Fishing at East Crooked Lake, Hubbard County, Minnesota

• Overview

  In Minnesota, East Crooked Lake belongs to Hubbard County. Land around it is lake country bush. At some 360 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. Shoreline length is close to 3.7 miles, and each section fishes a little differently. Size puts it in the front rank of our Hubbard County list. The closest town, Park Rapids, is 13 miles away. Further out sit Menahga (23 miles) and Bemidji (31 miles). The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on East Crooked Lake

  Published depth figures reach 110 feet at the lowest point. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Public occurrence data for Hubbard County names walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The shape of East Crooked Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 5°F and July at about 67°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from mid April. The season between ice runs from about mid April to mid November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. East Crooked Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. For a change of water, Crooked Lake is 1.3 miles distant. For East Crooked Lake in particular, ask before you travel.