Martin Lake

Martin Lake near 45.3853, -93.0850 is a lake in Anoka County, Minnesota. Martin Lake covers about 253 acres, reaches a recorded 17 feet and holds about 2,197 acre-feet.

How the Size and Shape of Martin Lake Affect Fishing

Martin 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 Martin Lake

Fish reported from Martin Lake include black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, bluntnose minnow, bowfin, brown bullhead, common carp, fathead minnow, green sunfish, johnny darter, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, spottail shiner, walleye, white crappie, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.

Bass

For bass at Martin Lake, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

For panfish at Martin Lake, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, pumpkinseed, and green sunfish, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Martin Lake, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Martin Lake, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

Bullheads and Carp

For bottom fishing at Martin Lake, fish a worm or small piece of cut bait in quiet water for bullheads, and use corn or dough bait on a simple bottom rig for carp.

Other Reported Fish

Other choices at Martin Lake include these plans: work a tough soft plastic or cut bait near weeds and wood for bowfin.

Rock Bass

At Martin Lake, use a small jig, worm or tiny crankbait around rock and firm shorelines for rock bass.

How the Seasons Change Martin Lake

Spring at Martin 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 Martin Lake can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Martin Lake

On a first trip to Martin 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 Martin Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Martin Lake, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Martin Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 253-acre Martin Lake?

At Martin 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 17-foot deep end of Martin Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Martin Lake is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

What does the 2,197 acre-foot storage figure mean at Martin Lake?

At Martin Lake, it shows that a lot of the water sits away from the bank and around the old channel or deep end.