Petes Lakes near Aitkin: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Petes Lakes is listed under Aitkin County, Minnesota. The water sits 1,260 feet up. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Aitkin County list. Nearest town is Aitkin, 11 miles off. The big place round here is Minneapolis, 99 miles distant. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Petes Lakes

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Survey and observation records for Aitkin County include northern pike, bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and largemouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Petes Lakes before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 7°F in January to roughly 68°F in July. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid April. Ice clears near mid April and comes back about late November in a typical year. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. The season on Petes Lakes follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. If the gate is shut, Kelly Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Ask locally about Petes Lakes if anything is unclear.