Fishing at Second Lake, Carlton County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Second Lake is one of the Carlton County waters in Minnesota. What surrounds it is rolling bush. About 10 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Most waters listed here for Carlton County are larger. You are 1.9 miles from Cloquet. Then Carlton, 4.8 miles, and Esko, 6.3 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Second Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Across Carlton County, recorded fish include bluegill, yellow perch and black crappie. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Treat Second Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 67°F; by January the average is down near 7°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid April. Ice usually gives way near mid April, and forms again about late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Anyone fishing Second Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Third Lake, 0.3 miles away. Confirm access to Second Lake locally before you travel.