Fishing at Black Mallard Lake, Saint Louis County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Look for Black Mallard Lake in the Saint Louis County part of Minnesota. Elevation runs to 1,670 feet. It measures about 44 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Compared with other Minnesota water on our list, it sits high. The nearest place of any size is Hoyt Lakes, 13 miles away. The big place round here is Thunder Bay, 135 miles distant. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Black Mallard Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Species logged across Saint Louis County include yellow perch, northern pike, white sucker and rainbow trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Black Mallard Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 64°F; the cold one sits at 4°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late April. The lid tends to go about late April and return around mid November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Anyone fishing Black Mallard Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. 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. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Stone Lake is 1.2 miles distant. The position on Black Mallard Lake is worth confirming on the day.