Wanless Lake Fishing in Lake County, Minnesota

• Overview

  Wanless Lake stands in Lake County, Minnesota. It lies 1,736 feet above sea level. The water covers some 76 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Around 1.4 miles of margin, front to back. Compared with other Minnesota water on our list, it sits high. Nearest town is Silver Bay, 27 miles off. After that come Ely at 37 miles and Babbitt at 38 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Wanless Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Fish documented in Lake County include white sucker, yellow perch and northern pike. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Anyone new to Wanless Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 64°F and January at 5°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Averages suggest open water from about late April through to roughly late November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. It holds true on Wanless Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Harriet Lake, 1.4 miles out. None of that is settled for Wanless Lake in what we hold.