Mankato anglers can reach 37 of the waters in our guide in 75 minutes or less by car — 30 lakes and 7 reservoirs. Together they hold records of 27 fish species.
Lake Crystal is 15 minutes from Mankato
The closest water to Mankato is Lake Crystal, 15 min (12.6 mi) away by road. The drive time is measured to the ramp: Crystal Lake Public Water Access Site.
Also within a short drive:
- Madison Lake — 17 min (12.6 mi)
- Loon Lake — 18 min (13.1 mi)
- Duck Lake — 18 min (13.8 mi)
27 fish species around Mankato
Black Crappie turns up in more of these waters than any other fish: 37 of 37. It is followed by Bluegill (36), Black Bullhead (35), Common Carp (35) and Bigmouth Buffalo (26).
For each of these 5 fish the closest water is the same: Lake Crystal, 15 min (12.6 mi).
Launching near Mankato: 59 ramps
The waters within reach of Mankato have 59 boat ramps and 5 shore-fishing spots. The boat ramp closest to the city center is Washington Lake (W) Public Water Access Site on Lake Washington, about 8.3 mi in a straight line, with 4 lanes.
Where to start: Madison Lake
Our ranking for Mankato weighs the drive, the depth map, the fish on record and the ramps; it puts these 3 first:
- Madison Lake: 1,398 acres, 19 fish species on record, max depth 50 ft (surveyed) and 4 ramps.
- Lake Washington: 1,489 acres, 17 fish species on record, max depth 40 ft (surveyed) and 2 ramps.
- Lake Crystal: 370 acres, 11 fish species on record, max depth 10 ft (surveyed) and 1 ramp.
Lake Minnewashta goes down to 70 ft
The deepest water in this guide is Lake Minnewashta: 70 ft at its deepest point (surveyed). Other deep spots are Lake Francis (60 ft), Madison Lake (50 ft) and Ballantyne Lake (50 ft). Maximum depths are known for all 37 waters.
Camping within reach of Mankato
You can camp next to the water: 8 campgrounds are within reach of Mankato. The closest are Lake Washington Park (8.6 mi, by Lake Washington), Lake Washington Campground (8.7 mi, by Lake Washington) and RV Back-in Sites (10.3 mi, by Madison Lake).
