Fishing First Lake in Pine County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Minnesota holds First Lake, in Pine County. The surroundings are rolling bush. Around 81 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The bank runs about 1.5 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. It is among the larger waters listed here for Pine County. Start from Moose Lake, 10 miles down the road. Minneapolis is the closest city, 94 miles away. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on First Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Records held for Pine County cover northern pike, bluegill and largemouth bass. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. At First Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 68°F on average, January about 8°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Break-up comes around mid April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Ice clears near mid April and comes back about late November in a typical year. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. First Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Second Lake sits 0.8 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat First Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.