McClain Lake near Crosslake: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  McClain Lake falls in Crow Wing County, part of Minnesota. The country round it is rolling bush from end to end. The water covers some 39 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Crosslake at 3 miles is the nearest place to stop. Breezy Point follows at 9.4 miles, then Pequot Lakes at 12 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on McClain Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Crow Wing County, recorded fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and northern pike. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. McClain Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 7°F in January and 69°F in July. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about late November. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to McClain Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Failing this one, try Cranberry Lake, 0.4 miles away. Nothing on McClain Lake should be assumed from this page alone.