How to use our fishing calendar
Planning your next fishing trip in Mankato, United States ? Today is a average day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...
- Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
- Use the forecast calendar section to sync bite times with major weather changes.
- Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
- Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.
Fishing in Mankato, Minnesota centers on the Minnesota River, Blue Earth River, and a cluster of productive area lakes that offer year‑round multi‑species action. Anglers come here for trophy catfish, river walleyes, and panfish, along with scenic backwater and reservoir fishing that’s ideal for both shore and boat anglers. Whether you’re targeting channel cats after dark or jigging walleyes below riffles, the Mankato fishing scene is diverse, accessible, and consistently rewarding. read more...
Sun and Moon Times
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Nautical Twilight begins:Sunrise:
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Sunset:Nautical Twilight ends:
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Moonrise:
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Moonset:
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Moon over:
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Moon under:
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Visibility:84%
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Waning Gibbous
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Distance to earth:399,539 kmProximity:14.5 %
Moon Phases for Mankato
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average Day
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major Time:03:30 am - 05:30 am
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minor Time:07:58 am - 09:58 am
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major Time:03:44 pm - 05:44 pm
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minor Time:11:02 pm - 01:02 am
Current Fishing Weather
Wind Speed and Direction
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Wind Direction and Speed are one of the most important aspects for choosing a fishing spot. An offshore wind can help land-based anglers with longer casting distances, while an onshore wind will make kayak fishing safer. Often fish will also move to certain feeding areas depending on the wind direction. Check out the long term wind forecast at the charts below.
Fishing Barometer
Atmospheric Pressure:
Change since midnight:
Trend for next 6 hours:
Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure affects fish activity. The best fishing can be had on a rising barometer and also the time just before it is falling. A steady barometer in the higher ranges can also mean good fishing. A falling or low barometer reading without much change is usually not a very good time for fishing.
UV Effect on Fishing
As a rule of thumb, the higher the UV index, the deeper fish will move. Shallow water fishing is best done at times with a low UV index. When the UV is high, stick to early mornings, late evenings and shaded areas. The effect is less noticable in deeper water, but often a higher UV index can produce good results in the deep.
7 Day Fishing Weather
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Fishing Overview Mankato
Mankato, MN fishing revolves around the confluence of the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers, with nearby lakes like Madison Lake, Lake Washington, and Eagle Lake rounding out a well‑balanced multi‑species fishery. From early spring walleyes in river current seams to summer catfish after dark and first‑ice panfish, the Mankato area delivers consistent action for both beginners and serious anglers.
Spring is prime time for walleye and sauger on the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers. Focus on classic pre‑spawn holding water: below dams, at the heads and tails of deeper holes, and along current edges where fast and slow water meet. A 1/8–1/4 oz jig tipped with a fathead or a plastic paddletail is a staple. Cast upstream at a 45‑degree angle and lift‑drop the jig as it drifts back. In slightly stained water, chartreuse, orange, and glow patterns shine. On clear, sunny days, switch to natural shiner or perch colors.
As water temps climb into late spring and summer, channel and flathead catfish become the main attraction. The Minnesota River around Mankato holds trophy‑class fish. Key in on outside bends with visible wood, rock piles, and deep mid‑river holes that drop into the teens or twenties in depth. For channels, use 3–5 oz no‑roll sinkers, 20–30 lb mono or braid, and cut bait like sucker or goldeye. Set rods in holders and give each spot 20–30 minutes; if you don’t get bit, move. Flatheads prefer live bait—bullheads or live suckers on 50–80 lb braid and heavy circle or Kahle hooks—placed tight to tangles and logjams, especially at dusk and through the night.
The lakes east and north of Mankato provide classic bass and panfish action. On Madison Lake and Lake Washington, target shallow emergent weeds and docks in late May and June for largemouth bass using weightless stickbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater frogs. As summer progresses, bass slide to outside weed edges in 8–14 feet; jigs with craw trailers and Texas‑rigged plastics excel here. For crappies and bluegills, look to bays with new weed growth in spring, then transition to deeper cabbage and coontail beds as water warms. A small slip bobber, split shot, and a tiny jig or plain hook with a crappie minnow or waxworm is a reliable, simple rig for all skill levels.
