Gerdin Lake in Polk County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Gerdin Lake is listed under Polk County, Minnesota. Lake country bush runs right down to the water. At about 31 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Head to Fosston, 11 miles away, for anything you forgot. Red Lake Falls is 21 miles away, with Mahnomen at 25 miles. Nearby alternatives: Clausen Lake 1 mile, 1 mile away is Oak Lake, Oppegaard Lake 2 miles, 2.1 miles away is Bubak Lake and Schelicher Lake 2.2 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Gerdin Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Polk County include yellow perch, brown bullhead, white sucker, northern pike and black bullhead. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Anyone new to Gerdin Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 68°F on average, January about 4°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from mid April. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near mid November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Plan around that when you fish Gerdin Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Pike mean a wire trace, no exceptions; big spoons and jerkbaits do the searching. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Clausen Lake, 1 mile out. Nothing here settles the position at Gerdin Lake for certain.