Fishing Pine Island Lake in Becker County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Pine Island Lake falls in Becker County, part of Minnesota. It lies 1,601 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 9 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Becker County. Nearest town is Park Rapids, 24 miles off. It is 66 miles to Fargo, the nearest city. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Pine Island Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Survey and observation records for Becker County include bluegill, largemouth bass and walleye. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Pine Island Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 4°F in January to roughly 67°F in July. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. After mid April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly mid November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Time your trip to Pine Island Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Pickerel Lake Wildlife Management Area covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Pickerel Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Ask locally about Pine Island Lake if anything is unclear.