Clark Lake, Minnesota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Within Scott County, Minnesota, you have Clark Lake. Beyond the shoreline you have lake country bush. It runs to roughly 120 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. It is low-lying compared with other Minnesota water we list. Belle Plaine sits 4.7 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Minneapolis is the closest city, 40 miles away. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Clark Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie, pumpkinseed and common carp. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Clark Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 11°F to 71°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about late November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. It holds true on Clark Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Failing this one, try Thomas Lake, 6.2 miles away. Where Clark Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.