Fishing Knaus Lake in Stearns County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Knaus Lake lies in Stearns County, Minnesota. Everything around it is rolling bush. With some 149 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The nearest place of any size is Cold Spring, 1.6 miles away. The nearest city of size is Minneapolis, 66 miles away. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Knaus Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Records held for Stearns County cover largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike and walleye. The county list is broader than any single water. Anyone new to Knaus Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 72°F and January near 10°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Ice-out usually falls in early April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Anyone fishing Knaus Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. For a change of water, Park Lake is 0.5 miles distant. What applies at Knaus Lake may have changed since it was mapped.