Flora Lake Fishing near Hawley, Minnesota

• Overview

  Flora Lake is set in Clay County, Minnesota. Elevation runs to 1,224 feet. At about 50 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. For a base, Hawley sits 7.3 miles out. Glyndon is 17 miles and Detroit Lakes 22 miles. Also within reach: Swede Grove Lake 2.2 miles off, 2.7 miles away is Solwald Lake, Melbye Lake 3 miles off, 3.2 miles away is Rustad Lake and Anderson Lake 3.2 miles off. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Flora Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Survey and observation records for Clay County include bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie, northern pike and largemouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Work Flora Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 69°F for July and 5°F for January. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. The water is typically free of ice between mid April and late November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Flora Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. This sits inside Flora Lake WPA, so read the reserve notices first. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Should this one be busy, Swede Grove Lake is 2.2 miles off. For Flora Lake in particular, ask before you travel.