Fishing at Mann Lake, Washington County, Minnesota

• Overview

  The Washington County end of Minnesota holds Mann Lake. It stands 951 feet above sea level. At about 79 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Bank access stretches around 1.6 miles in total. Ground here is low by Minnesota standards. Nearest town is Grant, 2.3 miles off. Dellwood is 2.6 miles away, with Mahtomedi at 3.2 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Mann Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Records held for Washington County cover bluegill, largemouth bass, brown trout, northern pike and black crappie. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Mann Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 72°F, while January sits near 12°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. The lid usually goes in early April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. On average, early April opens the water and late November closes it again. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Time your trip to Mann Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Should this one be busy, Round Lake is 0.8 miles off. Check the position at Mann Lake before loading the car.