Johnson Lake near Little Falls: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Look for Johnson Lake in Morrison County, Minnesota. The setting is lake country bush. About 18 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Little Falls is the closest town at 15 miles. Baxter is 16 miles away, with East Gull Lake at 18 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water. Around five months of sub-zero averages set the rhythm of the year.

• Where to Fish on Johnson Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Fish documented in Morrison County include largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike and black crappie. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Johnson Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 8°F in January up to 69°F in July. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid April and starts locking again about late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. The season on Johnson Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. 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. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Birch Lake, 0.5 miles out. Confirm access to Johnson Lake locally before you travel.