Mazaska Lake

[Fish-n-nut]

I am considering fishing Mazaska Lake tomorrow(Sunday) and could use some help as I have never fished it before. I live in Rochester. What are the ice conditions like? Are people still driving out on the lake? I have a Chevy Blazer 4x4 but don't want to get stuck. Where is the best place to drive on the lake, Hirdler Park or Wayside Rest Area or another spot? Lastly, what part of the lake & depth of water would you suggest to catch some gills & crappies? I have a Vexilar & portable ice fishing hut. Sorry for all of the questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated! I really enjoy all of the great postings from everyone. Good luck fishing!

[Valv]

I haven't been on Mazaska this week, but I had good luck last weekend on NE side of the lake at approx 18' to 22' got some crappies and gills (few good ones and many little).
I went tuesday for 1 hour and the lake was a desert, nobody on it, I drove with my 4x4 straight out from the park at 12' and got few sunnies, but it was 7:00pm and bite was slow. You should be ok with a 4x4, but be careful, especially since there are many old drifts which are invisible, and when you drive on it the truck sits on packed snow with wheel in the air.
If you don't like Mazaska for any reason, try 1 mile west, Shields lake, roads were much better.
Ice is still very thick (over 24"), snow is hard on top, than soft then some inces of old slush refrozen. Hope this helps a little.
Oops, I forgot, I got almost everything on wax worms, except a BIG gill on a BIG fathead (weird).

[Fish-n-nut]

Thanks for the information, Valv! I really appreciate it. I have been fishing around the Rochester area primarily with decent success this winter but am anxious to try some lakes around Faribault as there are so many good lakes to pick from. If I go tomorrow, I plan to fish from 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM in the hopes of getting some crappies before dark. I think I will take a shovel just in case and plan on checking out the road first before driving out. It pays to be careful especially whem fishing alone. Thanks again for the info.