Home Lake in Saint Louis County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Home Lake is a Saint Louis County water, in Minnesota. Mixed forest runs right down to the water. The water covers some 85 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. There is roughly 1.6 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. The town to know is Ely, 15 miles out. Further out sit Babbitt (28 miles) and Hoyt Lakes (43 miles). There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Home Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Fish documented in Saint Louis County include yellow perch, northern pike and white sucker. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Home Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 3°F in January to roughly 65°F in July. Winter shuts the surface down for months. After late April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late April until roughly mid November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Home Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Whisky Jack Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. For Home Lake in particular, ask before you travel.