Round Lake near Cloquet: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Minnesota holds Round Lake, in Saint Louis County. It sits in rolling bush country. About 24 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The town to know is Cloquet, 20 miles out. Beyond it, Hermantown at 23 miles and Esko at 24 miles. Alternatives close at hand: Crooked Lake near enough 0.7 miles, Aerie Lake 1 mile away, Muskrat Lake near enough 1.1 miles, Eier Lake 1.8 miles away and Maple Leaf Lake near enough 1.9 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Round Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Records held for Saint Louis County cover yellow perch, northern pike and white sucker. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Round Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 6°F in January and 66°F in July. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid April and starts locking again about late November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Round Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. 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. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Crooked Lake sits 0.7 miles off and takes the overflow. None of that is settled for Round Lake in what we hold.