Fishing at Pickerel Lake, Aitkin County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Set in Aitkin County, Pickerel Lake is a Minnesota water. Height above sea level is 1,198 feet. Around 98 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Bank access stretches around 2.1 miles in total. You are 1.9 miles from Aitkin. Crosby is 10 miles away, with Crosslake at 20 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Pickerel Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Records held for Aitkin County cover northern pike, bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and largemouth bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Pickerel Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 68°F and January near 6°F on the long-run figures. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid April. The water is typically free of ice between mid April and late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. On Pickerel Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Bass Lake, 0.4 miles out. Rules at Pickerel Lake are worth checking on the day.