Fishing at Lilly Lake, Waseca County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Waseca County, Minnesota, is where Lilly Lake sits. Elevation runs to 1,010 feet. It runs to roughly 38 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Our Waseca County list holds plenty of bigger water. The closest town, Janesville, is 4 miles distant. It is 61 miles to Minneapolis, the nearest city. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Lilly Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Records held for Waseca County cover largemouth bass, bluegill and black bullhead. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Work Lilly Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 72°F in July and bottoms out near 11°F in January. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early April until roughly early December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Lilly Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Rice Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at Lilly Lake carry more weight than any list.