Dam Lake, Minnesota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Aitkin County, Minnesota, this is Dam Lake. The bank is 1,214 feet above sea level. The water covers around 588 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Around 4.0 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. Few waters listed in Aitkin County are bigger. Aitkin lies 12 miles from the water. Minneapolis is the closest city, 106 miles away. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Dam Lake

  The basin has been measured to about 54 feet. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Reported across Aitkin County: northern pike, bluegill and yellow perch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Read Dam Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 67°F, with January the cold end at about 6°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. At Dam Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. You can launch: the ramp is half a mile away. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. For a change of water, Lily Lake is 1.1 miles distant. Check the current arrangement for Dam Lake.