Fishing at Hole-in-Bog Lake, Cass County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Set in Cass County, Hole-in-Bog Lake is a Minnesota water. It sits at 1,302 feet above sea level. With some 76 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The full circuit measures close to 1.2 miles on foot. Cohasset sits 29 miles from the bank. For a city, Fargo is 124 miles off. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Hole-in-Bog Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. County-wide records name largemouth bass, yellow perch and bluegill. The county list is broader than any single water. Read Hole-in-Bog Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 67°F and January at 5°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It holds true on Hole-in-Bog Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Hole-in-Bog Lake Peatland SNA takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Blacksmith Lake at 3.5 miles is the sensible second choice. What applies at Hole-in-Bog Lake may have changed since it was mapped.