Fishing O'Donald Lake in Morrison County, Minnesota

• Overview

  O'Donald Lake lies in Morrison County, Minnesota. The country round it is rolling bush from end to end. It measures about 25 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The closest town, Little Falls, is 9.3 miles away. It is 87 miles to Minneapolis, the nearest city. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on O'Donald Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Morrison County records list largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, black crappie and yellow perch among the fish reported. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Anyone new to O'Donald Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 71°F and January about 9°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Expect O'Donald Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No launch point is recorded nearby, so this is a bank water unless you carry a boat in. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Star Lake at 1.1 miles is the sensible second choice. The position on O'Donald Lake is worth confirming on the day.