Second Lake Fishing Guide, Washington County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Set in Washington County, Second Lake is a Minnesota water. The land about it is rolling bush. The water covers some 85 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. With about 1.8 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. It lies lower than most water we list in Minnesota. The closest town, Scandia, is 3.7 miles away. After that come Chisago City at 5.6 miles and Lindstrom at 6 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Second Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Species logged across Washington County include bluegill, largemouth bass and brown trout. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Second Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 71°F; the cold one sits at 11°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Ice is part of the season here, ending near early April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early April until roughly late November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Time your trip to Second Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Sea Lake, 0.7 miles out. Signs at Second Lake carry more weight than any list.