Lake Three in Clay County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Lake Three lies in Clay County, Minnesota. The surface lies 1,348 feet up. The water covers some 93 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The full circuit measures close to 1.6 miles on foot. Nearest place of any size is Hawley, 7.1 miles away. Barnesville is 13 miles and Pelican Rapids 17 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Lake Three

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish documented in Clay County include bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and northern pike. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The near bank of Lake Three is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 5°F in January up to 69°F in July. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. The season on Lake Three follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Lake Two at 1 mile is the sensible second choice. For Lake Three in particular, ask before you travel.