Mankato area

[hooknhawgs]

Hey, I am somewhat new to the area and have never fished the MN river. Just wondering if there are any fish worth catching around the mankato area. Would be going for eyes or pannies. Also, how does the ice look around?? Any help would be greatly appreciated

HnH

[hooknhawgs]

Thanks for all of your help.

[delta hunter]

The only thing that I can tell you is find a bend and drill some holes to see what depth you have to work with, and fish the break. I have had luck with the eyes and saugers on outside of the bend but that was during the cold spell we had. For panfish I guess I would say if you can find and back water with some depth, which I think might be a little hard for how low the water is, you might be able to get into some pan action!

[hooknhawgs]

Ok, thanks for responding.

[delta hunter]

Not a problem!!! Good luck fishing!!

[jtk15]

Hook,

I suspect that most of us river guys tend to either hang it up in the winter or fish area lakes. Myself, I fish the river in the summer, and lakes in the winter. I simply dont have much confidence on the river ice.....One week I drove over the 22 bridge by St. Peter, and its iced over with snowmobile tracks, then two days later it looks about as open as it can get....Just way to much current, and with a low river level this year, I suspect that may even make it more complicated.

If eyes and pannies are your interest, look to the lakes rather risk your own saftey.

Now, the summer is an entirely different story....You will find some serious walleyes in the MN...As for panfish, never chased them, but will catch an occassional sunny here and there...but pretty rare---

Now if you want to get a response on this particular board, start asking about flatheads....that is the primary creature of interest with the group (that tends to hibernate in the winter from the page).

Check the S Cetnral page if you have not for area bites.

Good luck,

jk

[hooknhawgs]

Yeah, I sort of gathered the same thing about the winter ice. I'll be out this spring though, looking for some eyes. Never really fished for flatheads though. Not really opposed to the idea, however. Maybe i'll give that a try too. Thanks for your help.

[jtk15]

Their are many many great shore spots around the area, and fairly easy to get to....Its simply a matter hunting for spots. Judson bottom road is a very good start. Bottom of lookout drive at the lights. Other side of the river from Sibley. Litterally a stones throw from the road with access to some pretty good bends that tend to create some pretty good holes. Also, 169 between Mankato and St. Peter is also a stones throw from the road with some good shore spots. Right now, its just so muddy out to get to them-so if your looking to head out (as the water is very much open) wear some mud boots.

Good luck. If you see a 14 foot gray lund with 15 horse johnson scooting around, be sure to wave! Will probably wait another 6-8 due to some other stuff going on, but will likely be out sooner than most. Historically I have not had much luck early sprink, but its nice to simply be in no mans land fifteen minutes after getting out of my door.

I will warn you, if you "try" the flathead thing. You get one that is even 10 pounds plus, and you may be litterally hooked on catfish-it is the deep see of the high north.

jk