St. Paul's Lake Phalen: Panfish Paradise

Spoon Lake and Keller Lake are great spots for panfish in St. Paul. Located near the intersection of Larpenteur Ave and Hwy 61, Lake Phalen is another excellent shore fishing lake with 4 miles of fishable shoreline. The lake usually has good fishing for walleyes and sunfish all season long.

Lake Phalen in St. Paul has good panfish

Lake Phalen in St. Paul is an excellent location for shore fishing, with 4 miles of fishable shoreline. The lake is known for its good fishing conditions for panfish, including sunfish, bluegill, and crappie. Located near the intersection of Larpenteur Ave and Hwy 61, Lake Phalen offers convenient access for anglers. The lake is surrounded by a mowed grass shoreline, with the added feature of a pier, making it wheelchair accessible.

Lake Phalen stands out as a prime destination for anglers seeking a diverse range of panfish species. The lake is home to a healthy population of sunfish, providing consistent fishing opportunities throughout the season. Sunfish are known for their year-round availability, making Lake Phalen a reliable choice regardless of the season. This is especially appealing for anglers who enjoy the challenge of targeting a specific species or those new to ice fishing during the colder months.

In addition to sunfish, Lake Phalen also boasts impressive populations of bluegill and crappie. Bluegill, a member of the sunfish family, is abundant in the lake, offering anglers an opportunity to target a similar species with distinct features. Crappie, on the other hand, thrive in Lake Phalen's environment, providing anglers with an additional panfish option. The presence of these three species in good sizes makes Lake Phalen a desirable fishing spot for those seeking variety in their panfish catches.

The accessibility of Lake Phalen further enhances its appeal to anglers. The lake is conveniently located within St. Paul, making it easily reachable for residents and visitors alike. The nearby intersection of Larpenteur Ave and Hwy 61 ensures convenient access by car, and the MTC bus route 64 passes within a few blocks of the lake, providing an alternative transportation option. This ease of access is particularly advantageous for those without a car or those visiting the area.

Lake Phalen, situated in St. Paul, offers anglers an excellent opportunity to engage in panfish fishing. With its diverse range of panfish species, including sunfish, bluegill, and crappie, anglers can expect good-sized catches throughout the season. The lake's convenient location, wheelchair accessibility, and surrounding amenities contribute to a pleasant fishing experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, Lake Phalen is worth considering for your next fishing excursion.

Mississippi River for shore fishing

Shore fishing on the Mississippi River is a great option for anglers of all skill levels. The river passes through 10 states and is home to over a hundred fish species, so there's something for everyone. Here are some tips and locations for shore fishing on the Mississippi River, specifically in the St. Paul area:

Locations for Shore Fishing on the Mississippi River in St. Paul

• Hidden Falls Park (North): This city-owned site has considerable shoreline available for shore anglers. Ambitious anglers can walk upstream almost to the Ford Dam, but be aware of the considerable current at some locations.
• Hidden Falls Park (South): Anglers often fish under and on both sides of the Fort Road bridge, which is located off East River Road just north of Fort Road. This area is directly across the river from Fort Snelling.
• Fort Snelling State Park: A popular spot for shore fishing is located directly below the historic fort. Anglers can park in the lot for the historic site and walk down the bike path to reach the river.
• Watergate Marina: Anglers can park in the lot adjacent to the marina store for free and walk down the bike path to a backwater area upstream of the marina complex. Shore fishing is also available in the river adjacent to the marina complex.
• Crosby Farm Park: Continue past Watergate Marina to the parking area at the end of the road. Anglers will need to hike down trails to reach the river. There is another entrance to this area just south of the intersection of Shepard Road and Elway Street.
• Lilydale Park: Lilydale Park has considerable shoreline, but fishing from the shore is limited by available parking, overhanging trees, and debris in the river. The park is located along Lilydale Road between I-35E and Harriet Island Park on the west side of St. Paul.
• Harriet Island Park: This park, located across the Wabasha Bridge from downtown St. Paul, features a city pier and additional public shoreline for shore fishing.
• Lower Landing: Located along Warner Road between downtown St. Paul and Child's Road, this area offers shoreline fishing, but it is limited by barges parked along the shore.
• South St. Paul Access: There is an area adjacent to the boat ramp for anglers to fish from the shore.
• Lions Park (St. Paul Park): A footbridge connects the boat launching lot to an island with picnic tables and public shoreline where anglers can fish.
• River Road (Inver Grove): There is city-owned shoreline south of 77th Street, where the main channel comes close to the shore, providing a good area for shore fishing.
• Grey Cloud Island: A popular site with several areas to fish, including both sides of Grey Cloud Island Drive at the outlet to Mooers Lake and both sides of the Grey Cloud Trail bridge over Grey Cloud Slough.

