Fishing Shamineau Lake in Morrison County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Out in Morrison County, Minnesota, sits Shamineau Lake. It lies 1,263 feet above sea level. At some 1,387 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The margin runs to about 9.5 miles in total. On our Morrison County list it sits near the top for size. Some 11 miles away sits Staples, the nearest settlement. Further out sit East Gull Lake (16 miles) and Baxter (16 miles). Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Shamineau Lake

  Charted depth runs to roughly 59 feet at its lowest. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Survey and observation records for Morrison County include largemouth bass, bluegill and northern pike. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Treat Shamineau Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 69°F; by January the average is down near 8°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Ice-out usually falls in mid April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at late November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. The season on Shamineau Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Crookneck Lake, 0.8 miles out. What applies at Shamineau Lake may have changed since it was mapped.