In the spring of 2001, following deadly low oxygen levels of the previous winter, Lake Hanska was restocked with northern pike, bluegills, black crappies, walleyes and channel catfish. It appears that all species are doing quite well and the lake is often mentioned in local angling reports. For more information, contact the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce at (507) 233-4300.

ST. JAMES LAKE
Since being reclaimed in 2001, this Watonwan County lake has emerged as an excellent little fishery. The pike aren't huge and probably never will be, but they are respectable and still growing. Located in the city of St. James, the 250-acre lake and has been dredged to a depth of about 15 feet.

Although St. James Lake lacks most of the components required to produce truly trophy pike, it appears that they have a tendency to grow fairly fast here. The lake was stocked with 110 adult northerns in 2003 and nearly 3,000 fingerlings in 2006. During the summer of 2007, test nets determined that some of the northern pike in St. James Lake were approaching 30 inches. The fish that were sampled averaged more than 5 pounds in the trap nets, and 3 1/2 pounds in gill nets. Fish were recorded in every length category, an indication that some natural reproduction is occurring. The entire population was reported to be healthy.

The eventual size that adult northern pike are able to reach is likely limited by several factors in this small lake. With the exception of catch-and-release, most of them are beyond our control. Although a 20-pound fish may never be caught here, St. James Lake appears capable of putting a few flags in the air this winter and in the future. It is a lake on the rise. Contact the St. James Chamber of Commerce at (507) 375-3333 for more information.

GERMAN LAKE
Located in Le Sueur County north of the city of Elysian, German Lake is one of the deepest lakes in southern Minnesota. A maximum depth of 50 feet can be found in this 900-acre lake, with numerous pockets that are greater than 30 feet. Access to the lake is available along County Highway 11 in the northeast and County Highway 13 to the west.

German Lake consistently maintains an above-average number of northern pike and has a history of producing some very large fish. Anglers can expect to catch pike in a broad size range at German Lake. In addition to an ample area that is suitable for natural reproduction, this lake is directly connected with Lake Jefferson, another fishery that is highly respected by local pike anglers.

It would be a good idea to look at a map of the lake before tackling it. It has very irregular bottom contour and various forms of structure. Many anglers focus their attention on a submerged bar that extends into the center of the lake from near the northern access. At the point of the bar the water drops sharply into deep holes on both sides. The western portion of the lake is fairly shallow and weedy. Tip-ups may produce results here, especially near the confluence with Lake Jefferson.

The structure, size and depth of German Lake provide a good environment for several species. The panfish bite is good here, although anglers often complain about the size of the fish. Walleyes are also available in a variety of sizes. For more information about German Lake, contact the Elysian Tourism Center at (800) 507-7787.

For maps and more information regarding all of the lakes mentioned in this article, contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at (800) 657-3757 or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us.