Florence Lake Fishing in Isanti County, Minnesota

• Overview

  The Isanti County entry here is Florence Lake, in Minnesota. The bank is 932 feet above sea level. Around 134 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Bank access stretches around 2.0 miles in total. Ground here is low by Minnesota standards. The nearest town is Cambridge, 2.2 miles away. Further out sit Isanti (3.7 miles) and North Branch (12 miles). It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Florence Lake

  The deepest measured water here is close to 29 feet. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. County-wide records name largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Florence Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 70°F and January near 10°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early April. Averages place the thaw at early April and the freeze at late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Florence Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Elms Lake at 0.5 miles is the nearest alternative. Where Florence Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.