Gilfillan Lake, Minnesota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Gilfillan Lake lies in Ramsey County, in Minnesota. It sits in lake country bush. Surface area is around 105 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. The full circuit measures close to 1.8 miles on foot. Ground here is low by Minnesota standards. The closest town, North Oaks, is 1.3 miles distant. Vadnais Heights is 1.9 miles and Shoreview 3.3 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Gilfillan Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name bluegill, common carp and black crappie. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. The near bank of Gilfillan Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 72°F and January near 12°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Once it clears, about early April, the fishing comes on quickly. Open water usually runs from early April until about early December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Expect Gilfillan Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Mapping shows a jetty some 0.9 miles off. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Black Lake at 1.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing on Gilfillan Lake should be assumed from this page alone.