Fishing Lake Stella in Meeker County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Lake Stella lies in Meeker County, in Minnesota. It stands 1,066 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to roughly 536 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. The edge covers about 4.1 miles, enough to hold several distinct areas. It is among the larger waters listed here for Meeker County. Dassel sits 5.6 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Further out sit Litchfield (6.8 miles) and Cokato (11 miles). It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lake Stella

  Measured depth reaches about 84 feet at the deepest point. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Records held for Meeker County cover largemouth bass, walleye and northern pike. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Lake Stella for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 72°F in July and bottoms out near 11°F in January. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around early April. Average temperatures cross freezing around early April in spring and again near late November in autumn. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. The season on Lake Stella rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Manuella Lake, 1.4 miles out. Check the position on Lake Stella before loading the car.