Jordan Lake, Minnesota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Lake County in Minnesota is where Jordan Lake sits. Elevation runs to 1,476 feet. It runs to roughly 149 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. With about 1.6 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. Start from Ely, 27 miles down the road. The big place round here is Thunder Bay, 98 miles distant. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Jordan Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Lake County records list white sucker, yellow perch, northern pike and rainbow trout among the fish reported. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. The shape of Jordan Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 65°F; by January the average is down near 4°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. On average, late April opens the water and late November closes it again. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Jordan Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. 1 covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Three Eagle Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at Jordan Lake for certain.