Albert Lea-Austin-Faribault-Mankato-Northfield-Waseca, Fishing Reports

[pikeandchester]

Tried to get out on a Mankato area lake and no go, with the truck. Wet heavy snow and ran into slush, backed out and got off the ice. I could only drive down a path that was plowed last weekend and drifted over, had to shovel myself out twice after trying to go off road. Looks like it’s time to put the wheel house away and wait for late ice. 

[Mike89]

what lake??   better safe than sorry too!!!

[pikeandchester]

 Sorry Mike89 but I try to keep pretty tight lipped close to home as far as specific lakes, usually fish lakes within about a 20 mile radius of Mankato (mostly northeast). Seems to me as though what goes for one lake if true for most in the area, as far as ice and snow conditions.  Certainly will post areas of particularly bad ice if I find any. I believe slush was just from all the snow. 

 Last Saturday morning I drove to Madison, Duck and German lakes and all three had a path but looked impossible to get off. Madison looked the most promising but could not drive past the first group of houses next to the church bar to get to east bay from the city access, slush layer under the first layer of ice where someone had previously been stuck. Area north of the narrows is still posted thin ice on Madison. 

  

[Mike89]

understand and stay safe!!!  just my old home turf...

[pikeandchester]

 Drove over to the west end of Francis this afternoon just to check the ice condition, lakes in the area appeared to be snow free but walking out a ways proved there are several inches of slush. Within the first several feet very soft, water over my ankles,  but farther out I could walk on top. Will post up if I can get out tomorrow. 

 

Edited March 16, 2019 by pikeandchester

[pikeandchester]

[pikeandchester]

Few small sunnies and a couple of crappies. Looking at the 10 day forecast it could be short late season. Good luck to anyone that heads out. Would not advise vehicle traffic without chains, truck on Francis tried and didn’t make far. Crusty layer of ice and slush.

[Rick]

3 hours ago, pikeandchester said:

Few small sunnies and a couple of crappies. Looking at the 10 day forecast it could be short late season. Good luck to anyone that heads out. Would not advise vehicle traffic without chains, truck on Francis tried and didn’t make far. Crusty layer of ice and slush.

Nice ... some youngster looks very happy.

[pikeandchester]

Got out for a couple hours yesterday. West end of Francis again, several small sunnies but no crappies this time. Access is pretty beat up, need waterproof boots but the ice is holding up so far. Couple guys had an Argo out.

[FishinCT]

Anyone been out on cannon lake this September so far? Curious if anything is biting

[Rick]

I've seen a few fishing the shoreline for walleyes.

[pikeandchester]

Took a drive today. Madison ,Francis and Elysian are each about half open today.  Elysian and Francis had about 3 inches and where locked up last weekend. Next weeks cold snap looks to be turning into a mild snap. Getting a bit frustrated but what do you do? 

 

[Knowknot]

I saw one guy out on a pail on the north end of Elysian on Friday afternoon, and I didn't stop to check the thickness of the ice either. Hope he had good luck..

[Rick]

I saw a boat out on Sakatah. West end, east of the bridge on 13 by Waterville.

[Mister Perch]

Fished "Kneecap Gap" the Channel Albert Lea lake Saturday. Lots of little perch 4" to 5"   About 10 inches of ice.