Tips for Shore Fishing on the Mississippi River

When shore fishing on the Mississippi River, keep the following tips in mind:

• The Mississippi River has something for everyone, from novice anglers looking to hone their skills to seasoned fishermen seeking a challenge.
• The river is home to various fish species, including Catfish (Channel, Flathead, and Blue), Walleye, Sauger, Bass (Smallmouth, Largemouth, and White), Crappie, and more.
• The best spots and techniques for shore fishing can vary depending on the location and the type of fish you're targeting.
• The upper section of the river, including Minnesota, offers fantastic Walleye and Sauger opportunities.
• The lower section of the river is teeming with sizeable Catfish, and each species requires different tactics and bait.
• Bass are abundant in the Upper and Middle Mississippi River, and they can be caught in shallow and deep water, near vegetation, or around rocks and other cover throughout the day.
• Local anglers often have tested techniques and types of bait that work best on their part of the river, so don't be afraid to ask for advice.
• Fishing regulations can vary as the Mississippi River flows through multiple states, so make sure to stay informed about the rules in your area.

Pickerel Lake near Mendota Heights

Pickerel Lake, located in Lilydale Regional Park in Lilydale, is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts near Mendota Heights in St. Paul. Pickerel Lake offers shore fishing and non-motorized boat angling opportunities, making it a versatile spot for anglers. The lake is known for its diverse species, including bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, freshwater drum, redhorse, common carp, bowfin, and bullhead.

The lake's connection to the Mississippi River means that various river fish species are commonly caught. However, it's worth noting that the aquatic vegetation can become dense during the summer months, so early-season fishing from the shore is recommended. For watercraft users, the City of St. Paul manages a carry-in boat access site. Pickerel Lake is easily accessible, with no park entrance fee, and it offers a fishing experience away from the highly developed shoreline of other lakes in the area.

While Pickerel Lake is a fantastic option for fishing near Mendota Heights, it's important to note that wheelchair access to the lake is currently poor. Additionally, there is no nearby MTC bus service, so visitors will need to arrange their own transportation. Nevertheless, with its variety of fish species and tranquil setting, Pickerel Lake is a great choice for anglers looking to cast their lines in the St. Paul area.

For those seeking good-sized panfish, Pickerel Lake is worth considering. While it may not be specifically renowned for its panfish, the lake offers a range of species that can provide a rewarding fishing experience. The lake's proximity to Mendota Heights makes it a convenient option for local anglers or those willing to travel for a peaceful fishing spot. Pickerel Lake's natural setting and diverse fish population make it an attractive destination for those seeking a break from the more heavily trafficked lakes in the region.

Cenaiko Lake in Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park

Cenaiko Lake is a man-made lake located within Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, in St. Paul, Minnesota. The lake is adjacent to the Mississippi River and is home to several species of fish, including rainbow trout, hybrid sunfish, and smallmouth bass. The entire shoreline of the lake is suitable for fishing, and the county operates two fishing piers. Cenaiko Lake is a designated trout lake, and fishing is only allowed during the trout season. It is important to note that there is no boat access to the lake.

Cenaiko Lake is the result of the Coon Rapids Dam construction in 1913 by the Northern Mississippi Power Company. The dam system took about a thousand workers just over a year to complete. During this time, a small town emerged on the Anoka County side of the river, featuring barracks, hospitals, fire stations, and dance halls.

The Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park offers a variety of activities for visitors. It is known for its excellent bird watching opportunities and extensive trail system for skiing, snowshoeing, bicycling, and walking. The park also has shore fishing locations on the Mississippi River, and Cenaiko Lake is a popular spot for anglers.

The Minnesota National River and Recreation Area has collaborated with the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department to restore the prairie habitat along the banks of Cenaiko Lake. This restoration project has resulted in the establishment of tallgrass prairie near the shore and mixed and shortgrass prairies in the middle and upper sections of the bank. The diverse prairie ecosystem is maintained through periodic fires and mowing, preventing the invasion of woody species and promoting the growth of native prairie species.

Spoon Lake and Keller Lake

Spoon Lake is a 25-acre lake that provides excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. The lake is home to a healthy population of bluegill, sunfish, and crappie, with some reports of largemouth bass and northern pike as well. The lake has a maximum depth of 12 feet, offering a diverse range of fishing spots to explore. The best spots for panfish are typically along the shoreline, especially around docks and piers, where fish tend to gather in search of food.

Keller Lake, on the other hand, covers 17 acres and has a maximum depth of 10 feet. This lake is known for its abundant panfish population, including bluegill, sunfish, and crappie. Anglers can also find largemouth bass and northern pike in its waters. The best fishing spots in Keller Lake are along the shoreline, particularly in areas with vegetation and near the fishing pier.

Both Spoon Lake and Keller Lake offer convenient access for anglers. Spoon Lake has a fishing pier and a boat launch, allowing anglers to fish from the shore or a boat. Keller Lake also features a fishing pier and provides shore fishing opportunities along its perimeter. Additionally, both lakes are located within parks, offering anglers a pleasant natural setting to enjoy their fishing experience.

When visiting Spoon Lake and Keller Lake, anglers should be mindful of local fishing regulations and acquire the necessary licenses. Both lakes have specific size and bag limits for different fish species, so it is essential to stay informed to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

In conclusion, Spoon Lake and Keller Lake in St. Paul offer excellent opportunities for anglers seeking a variety of panfish species. With healthy populations of bluegill, sunfish, and crappie, as well as the chance to land largemouth bass and northern pike, these lakes provide a fun and productive fishing experience for all skill levels. So, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler, Spoon Lake and Keller Lake are definitely worth a visit!

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