Durgin Slough Fishing in Sherburne County, Minnesota

• Overview

  In Minnesota, Durgin Slough falls inside Sherburne County. The surface lies 971 feet up. Around 92 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. You are looking at roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline, with plenty of water between access points. Ground here is low by Minnesota standards. The closest town, Becker, is 8.1 miles away. The nearest city of size is Minneapolis, 42 miles away. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Durgin Slough

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Sherburne County include bluegill, northern pike, largemouth bass and black crappie. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The shape of Durgin Slough rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 10°F in January to roughly 71°F in July. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. In an average year the thaw lands around early April and the freeze near late November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Plan any trip to Durgin Slough around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Nothing formal is recorded here: no ramp, no car park, no marked path. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Should this one be busy, Johnson Slough is 0.4 miles off. Check the position at Durgin Slough before loading the car.