Burgen Lake in Wadena County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Burgen Lake sits within Wadena County in Minnesota. Country round the bank runs to lake country bush. It measures about 34 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Around 1.0 miles of margin, front to back. Most waters listed here for Wadena County are larger. Menahga lies 11 miles from the water. Park Rapids follows at 16 miles, then Wadena at 23 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Burgen Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Fish documented in Wadena County include black crappie, northern pike, largemouth bass and walleye. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Burgen Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 68°F; the cold one sits at 5°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Break-up comes around mid April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Break-up sits around mid April on average, with the water closing again about late November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. That shapes the year on Burgen Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Finn Lake sits 4.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat Burgen Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.