Lake Jonathan in Carver County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Minnesota, Lake Jonathan falls inside Carver County. The setting is pine and birch on every side. This is a pocket water of some 21 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. It is a small entry by Carver County standards. The closest town, Chaska, is 3 miles away. Victoria lies 3.3 miles off, Chanhassen another 4.2 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Jonathan

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Records held for Carver County cover bluegill, largemouth bass and common carp. The county list is broader than any single water. Fish Lake Jonathan to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 72°F, while January sits near 11°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early April. Open water usually runs from early April until about late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It holds true on Lake Jonathan more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. There is a car park half a mile from the bank. Fishing from a pier is possible 40 yards away. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, McKnight Lake at 0.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the current arrangement for Lake Jonathan.