Summer afternoons often mean tougher bites in bright sun. In rivers, downsize jigs and target shaded undercut banks or the deeper slots behind wing dams. On lakes, fish early and late, or work deeper mid‑lake structure like humps and rock piles with Lindy rigs and bottom bouncers for walleyes. Trolling crankbaits that run 8–15 feet over basin edges can also connect with roaming fish and suspended crappies.
Fall refocuses action on walleyes, pike, and big crappies. As water cools, fish slide shallower again. In rivers, slowly drag jigs tipped with minnows along the bottom, especially near the first deep hole below riffles and dams. On area lakes, concentrate on steep breaks close to remaining green weeds. Vertical jigging or slow‑trolling live bait along these edges often produces some of the heaviest fish of the year.
Winter brings a busy ice fishing scene to Mankato’s lakes. Early ice panfish concentrate in and near the last green weeds, then gradually move to basin holes and soft‑bottom flats. Use small tungsten jigs with plastics or spikes, and watch your electronics for suspended crappies riding several feet off bottom. Extremely light line—2–4 lb fluorocarbon—and subtle jigging strokes dramatically increase bites in clear, cold water.
Across seasons, success in the Mankato area comes down to reading current and structure, matching presentation to water clarity, and staying mobile. With rivers and lakes only minutes apart, anglers can pivot quickly between patterns, making Mankato one of southern Minnesota’s most versatile fishing hubs.
Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Mankato area
Beaches and Bays are ideal places for land-based fishing. If the beach is shallow and the water is clear then twilight times are usually the best times, especially when they coincide with a major or minor fishing time. Often the points on either side of a beach are the best spots. Or if the beach is large then look for irregularities in the breaking waves, indicating sandbanks and holes. We found 3 beaches and bays in this area.
Wiwi Bay - 20.98668038043km , Swedes Bay - 21.92358167475km , Johnson Bay - 22.07462438369km
We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Mankato. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.
Blue Earth River - 2.29004649138km , Hiniker Pond - 3.08794515546km , Kearney Pond - 3.34024007266km , Lake Dorothy - 4.24757027111km , Le Sueur River - 4.7448929458km , Minneopa Creek - 5.57553402294km , Maple River - 8.00062358096km , Cobb River - 9.09050066449km , Rush Lake - 10.32627791518km , Eagle Lake Dam - 10.53796603763km , Rapidan Dam - 10.9295692056km , Mennenga Lake - 11.40836897439km , Wita Lake - 11.49817176663km , Albert Lake - 11.68245715704km , Wells Creek - 13.54102152834km , Watonwan River - 13.61703238028km , Gilfillin Lake - 13.65419136542km , Mills Lake - 13.91237629952km , Lake Plaza - 14.27399579589km , Ballantyne Lake - 15.06582612305km , McGibneys Lake - 15.81724256159km , Swan Lake Outlet - 16.12624943403km , Shanaska Creek - 16.20617094257km , Lake Crystal - 16.46164204406km , Dog Creek - 16.51100507853km , Oakleaf Lake - 16.55452463593km , State Hospital Pond Dam - 16.64023661704km , Indian Lake - 18.48636501082km , Born Lake - 19.08357109966km , Middle Lake Dam - 19.69342276857km , Little Cobb River - 19.86797039906km , Perch Lake Dam - 20.77201964844km , Wiwi Bay - 20.98668038043km , Pauls Creek - 21.42101181278km , Sibert Lake - 21.54692503889km , Lilly Lake - 21.57834993513km , Savidge Lake - 21.81567213521km , Swedes Bay - 21.92358167475km , Goldsmith Lake - 22.03079497774km , Johnson Bay - 22.07462438369km
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