Barter Lake in Lake County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Look for Barter Lake in the Lake County part of Minnesota. What surrounds it is rolling bush. Small at around 9 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. On size it sits at the modest end of our Lake County list. Nearest town is Ely, 37 miles off. After that come Grand Marais at 43 miles and Babbitt at 46 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Barter Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Reported across Lake County: white sucker, yellow perch and northern pike. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Work Barter Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 4°F in January up to 64°F in July. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late April. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about mid November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. That is the shape of the year on Barter Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. A campsite lies 130 yards away for anyone staying over. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Calico Lake at 0.2 miles is the sensible second choice. For Barter Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.