Johnson Lake near 47.8107, -91.9163 is a lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota. Johnson Lake covers about 456 acres, reaches a recorded 18 feet and holds about 2,069 acre-feet.
How the Size and Shape of Johnson Lake Affect Fishing
Johnson Lake is small enough to check weeds, wood, rock and the first deep drop without spending the whole day moving around.
Fish and Baits at Johnson Lake
Fish reported from Johnson Lake include black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, burbot, golden shiner, johnny darter, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, walleye, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.
Bass
For bass at Johnson Lake, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.
Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish
For panfish at Johnson Lake, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill and pumpkinseed, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.
Walleye
For roaming fish at Johnson Lake, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.
Northern Pike
For large predators at Johnson Lake, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.
Bullheads
For bottom fishing at Johnson Lake, fish a worm or small piece of cut bait in quiet water for bullheads.
Rock Bass
At Johnson Lake, use a small jig, worm or tiny crankbait around rock and firm shorelines for rock bass.
Burbot
For other cold-water fish at Johnson Lake, fish a glow jig or natural bait close to bottom after dark for burbot.
How the Seasons Change Johnson Lake
Spring at Johnson Lake is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Johnson Lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.
A Simple Plan for Fishing Johnson Lake
On a first trip to Johnson Lake, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.
Useful Tackle for Johnson Lake
A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Johnson Lake, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.
Johnson Lake FAQs
Where should an angler start on the 456-acre Johnson Lake?
At Johnson Lake, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.
Should anglers fish the 18-foot deep end of Johnson Lake?
Not every trip. A better place at Johnson Lake is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.
What does the 2,069 acre-foot storage figure mean at Johnson Lake?
At Johnson Lake, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.
Nearby fishing waters
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.