Fishing at Bowstring Lake, Itasca County, Minnesota

• Overview

  The Itasca County end of Minnesota holds Bowstring Lake. Elevation runs to 1,312 feet. At roughly 14.8 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. It is the biggest water on our Itasca County list. The town to know is Cohasset, 23 miles out. Further out sit Grand Rapids (27 miles) and Coleraine (28 miles). One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Bowstring Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Species logged across Itasca County include yellow perch, largemouth bass, northern pike and bluegill. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Bowstring Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 67°F and January about 4°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Time your trip to Bowstring Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Elbow Lake, 3 miles away. For Bowstring Lake in particular, ask before you travel.