Preston Lake Fishing Guide, Renville County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Preston Lake lies within the bounds of Renville County, Minnesota. It lies 1,033 feet above sea level. It measures some 654 acres, and wind has room to build across it. The edge covers about 4.4 miles, enough to hold several distinct areas. Some 9.1 miles away sits Hector, the nearest settlement. Hutchinson is 11 miles away, with Winthrop at 19 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Preston Lake

  Survey data gives a maximum of roughly 11 feet. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Renville County records list common carp, walleye, channel catfish and white sucker among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Preston Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 72°F and January near 11°F on the long-run figures. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. The lid usually goes in early April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Plan around that when you fish Preston Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Lake Allie sits 1.7 miles off and takes the overflow. Rules at Preston Lake are worth checking on the day.