Fishing at Davenport Lake, Stearns County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Minnesota holds Davenport Lake, in Stearns County. Beyond the shoreline you have pine and birch. It covers about 2 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Stearns County. Some 0.7 miles away sits Sartell, the nearest settlement. Beyond it, Sauk Rapids at 2.9 miles and Waite Park at 4 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Davenport Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Stearns County, recorded fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, walleye and black crappie. The county list is broader than any single water. On Davenport Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 10°F in January and 71°F in July. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Winter locks it down, and early April brings it back. On average, early April opens the water and late November closes it again. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Time your trip to Davenport Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Bakers Lake, 2.4 miles away. Nothing on Davenport Lake should be assumed from this page alone.