouldn't this lake winter kill every year because of how shallow it is? Or, is there any deep water in the lake at all?

-Gregg B.

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Shack Grand Master

Shack

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I bet you if you posted this over in the MN river area, you would get a correct answer right away. I would have to say I would say why not. Now if you can have a motor on this lake I do not know.

Good luck!

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Mrkeb Contributor

Mrkeb

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As far as if its illegal to fish I dont know. I do know that the area is part of the wildlife refuge. Along black dog road there are signs posted in some areas sayings "area closed" or something to that effect. As far as a boat. I swear I remeber a small boat in there years ago bow fishing for carp in the shallows. No idea how it got dumped in, but i guess if there is a will there is a way. As far as winter kill, I dont think it does. I think that power plant keeps it open most of the year. For some definite answers I'd get ahold of the DNR or the power plant on the illegal access / fishing thing. Good luck and let us know.

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charliepete2 Rising Star

charliepete2

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I used to shoot carp on black dog all the time. It is a bit rough down there. The cops pulled a dead body out of the parking lot while I was down there fishing when I was in high school. I don't think it's legal to put a boat on the lake. I saw a guy with a canoe get run out of there a by the DNR once. It would probably be tough to get an honest to goodness boat out on it. When they draw the water down you can darn near walk across the whole thing.

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