Fishing Second Lake in Clearwater County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Out in Clearwater County, Minnesota, sits Second Lake. It sits in pine and birch country. At 20 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Supplies mean a trip to Little Rock, 12 miles off. Then Red Lake, 17 miles, and Bagley, 21 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Second Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Clearwater County include bluegill, northern pike, largemouth bass and yellow perch. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The shape of Second Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 67°F, with January the cold end at about 3°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid April. From about mid April to around mid November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. That shapes the year on Second Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. For a change of water, First Lake is 0.6 miles distant. Confirm before you fish Second Lake.