French Lake...New to area/muskie!

[Thor T]

Hello All,

I have been lurking the forum for a bit now, but I only really fish closer to Mankato (where I have recently moved to for grad school). Over the past year a friend has gotten me into muskie fishing while living in Wisconsin and I have acquired my own gear, but I do not have a boat.

I believe that French lake is the closest lake with muskie in proximity to Mankato, and I wanted to know if anyone had any tip fishing it from shore, or closer to the access. I have a float tube, but its not good for distance or fast movement.

Also, if anyone fishes the lake regularly and has a spare spot in their boat, please let me know (I can chip in for gas). I am still very new to muskie fishing (never caught one) and would appreciate any help.

Thanks,

Thor

[BIGRED07]

Thor. i live in janesville, have been really been busy at work, but i fish as much as i can, i will give you a pm if i get out soon

[Thor T]

Awesome, I appreciate it!

[Zelmsdawg]

I've fished french on and off for ten years and the only advice I really have have is make the extra drive up to waconia/tonka if you can. That being said there are some very large fish in there, but for me personally, I'm not a fan of that lake

If you want to PM me, maybe sometime in sept/oct I can take you out in my boat provided your willing to drive a bit more?

Good luck

[JosMN]

I have been on French some this year and haven't seen any caught out there. Usually I will see them surface a lot while I'm fishing walleyes, but I have yet to even see that this year. From what I have been told by a couple guys that live on the lake is to wait till late August or September to really go after them on French. I caught 3 last year trolling plugs for walleyes, mid 30's fish. BUT, there are some hogs in there. I'm not a muskie fisherman, just letting you know what I have seen and heard.