First Lake, Minnesota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  You will find First Lake in Wright County, Minnesota. It sits in lake country bush country. It covers about 17 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Wright County are larger. The closest town, Monticello, is 2.1 miles distant. Minneapolis is the closest city, 35 miles away. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on First Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Wright County records list largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch and common carp among the fish reported. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Work First Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 71°F, with January the cold end at about 11°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. Expect the water usable from around early April until roughly late November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. At First Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. There is camping recorded roughly half a mile off. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Mud Lake is 0.3 miles off. Treat access at First Lake as something to verify.