Bluegill is recorded in 36 of the 37 spots within 75 minutes of Mankato. Below are the strongest of them by our score: drive time, depth data, species and public access.
By our bite calendar, Bluegill peaks around Mankato in April, May, June, July, August, and September. In November the calendar puts it at “Slow”.
Where to catch Bluegill near Mankato
1. Madison Lake
Madison Lake is a 17-minute drive from downtown Mankato. Launch at Madison Lake (NW) Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Madison Lake closest to downtown (≈ 9.4 mi). Public access on Madison Lake: 3 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 50 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, and Black Crappie.
2. Lake Washington
Lake Washington is a 19-minute drive from downtown Mankato. Launch at Washington Lake (W) Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Lake Washington closest to downtown (≈ 8.3 mi). Public access on Lake Washington: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 40 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Bigmouth Buffalo.
3. Lake Crystal
Lake Crystal is a 15-minute drive from downtown Mankato. Launch at Crystal Lake Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Lake Crystal closest to downtown (≈ 11.1 mi). Public access on Lake Crystal: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 10 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Black Bullhead, Bigmouth Buffalo, and Black Crappie.
4. Loon Lake
Loon Lake is a 18-minute drive from downtown Mankato. Launch at Loon Lake Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Loon Lake closest to downtown (≈ 10.2 mi). Public access on Loon Lake: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 5 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, and Black Crappie.
5. Lake Francis
Lake Francis is a 24-minute drive from downtown Mankato. Launch at Frances Lake (W) Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Lake Francis closest to downtown (≈ 14.1 mi). Public access on Lake Francis: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 60 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, and Bluegill.
6. Elysian Lake
Elysian Lake is a 27-minute drive from downtown Mankato. Launch at Elysian Lake (S) Public Water Access Site, the public ramp on Elysian Lake closest to downtown (≈ 14.6 mi). Public access on Elysian Lake: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 10 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, and Black Crappie.
