Fishing Third Guide Lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Third Guide Lake lies within the bounds of Aitkin County, Minnesota. The surface lies 1,273 feet up. The water covers some 40 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. With about 1.0 miles of edge, you can try several depths in one session. The nearest place of any size is Crosslake, 22 miles away. The big place round here is Minneapolis, 134 miles distant. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Third Guide Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Survey and observation records for Aitkin County include northern pike, bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and largemouth bass. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Work Third Guide Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 6°F to 67°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Firm cover through the cold months, then 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 shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Expect Third Guide Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Cedar Lake at 1.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at Third Guide Lake for certain.