Shirt Lake Fishing in Crow Wing County, Minnesota

• Overview

  The Crow Wing County end of Minnesota holds Shirt Lake. This is mixed forest ground. Around 217 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The closest town, Crosby, is 7 miles distant. After that come Aitkin at 9.1 miles and Brainerd at 18 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Shirt Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name largemouth bass, bluegill and yellow perch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Shirt Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 69°F at the top of summer and 7°F at the bottom of winter. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near late November. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. It holds true on Shirt Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Arbor Lake is 0.5 miles distant. For Shirt Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.