Fishing Jacks Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Jacks Lake falls in Crow Wing County, part of Minnesota. Beyond the shoreline you have rolling bush. With some 28 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Baxter lies 3.4 miles from the water. East Gull Lake follows at 3.9 miles, then Brainerd at 4.4 miles. Others close at hand: Carlson Lake 0.9 miles, Red Sand Lake a touch under 1.2 miles, Wise Lake 1.3 miles, Mud Lake a touch under 1.4 miles and Mud Lake 1.7 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Jacks Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Crow Wing County records list largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and northern pike among the fish reported. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Treat Jacks Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 70°F and January at 8°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly late November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Expect Jacks Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. There is a slipway on the shore, half a mile from the water we list. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Carlson Lake at 0.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat Jacks Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.