Fishing Lake De Montreville in Washington County, Minnesota

• Overview

  The Washington County end of Minnesota holds Lake De Montreville. This is rolling bush ground. With some 154 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Around 3.0 miles of margin, front to back. Size puts it in the front rank of our Washington County list. Supplies mean a trip to North Saint Paul, 2.5 miles off. Saint Paul sits 9.3 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Lake De Montreville

  Measured depth reaches about 27 feet at the deepest point. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Washington County cover bluegill, largemouth bass, brown trout, northern pike and black crappie. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. The shape of Lake De Montreville rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 72°F on average, January about 12°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Ice-out usually falls in early April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. The lid tends to go about early April and return around early December. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Lake De Montreville runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. A slipway half a mile out gives trailer access. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Should this one be busy, Lake Olson is 0.4 miles off. Confirm before you fish Lake De Montreville.