Jenstad Lake in Grant County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Within Grant County, Minnesota, you have Jenstad Lake. Lake country bush runs right down to the water. Around 31 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Most waters listed here for Grant County are larger. The nearest town is Elbow Lake, 9.8 miles away. For a city, Fargo is 81 miles off. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Jenstad Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Fish documented in Grant County include common carp, largemouth bass, walleye and bluegill. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Fish Jenstad Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 70°F on average, January about 8°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid April. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. On Jenstad Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Elk Lake at 0.3 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Jenstad Lake carry more weight than any list.