Lake Campbell Fishing near Bemidji, Minnesota

• Overview

  In Minnesota, Lake Campbell belongs to Beltrami County. The ground round it is rolling bush. At some 448 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. At about 4.6 miles of edge, most people work one arm at a time. On our Beltrami County list it sits near the top for size. Supplies mean a trip to Bemidji, 11 miles off. Then Redby, 18 miles, and Red Lake, 18 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Lake Campbell

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, largemouth bass and white sucker. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Anyone new to Lake Campbell should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 3°F in January and 67°F in July. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about mid April. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to mid November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lake Campbell.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. You can launch: the ramp is half a mile away. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Peterson Lake sits 2.1 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the current arrangement for Lake Campbell.