Which lake to live on.

[Iceseeker]

Given the oppurtunity to purchase a lake home in the general area of Hutchinson. Which one would you choose? I am looking for a good year round fishing lake.

[BuckSutherland]

They are all consistantly pathetic so take your pic. What are you fishing for? Almost all of them are over run with carp. Most of them deal with severe agricultural runoff. We have Jennie and Washington, and some of the other Dassel lakes that get choked with weed and invasive species. Others like Swan, Winsted and Cedar are shallow, and when the drought really sets in this year are going to turn blue with toxic algea. Collinwood, enough said. And to top it all off if the lake you are on does pull off a decent year class of fish someone eventually finds them makes a few calls, and then the meathogs usually rape the lake within a couple weeks. If you could you should look more towards the Annandale area. If you absolutely have to pick around here probably Belle.

[Ryan_V]

They are all consistantly pathetic so take your pic. What are you fishing for? Almost all of them are over run with carp. Most of them deal with severe agricultural runoff. We have Jennie and Washington, and some of the other Dassel lakes that get choked with weed and invasive species. Others like Swan, Winsted and Cedar are shallow, and when the drought really sets in this year are going to turn blue with toxic algea. Collinwood, enough said. And to top it all off if the lake you are on does pull off a decent year class of fish someone eventually finds them makes a few calls, and then the meathogs usually rape the lake within a couple weeks. If you could you should look more towards the Annandale area. If you absolutely have to pick around here probably Belle.

could have just said "belle"

[Mr.Seaguar]

They are all consistantly pathetic so take your pic. What are you fishing for? Almost all of them are over run with carp. Most of them deal with severe agricultural runoff. We have Jennie and Washington, and some of the other Dassel lakes that get choked with weed and invasive species. Others like Swan, Winsted and Cedar are shallow, and when the drought really sets in this year are going to turn blue with toxic algea. Collinwood, enough said. And to top it all off if the lake you are on does pull off a decent year class of fish someone eventually finds them makes a few calls, and then the meathogs usually rape the lake within a couple weeks. If you could you should look more towards the Annandale area. If you absolutely have to pick around here probably Belle.

Hilarious

[eyesonly]

I just had this same conversation with my wife. We have family in Hutch and I get to fish down there lots and I agree with Belle as a top pick. I also Agree that I have never witnessed such gross behavior in people when there is a decent bite on a particular lake and you see people fill up a bucket, you see them drive away and they are back 15 minutes later fishing again. especially the shallow spring Crappie bite .Ive called the tip line more then once. And yes, I realize this happens in other areas of the state as well.I see this all the time down there. I realize they dont all live in hutch so Im not bashing all the people in that town.But Ive told my Buddies up here many times about the ridicules behavior of people down there. Its a shame too with all the beautiful lakes in the area. Between the hillbilly behavior and all the drain tileing going on Im afraid the lakes in the area are Doomed if somthing doesnt change

[Sonicrunch]

I'd build my own private lake.

[Bureaucrat]

That is why I quit telling anyone where I catch fish. Unless it's a 10,000+ acre body of water, my lips are sealed. You wanna know, you have to come with.

[mnguy152]

x2. I think the area lakes get alot of pressure by folks that live south and west of hutch. When I fished most of thoose lake everyone either from new ulm or bufflo lake area. But yeah I know what mean by the meat hogs. Had a good bite counted a guy 3 times in one day fishing for crappies everytime took a limit.But always the first one to dam that they r small.

[silverbulletguy]

Washington, Stella, Minnibelle

[Hester]

Stella.

[Iceseeker]

Stella would be my first choice but there are no homes for sale on this lake, the one that has access to thelake is acrosss the road and the front of the house faces away from the lake.

Washington has a couple of possibilities but am concerned with all the weeds.

Minnebelle will consider not much thought about this one.

Belle will be considered but currently do not see anyhting for sale.

[silverbulletguy]

Take the weeds and go with Washington. There is a culvert to get to Stella if you wanted to fish it.

[Hester]

If you want more of a pleasure lake with some good fishing at times, go to Miniebelle.

If you put your time in, there are some very nice walleyes and crappies to be caught out there.

[BuckSutherland]

If you have your heart set on one of the lakes I would just wait. Someone will eventually croak and have a place for sale.

[Iceseeker]

What about Big Swan for fishing and water clarity?

[workin4bait]

Big Swan;

water clarity varies alot because it is connected to the Crow River and when the water is high the river backs up into the lake.

fishing can be decent in the summer, I have never gotten real good reports in the winter.

the biggest problem for me about Big Swan is the water level changing,most docks are on pontoons of some kind. On Aug.8,2011 the water was 6 inches deep in the parking lot,by Oct.23 it was over 6 feet lower,at which point it was getting hard to get a larger boat launched.This past fall the water was even lower and I had to work at getting my 14 foot boat to float.

Workin'

[Iceseeker]

Check Big Swan off as I have a bigger boat than that and am concerned about the depth. Thank you for the input.

[Avid Angler]

Star is a good fishing lake, but water quality is questionable mid summer.

[my4x4yj]

Minibelle on Hwy 22, 5ml south of Litchfield is a spring fed self contained lake, no streams, ditches to drain into lake so stays clear year round so weed line is out to nearly 20fow. Also because of that is very popular lake for rec boating. One of best bass lakes around has a slot limit for pike and alot of crappie, sunnies. Walleye tend to run larger but fewer in number. Property values are higher there also because is more popular lake to live on, steeper shore lines, there is currently a home for sale by owner on bay in sw corner of lake. But like said before, if fishing is a priority then look farther north for property but the price will go up substantially.

[Iceseeker]

Saw that house and is a good bay for fishing as is the lake. Alot to take care of as far as lot but is being considered.

[fishinben351]

Minnie belle is a beautiful lake with very clear water. Very good bass/pike lake and there are some walleyes in there too. Minnie Belle would be my choice for sure.

[slurpie]

Minnie belle only choice .

[tbone4]

I have known a few people who have gotten chiggers on that lake in the past from swimming in it...

[Iceseeker]

Decision has been made to be on Stella and then on Washington. If someone has information on possible homes going up for sale please pm me. I have seen the current ones that are on line but would like different options.

Thanks for all the input so far.

[silverbulletguy]

Take a drive around them. There is usually some that have the for sale by owner signs up that I'm sure aren't listed elsewhere.

[Poutmaster]

Seeker- I live on minnebelle and can help if you have any questions about the lake. I also know a few places not on the market yet, but will be soon.

[Iceseeker]

Pout,

Thanks for the offer however we put in an offer on a house near Stella. If it does not happen I will definately keep you in mind. Still might for some summer fishing though.

Iceseeker