Fishing at Mud Lake, Hennepin County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Look for Mud Lake in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The surface lies 945 feet up. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Most waters listed here for Hennepin County are larger. 0.2 miles away sits Excelsior, the nearest town. It is 16 miles to Minneapolis, the nearest city. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Mud Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records held for Hennepin County cover bluegill, common carp and largemouth bass. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. At Mud Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 72°F on average, January about 12°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Once it clears, about early April, the fishing comes on quickly. In an average year the thaw lands around early April and the freeze near early December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Mud Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. Minnetonka Marine Excelsior Bay Docks sits half a mile away and handles boats. Parking within 90 yards means no long carry with tackle. There is a jetty half a mile off, worth knowing on a busy day. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Galpin Lake, 0.2 miles away. For Mud Lake in particular, ask before you travel.