Benfield Lake, Minnesota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Benfield Lake lies in Carlton County, in Minnesota. It lies 1,129 feet above sea level. Small at around 23 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. The nearest town is Moose Lake, 9.7 miles away. Beyond it, Carlton at 12 miles and Cloquet at 14 miles. Near neighbours: 0.7 miles away is Munson Lake, Crystal Lake 0.9 miles, 1.9 miles away is Hizer Lake Twentynine 2.2 miles and 2.4 miles away is Sandy Lake. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Benfield Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Survey and observation records for Carlton County include bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and largemouth bass. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Benfield Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 67°F and January near 8°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Benfield Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Munson Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the current arrangement for Benfield Lake.