Tarr Lake Fishing in Aitkin County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Tarr Lake lies within the bounds of Aitkin County, Minnesota. Elevation runs to 1,250 feet. At 17 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Most waters listed here for Aitkin County are larger. For supplies, Aitkin is 2.4 miles out. The nearest city of size is Minneapolis, 108 miles away. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Tarr Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Aitkin County include northern pike, bluegill and yellow perch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Tarr Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 68°F and January near 6°F on the long-run figures. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from mid April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around mid April and starts locking again about late November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. It holds true on Tarr Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Blue Lake at 0.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Rules at Tarr Lake are worth checking on the day.