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

• Overview

  Birl Lake is set in Lake County, Minnesota. It sits at 1,624 feet above sea level. It covers about 18 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It sits higher than most water we list in Minnesota. Ely lies 37 miles from the water. Further out sit Grand Marais (38 miles) and Babbitt (45 miles). This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Birl Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Survey and observation records for Lake County include white sucker, yellow perch and northern pike. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Birl Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 4°F to 64°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late April. Open water usually runs from late April until about mid November. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Birl Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. A camping area sits within half a mile of here. 3 runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Churn Lake at 0.2 miles is the sensible second choice. Rules at Birl Lake are worth checking on the day.