Johnson Lake Fishing near Aitkin, Minnesota

• Overview

  Johnson Lake falls in Aitkin County, part of Minnesota. It stands 1,214 feet above sea level. It covers about 21 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. 3.3 miles away sits Aitkin, the nearest town. After that come Crosby at 15 miles and Crosslake at 24 miles. Not far off: Little Hanson Lake 0.7 miles, Hanson Lake at about 1.1 miles, Olson Lake 1.4 miles, Soderman Lakes at about 1.9 miles and Lake Four 2.3 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Johnson Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. County-wide records name northern pike, bluegill and yellow perch. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Johnson Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 68°F on average, January about 6°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid April in spring and again near late November in autumn. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. At Johnson Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Little Hanson Lake is 0.7 miles off. Nothing here settles the position at Johnson Lake for certain.