Fishing at Fish Lake, Martin County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Fish Lake belongs to Martin County, Minnesota. The bank gives way to lake country bush. At about 123 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. The closest town, Sherburn, is 8.5 miles away. After that come Estherville at 13 miles and Fairmont at 13 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water. The character changes with the season more than with the year.

• Where to Fish on Fish Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. County-wide records name common carp, yellow perch, black bullhead, black crappie and walleye. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Fish Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 72°F, while January sits near 13°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. From about early April to around early December, expect open water on the long-run figures. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. That is the shape of the year on Fish Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Walleye come to jigs worked slow near bottom, and to trolled crankbaits along the drops at dusk. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Susan Lake at 0.9 miles is the sensible second choice. Rules at Fish Lake are worth checking on the day.