Second Crow Wing Lake in Wadena County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Second Crow Wing Lake sits in Wadena County, out in Minnesota. This is rolling bush country. It runs to roughly 224 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. With about 2.9 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. Head to Park Rapids, 10 miles away, for anything you forgot. The nearest city of size is Fargo, 91 miles away. The boundary is near enough that local access rules are worth double-checking.

• Where to Fish on Second Crow Wing Lake

  Charted depth runs to roughly 40 feet at its lowest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Survey and observation records for Wadena County include black crappie, northern pike and largemouth bass. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. On Second Crow Wing Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 69°F and January near 5°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. The season on Second Crow Wing Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Palmer Lake at 1.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Second Crow Wing Lake locally before you travel.