DIY World-Class Fishing

Embark on a DIY fishing adventure in the pristine waters of Itasca County, MN, where you can
experience world-class fishing surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Northern Minnesota.
With a variety of lakes, including Turtle Lake and Long Lake in Bigfork, anglers have ample
opportunities to catch trophy fish of various species.

Turtle Lake
● Features: Turtle Lake offers 300′ of hard sand bottom shoreline, 18′ of gin-clear water
clarity, and a zero-entry boat launch. Known for its world-class fishing, Turtle Lake is
home to species such as walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish.
● Tips: Focus on early mornings and late evenings for the best fishing conditions. Use live
bait or lures that mimic the local forage to attract trophy-sized fish.

Long Lake (Bigfork, MN)
● Features: Long Lake is a hidden gem near Bigfork, boasting crystal-clear waters and an
abundance of fish species. This serene lake is perfect for those looking to catch walleye,
northern pike, bass, and panfish.
● Tips: Explore different parts of the lake to find the best fishing spots. Try trolling with
crankbaits or jigging near drop-offs and underwater structures.

Other Notable Lakes in Itasca County

Lake Winnibigoshish
● Features: Over 58,000 acres of water, known for excellent walleye, northern pike, and
muskie fishing.
● Tips: Drift with live bait rigs for walleye or cast large lures for muskies near weed edges
and rock piles.

Pokegama Lake
● Features: Approximately 6,700 acres, great for walleye, bass, northern pike, and
panfish.
● Tips: Use plastic worms for bass near docks and fallen trees, and target walleye with
jigs tipped with minnows.

Bowstring Lake
● Features: About 9,500 acres, renowned for walleye, northern pike, and perch.
● Tips: Fish the lake’s structure, such as points and humps, with jigs and spinners to
locate schools of perch and walleye.

Sand Lake
● Features: Around 4,300 acres, hotspot for walleye, northern pike, and crappie.
● Tips: Utilize slip bobbers and small jigs for crappie, and troll crankbaits along weed lines
for northern pike.

Spider Lake
● Features: Approximately 1,400 acres, excellent for bass, walleye, and muskellunge.
● Tips: Focus on casting surface lures early morning for bass and use deep-diving
crankbaits for walleye.

Big Turtle Lake
● Features: About 1,800 acres, known for its clear waters and sandy shores.
● Tips: Fish with spinnerbaits for northern pike and use topwater lures in the shallows for
bass.

Deer Lake
● Features: Around 4,100 acres, known for its blue-green water and healthy fishery.
● Tips: Use jerkbaits for smallmouth bass and trolling with spoons for muskie.
Splithand Lake
● Features: Approximately 1,100 acres, offers a tranquil fishing experience.
● Tips: Try vertical jigging for walleye and cast small spinners for panfish near the shore.