Fishing Mallard Lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Mallard Lake is listed under Crow Wing County, Minnesota. Elevation runs to 1,391 feet. The water measures roughly 14 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Most waters listed here for Crow Wing County are larger. Baxter lies 14 miles from the water. Then Little Falls, 15 miles, and East Gull Lake, 17 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Mallard Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. County-wide records name largemouth bass, bluegill and yellow perch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Mallard Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 69°F; by January the average is down near 8°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly late November. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. On Mallard Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. There is no recorded infrastructure here; expect to find your own way in. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Muskrat Lake at 1.2 miles is the sensible second choice. Where Mallard Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.