Big Jack Lake near Cohasset: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Out in Itasca County, Minnesota, sits Big Jack Lake. Height above sea level is 1,394 feet. With some 25 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. For supplies, Cohasset is 18 miles out. Coleraine follows at 18 miles, then Grand Rapids at 20 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge. If you have heard of anything round here it will be East Smith Lake, 1 mile off.

• Where to Fish on Big Jack Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Public occurrence data for Itasca County names yellow perch, largemouth bass, northern pike and bluegill. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Read Big Jack Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 67°F and January reads 4°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Ice-out usually falls in mid April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near late November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. On Big Jack Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Northome Lake sits 0.5 miles off and takes the overflow. Nothing on Big Jack Lake should be assumed from this page alone.