Minister Lake near Alexandria: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  This water sits in Douglas County, Minnesota. It stands 1,332 feet above sea level. It measures about 96 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. There is roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. For supplies, Alexandria is 12 miles out. Beyond it, Elbow Lake at 18 miles and Starbuck at 21 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Minister Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. County-wide records name largemouth bass, common carp and bluegill. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Minister Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 70°F and January at 8°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. It sets the rhythm of the year at Minister Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Moe Wildlife Management Area covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Martin Lake sits 1.3 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position at Minister Lake before loading the car.