Fishing at Buckhorn Lake, Morrison County, Minnesota

• Overview

  In Minnesota, Buckhorn Lake falls inside Morrison County. Height above sea level is 1,299 feet. Around 25 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Long Prairie at 14 miles is the nearest place to stop. Further out sit Staples (16 miles) and Little Falls (20 miles). Within easy reach: Big Lake 1.2 miles off, Loon Lake roughly 1.2 miles, D Stoerzinger Pond 1.4 miles off, Pine Island Lake roughly 1.6 miles and Rice Lake 1.7 miles off. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Buckhorn Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Survey and observation records for Morrison County include largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, black crappie and yellow perch. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Buckhorn Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 69°F at the top of summer and 8°F at the bottom of winter. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to late November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Buckhorn Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Big Lake is 1.2 miles off. Rules at Buckhorn Lake are worth checking on the day.