Maple Lake Fishing near Red Lake Falls, Minnesota

• Overview

  In Minnesota, Maple Lake falls inside Polk County. Beyond the shoreline you have mixed forest. The nearest town is Red Lake Falls, 16 miles away. The big place round here is Fargo, 63 miles distant. In the same area: Tamarack Lake 1.2 miles, Cable Lake (2.3 miles), Braaten Lake 3.5 miles, Crystal Lake (3.6 miles) and Bee Lake 3.8 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Maple Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. County-wide records name yellow perch, brown bullhead, white sucker, northern pike and black bullhead. The county list is broader than any single water. At Maple Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 68°F on average, January about 4°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and mid November closes it again. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Plan any trip to Maple Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Tamarack Lake at 1.2 miles is the sensible second choice. The position on Maple Lake is worth confirming on the day.