Kelly Lake, Minnesota: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Kelly Lake lies in Aitkin County, in Minnesota. The ground round it is pine and birch. Surface area runs to about 16 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Aitkin County. Moose Lake sits 21 miles from the bank. Minneapolis is the closest city, 113 miles away. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Kelly Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Reported across Aitkin County: northern pike, bluegill, yellow perch and black crappie. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. The shape of Kelly Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 67°F in July and bottoms out near 7°F in January. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. It holds true on Kelly Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Rice Lake is 1.1 miles off. Confirm access to Kelly Lake locally before you travel.