Gilmore Lake, Minnesota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Hubbard County end of Minnesota holds Gilmore Lake. This is rolling bush country. With some 90 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Around 1.5 miles of margin, front to back. 8.3 miles away sits Park Rapids, the nearest town. After that come Menahga at 19 miles and Bemidji at 32 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Gilmore Lake

  The basin drops to a measured 62 feet. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Across Hubbard County, recorded fish include walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Work Gilmore Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 67°F in July and bottoms out near 4°F in January. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. At Gilmore Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Dead Horse Lake is 0.4 miles off. Confirm before you fish Gilmore Lake.