I'm pretty new to the area and have been looking to find a new spot to fish. Anyone have any suggestions as to where in the Mankato area to go to for decent shore fishing? Not looking for any "secret spots" or to even offend anyone, but does anyone have any suggestions for this early season fishing in the area?

Lots of places around waterville. Some good fishing by elysian and german/jefferson too. Go for a sunday drive around the area lakes and you will see people fishing in the spots that have fish biting. Thats about as specific as I can get without knowing what the weather will be like or what you want to catch.

There is a good spot on west Jefferson. I beleive it is called the German Jefferson sportsman club pier.

This time of year I would check out Buckmasters bridge as the sun sets ( the bridge near Brey park).

As has been stated, the Waterville area is pretty good. Try calling the Waterville DNR office 507-362-4223. They might have some literature or further ideas.

Where is Buckmasters Bridge and Brey Park?

On the south end of Madison.

Well, I made it out to that dam on the SW side of madison(right off of the highway). I don't know what locals call it, if anything, but I had minimal luck. I was throwing small raps and some plastics, and caught about 5 crappies, and two largemouths. The largemouths were fairly small, but still fun to catch. The bridge with the pier near it on the south end of Madison was PACKED.

Try it at sunset.

Try the dam at Moristown. The fishing pier at the Hatchery on Tetonka. Any where on the Cannon River. Where ever a stream runs into a larger river (Minnesota, Blue Earth River ect.). This is best before the river starts to fall.

Get a pair of Chest waiters and fish some boat landings.

I'll have to try getting up there to that morristown/watervile area and try those places. What would I be looking at catching in that area? I usually just assume panfish, but any chance for a catch that may be a bit more fun?

Those are nice places to fish that Muddog mentioned, & you can easily catch more than just panfish in those areas. I don't think the pier is out yet at the fish hatchery, but I'm sure it will be soon. L2f

Can't give specifics but I have heard reports of some good pike action in faribault
at one of the 3 dams. My bro has been catching 2.5-3 lb white bass.
within a 1/2 mile radius of the baitshops in faribault.
might have to put up with a little noise overhead

Thanks for the help guys. I would like to try getting over to that area on Thursday for my day off. Nothing like spending time off fishing.

I was thinking of this today.



I couldn't figure out why it was bugging me. Then it hit me. When ever I come across a packed area I camp out. I find a nice spot and have a seat. Watch who's catching what, What they are using and how there using it. You can learn more there then any post here!

They were all catching crappies from the sounds of it. I spoke to a few people, and just made friendly conversation, but by the sounds of it, that was the big action. There was plenty of kids down there, so that was nice to see them catching some fish.