About our Waters

The best kept secret in Minnesota is Cuyuna Country. Our pristine lakes provide excellent fishing for a large variety of species, including trout.

SERPENT LAKE

Serpent Lake is a beautiful body of clear, fresh water covering 1,057 acres and is approximately 65 feet deep at its deepest point. Around its more than 9 miles of shoreline, amid birch, pine, oak and other towering trees, more than 250 homes and cabins hug its meandering shoreline. Located between the cities of Crosby, on its western end, and Deerwood, on the east, Serpent is home to walleye, northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappies and other fish, which attract anglers year-round. At the lake’s largest public access point, Crosby Memorial Park, is a large, colorful serpent statue named Kahnah’bek (the Ojibwe name for serpent). It is made of Styrofoam, measures 20 feet high and 25 feet long and weighs 2,500 pounds. There are rumors that the lake’s namesake is because the waters are inhabited by a mythical sea serpent, but a more likely explanation is the shape of the lake.

MINE LAKES

The mine lakes are famous for trout. But, if they are not cooperating, try switching to northern pike. Submerged stands of timber shelter trophy pike, some pushing 30 pounds. The best technique when hooked to a behemoth is to start the motor or grab the oars and pull and snap your line in the underwater forest. The sunken trees also provide cover for hungry small and largemouth bass. Spinner baits are a great choice because the water does not have a lot of weeds and the bait can be worked through the stands of trees and stumps. A pan fish supper awaits if you stay near the underwater trees during low light. Use a cane pole to drop a line to a depth above 30 feet and pull up quickly to keep the fish out of trouble.

NATURAL LAKES Tired of gonzo fishing amidst jet skiers and power boats? Experience the solitude on our natural lakes where walleye, northern and largemouth bass are the main targets. Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon slab crappies or big bluegills. Venture to larger waters for that trophy muskie. Launch your boat at the many public access points or if you are looking for peace and quiet, bring or rent a canoe or kayak and relax on one of the many small lakes with limited access. Grab a map, locate a back road and find your own honey hole on one of our tranquil lakes.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER The nearby Mississippi River, with excellent populations of walleye and smallmouth bass, is navigable under normal conditions with a motorized boat but some prefer to float it in a canoe. The stretch from Aitkin to Merrifield is both beautiful and rewarding. Whether boating, floating or fly fishing, check with Oars-N-Mine Bait and Tackle in Crosby for lake and river conditions and the local fishing secrets.