Crooked Lake Fishing near Fosston, Minnesota

• Overview

  Crooked Lake lies in Norman County, Minnesota. The ground round it is lake country bush. It measures about 67 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The form is near circular, and the shelter is limited when it blows. The nearest town is Fosston, 16 miles away. Further out sit Mahnomen (19 miles) and Red Lake Falls (23 miles). The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Crooked Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Survey and observation records for Norman County include johnny darter, common carp, brown bullhead, white sucker and blackside darter. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. At Crooked Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 69°F, while January sits near 4°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Look for the thaw near mid April; the fishing lifts straight after. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at mid November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. It holds true on Crooked Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. There is a launch about 0.9 miles from the bank. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Maltrud Lake sits 1.1 miles off and takes the overflow. Nothing here settles the position at Crooked Lake for certain.