David Lake Fishing near Ely, Minnesota

• Overview

  David Lake falls in Saint Louis County, part of Minnesota. Pine and birch runs right down to the water. At some 749 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The perimeter runs near 8.0 miles, so plan the walk before you start. It ranks high for size among our Saint Louis County listings. Some 41 miles away sits Ely, the nearest settlement. Atikokan follows at 43 miles, then Fort Frances at 49 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on David Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Across Saint Louis County, recorded fish include yellow perch, northern pike, white sucker and rainbow trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish David Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 66°F in July and bottoms out near 4°F in January. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late April until roughly mid November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Time your trip to David Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Clearwater Bay is 2.3 miles off. Nothing on David Lake should be assumed from this page alone.