McGibneys Lake near Nicollet: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  McGibneys Lake is a Blue Earth County water, in Minnesota. The country here is pine and birch. At roughly 11 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Most waters listed here for Blue Earth County are larger. Nicollet lies 5.4 miles from the water. Minneapolis sits 71 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on McGibneys Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Blue Earth County records list common carp, bluegill, yellow perch and black bullhead among the fish reported. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. McGibneys Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 72°F and January at 12°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early April and starts locking again about early December. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. It sets the rhythm of the year at McGibneys Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Horseshoe Lake sits 1.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Where McGibneys Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.