Fishing Johnson Lake in Griggs County, North Dakota

• Overview

  The Griggs County entry here is Johnson Lake, in North Dakota. It lies 1,457 feet above sea level. It measures some 560 acres, and wind has room to build across it. The perimeter runs near 5.0 miles, so plan the walk before you start. Among the waters listed for Griggs County, none is wider. The nearest place of any size is New Rockford, 29 miles away. Beyond it, Fort Totten at 30 miles and Carrington at 32 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Johnson Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Survey and observation records for Griggs County include bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow perch and northern pike. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Johnson Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 4°F to 68°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. The season on Johnson Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Johnson Lake National Wildlife Refuge covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Hoot-E-Too Lake at 3.8 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the current arrangement for Johnson Lake.