Knudson Lake Fishing Guide, Clay County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Knudson Lake falls in Clay County, part of Minnesota. It lies 1,352 feet above sea level. Around 32 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Shoreline comes to about 0.9 miles, small enough to learn in a day. On size it sits at the modest end of our Clay County list. Nearest town is Hawley, 4.7 miles off. Glyndon is 17 miles and Barnesville 17 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Knudson Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Clay County include bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and northern pike. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Knudson Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 69°F and January reads 5°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. The water is typically free of ice between mid April and late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Plan around that when you fish Knudson Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. This sits inside Lee Lake WPA, so read the reserve notices first. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Thorson Lake sits 0.8 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Knudson Lake locally before you travel.