Fishing at Lake Melissa, Becker County, Minnesota

• Overview

  The Becker County entry here is Lake Melissa, in Minnesota. The bank is 1,322 feet above sea level. The water covers around 2.9 sq miles, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. With 6.6 miles or so of shoreline, boat anglers cover ground the bank cannot. Few waters listed in Becker County are bigger. Detroit Lakes lies 5.7 miles from the water. It is 43 miles to Fargo, the nearest city. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Lake Melissa

  Sounding records show water to about 49 feet. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Fish documented in Becker County include bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye and northern pike. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Lake Melissa the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 69°F; by January the average is down near 5°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It holds true on Lake Melissa more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. This is a reservoir by origin, with the deepest water near the dam. A platform or pier sits within 0.9 miles. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. For a change of water, Cottage Lake is 1.2 miles distant. Check the position on Lake Melissa before loading the car.