Fishing at Hunter Lake, Crow Wing County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Hunter Lake sits in Crow Wing County, out in Minnesota. This is mixed forest ground. Small at around 19 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is a small entry by Crow Wing County standards. Nearest town is Crosby, 4.3 miles off. Crosslake is 10 miles away, with Breezy Point at 11 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Hunter Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Across Crow Wing County, recorded fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, northern pike and pumpkinseed. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Fish Hunter Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 7°F to 69°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly late November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. The season on Hunter Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. For a change of water, Island Lake is 0.9 miles distant. Check the current arrangement for Hunter Lake.