East Lake Impoundment Fishing in Itasca County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Minnesota holds East Lake Impoundment, in Itasca County. Elevation runs to 1,368 feet. This is a pocket water of some 11 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. It is a small entry by Itasca County standards. Cohasset lies 30 miles from the water. Coleraine follows at 33 miles, then Grand Rapids at 33 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on East Lake Impoundment

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Fish documented in Itasca County include yellow perch, largemouth bass and northern pike. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. At East Lake Impoundment light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 4°F in January and 66°F in July. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly mid November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. At East Lake Impoundment the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Border Impoundment, 0.5 miles away. Ask locally about East Lake Impoundment if anything is unclear.