Fishing at Hjermstad Slough, Murray County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Within Murray County, Minnesota, you have Hjermstad Slough. Elevation runs to 1,650 feet. It measures about 68 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. About 2.1 miles of bank, so nothing stays unexplored for long. On size it sits at the modest end of our Murray County list. Tyler is the closest place, 11 miles off. The nearest city of size is Sioux Falls, 58 miles away. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Hjermstad Slough

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Survey and observation records for Murray County include common carp, walleye, black bullhead and yellow perch. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The shape of Hjermstad Slough rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 71°F on average, January about 12°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. Expect the water usable from around early April until roughly late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. It holds true on Hjermstad Slough more years than not.

• 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. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Hjermstad Lake at 1.5 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position on Hjermstad Slough before loading the car.