Freeborn Lake Fishing Guide, Freeborn County, Minnesota

• Overview

  The Freeborn County entry here is Freeborn Lake, in Minnesota. The surface lies 1,201 feet up. Surface area runs to roughly 3.1 sq miles, so plan for one area rather than the whole. You are looking at roughly 11 miles of shoreline, with plenty of water between access points. By surface area it heads our Freeborn County listings. For supplies, Wells is 8.1 miles out. Rochester sits 58 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Freeborn Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Fish documented in Freeborn County include common carp, black bullhead, yellow perch and bluegill. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Work Freeborn Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 12°F in January and 72°F in July. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around early April. On average, early April opens the water and early December closes it again. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Plan any trip to Freeborn Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. A launch point is recorded some half a mile off. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Walleye come to jigs worked slow near bottom, and to trolled crankbaits along the drops at dusk. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Penny Lake at 4.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Freeborn Lake carry more weight than any list.