Fishing Oar Lake in Becker County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Becker County in Minnesota is where Oar Lake sits. Pine and birch runs right down to the water. Around 33 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Detroit Lakes at 3.7 miles is the nearest place to stop. It is 42 miles to Fargo, the nearest city. Within a short drive: Strunk Lake lies 0.6 miles on, Wine Lake at 0.7 miles, Oak Lake lies 1.4 miles on, Brandy Lake at 1.5 miles and Bluebird Lake lies 2.2 miles on. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Oar Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Becker County include bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. The near bank of Oar Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 4°F in January and 69°F in July. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Look for the thaw near mid April; the fishing lifts straight after. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid April in spring and again near mid November in autumn. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Oar Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. A pier or jetty stands half a mile away, which helps on a crowded bank. Part of this sits inside or beside Long Lake AMA, so read the notices. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Should this one be busy, Strunk Lake is 0.6 miles off. Confirm access to Oar Lake locally before you travel.