Any ‘Eyes in Albert Lea Lake?

I was wondering where would be a good place to go for the opener that is close to Austin as that is where I will be for the opener. I was reading about Albert Lea lake but is that really only 5 feet deep Max?Just wondering KD

Anchor Man fishs there once in a while…it would not be my first choice of lakes….but there are few eye lakes in that area that would be on my top ten list.

I’ll see if I can track down Anchor Man for you.

Albert lea has some good walleye fishing. Early in the season is better. I would try right below the dam by the china restarant. Jigs w/ringworms or twistertails, hook sinker and leech is hard to beat. Just keep it simple and you should be able to get some fish. Fish on west side as its closer to the water and seem to told more fish. I wont be there for opener as I will be at Mille lacs but you can bet I will be there monday after work. Good luck
Wallster ><((((>

Thanx Guys,I was also considering Lura Lake but if I am going that far I might as well go to Pepin.KD

I live in Austin and have spent the last 6 years on Pepin for opener. Better fishing, fewer boats, get out the cranks and do some trolling and have a great day

Will see ya over on Pepin as well sir

I’m actually getting set to air a story on the opener later this week on KAAL-TV. The DNR fisheries people I’ve talked to are all recommending Albert Lea Lake for the best walleye fishing in southern MN right now. There was a winter fishkill a few years back and the DNR has done an amazing job restocking the fish. Last year’s survey showed there are many, many 18-inch fish ready to be caught.
It’s probably best-known for shore fishing, but you can certainly use the boat. The best spot is the channel from Fountain Lake into Albert Lea Lake. It has good depth and current. It will probably be a zoo on Saturday morning though! If you have any other questions, just let me know.

Keep us posted on air time on KAAL . I would like to see that .

Jason when are you heading over that way I was thinkin about going over this Saturday and was going to say I could cover some water for ya if needed. Let me know if ya need anything sir

I do not know where I had heard this, but I was told Albert Lea was a dead lake. It is a nice looking lake, but always drove past it. Maybe that was the idea of the rumor. Just curious if there was ever any truth to this.

It froze out 5+ years ago I believe and it was completly restocked and fished it 3 times last year and never got the goose egg so it is a pretty fun lake TONS of crappies gotta sort through them and quite a few pike and catfish to entertain as well.

What are the depths of the lake like?

4-feet average in the main lake, but up to 15 feet in the channel, where it was dredged years ago. According to the DNR, depth doesn’t seem to matter. The fisheries guy I interviewed said they found many walleyes in their nets all over the lake last year.

I’m probably gonna get the bass boat out for some ‘eye fishing as well! Should be lots of fun saturday!

Jason how is the ramp and parkin over there in the summer I can not recall

Not bad. Two concrete ramps with parking for about 30 rigs.

It looks like I am not taking my boat,where is the best place to shore fish with waders and with a group to possibly picnic?Slip bobber prsentation? Leeches,nightcrawlers??

Fantastic shore fishing right near the landing at Frank Hall Park. It’s at the channel near the mouth of the lake, also a fishing pier.

Here’s the story I ran this morning on KAAL-TV6.
Albert Lea Lake Makes a Comeback