Donut Lake Fishing near Crosslake, Minnesota

• Overview

  Out in Cass County, Minnesota, sits Donut Lake. It lies 1,319 feet above sea level. With some 35 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Start from Crosslake, 15 miles down the road. For a city, Fargo is 132 miles off. Close by you also have: Marion Lake 0.5 miles away, 0.5 miles away is Margaret Lake, Mule Lake 0.6 miles away, 0.8 miles away is Snake Lake and Washburn Lake 1.1 miles away. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Donut Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Survey and observation records for Cass County include largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Take Donut Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 68°F and January near 6°F on the long-run figures. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. Climate averages put the opening at about mid April and the closing near late November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. The season on Donut Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Marion Lake at 0.5 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Donut Lake before loading the car.