Willborg Lake in Clearwater County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Willborg Lake sits within Clearwater County in Minnesota. The water sits 1,447 feet up. With some 28 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Some 5.3 miles away sits Bagley, the nearest settlement. Fosston lies 14 miles off, Little Rock another 25 miles. Round about: Lone Lake 1 mile off, Lost Lake the better part of 2.2 miles, Hegre Lake 2.5 miles off, Monson Lake the better part of 2.6 miles and Lindberg Lake 4 miles off. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Willborg Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records held for Clearwater County cover bluegill, northern pike, largemouth bass and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Read Willborg Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 67°F and January near 3°F. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from mid April. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near mid November. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. It holds true on Willborg Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Lone Lake at 1 mile is the nearest alternative. For Willborg Lake in particular, ask before you travel.