Where in Southern Mn?

[jasondodd]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice. I live in Central Iowa and am looking for a place to take myself and the kids to chase some crappies and walleyes in southern Minnesota if possible. It's been many years since I've done much fishing in Mn and it's daunting to look at all the lakes listed! We would likely do weekend trips so the southern half of the state would be ideal. We do have a 16' Vbotton with 28 hp gas and electric trolling motor. I know this is so vague, but seems like I've spend endless hours looking on the internet and would love someone to share some advice/experiences.

Thanks in advance for any help

[Matt C]

Welcome to FM!

Faribault, Waterville, Mankato. All these areas are an easy drive, great walleye and pan fish lakes with plenty to do.

[jasondodd]

Are there any lakes that really stand out in your opinion?

Thanks again!

[Matt C]

Madison lake, Lake Tetonka, Lake Mazaska, French lake...to name a few.

In that order also....IMO

[Matt C]

I would also suggest looking in the South Central forum, and also the SW Forums for specifics on the lakes up here in the southern mn area.

[jasondodd]

thanks so much, I will do that!

[easyride25]

Hey Jason are you familiar with Lake Red Rock. Looking at heading down there in late April. Just looking for some basic info

[broken_line]

schoolgrove,woodlake,cottonwood, shetek, sarah and bloody are good crappie producers if you know how to fish murky water crapps!!

[jasondodd]

Hey easyride, I am familiar with it. It's well known for it's huge crappies and stripers, but it's horrible to fish. During the spring, water levels can go up and down 10 feet daily. When I was younger, my dad and I used to fish Roberts Creek very often, which is a small lake attached to the north side of Red Rock. Not sure how it is today. I DNR has very current fishing reports on red rock, just search for Iowa Fishing Reports. Lake Rathbun in SE Iowa tends to be a much more consistent fishery for crappy and walleye.

[katch-N-rekeep]

Hey, I've been to red rock before--it's a great place to fish..

can't wait to go there again..

[french_lake_kid]

Jason get a hold of me, and we can set something up, I'm only 17 but have guided a few people, I could likely get you some muskie action 2, let me know when excactly your headed up this way

[ikeslayer]

i know lake lura is full of bullheads and pannies and some good walleyes and bass to boot. don't know exactly how far away that is from you. Also i have been told that albertlea lake and the lake in austin all support some good panny fishing too. Don't personally know though - i would search these lakes and more on the dnr HSOforum