What You'll Find at Hubert Lake

Hubert Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake in north-central Minnesota, roughly 30 miles northeast of Bemidji. The lake runs about 1,200 acres and rarely exceeds 20 feet deep, with much of it in the 8- to 15-foot range. Extensive weed beds dominate the structure — primarily cabbage, coontail, and wild rice — which makes it a strong producer for both species but demands different tactics than clearer, deeper lakes in the region.

The lake sits in Beltrami County and drains into the Mississippi River system. It's a popular destination for anglers targeting walleye in spring and fall, and pike year-round. Summer fishing can be productive early and late in the day, but the weeds and shallow water make midday challenging. Winter access is straightforward if ice conditions are stable, though you'll want to check current conditions before heading out.

Key Takeaways

  • Hubert Lake holds walleye and pike in shallow, weed-choked water that requires jigs, live bait, and weed-edge presentations rather than deep-water structure fishing.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most consistent seasons, when walleye move into shallower feeding zones.
  • A Minnesota fishing license is required; walleye have a 6-fish daily limit and pike have a 3-fish daily limit, though regulations can change annually.
  • Public boat access is available at the Hubert Lake access point on the north shore; no private resorts or marinas operate on the lake.
  • Summer fishing is possible but requires early morning or evening trips to avoid the dense weed growth and warm-water conditions that push fish deep into cover.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is often the most reliable time. Walleye move shallow to feed after spawning, and pike become active as water temperatures climb into the 50s. Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work well along weed edges and in the deeper pockets between weed beds. Early morning and evening produce better than midday, but you can catch fish throughout the day if you stay near structure.

Summer (June through August) presents a mixed picture. The lake warms quickly in shallow water, and fish retreat into the densest weed cover or the deepest holes available. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset) are your best windows. Topwater lures and shallow-running crankbaits can work in low-light conditions, but you'll spend much of the day picking apart weed edges with jigs or live bait rigs. Many anglers skip the heat and return in fall.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring in productivity. Cooling water temperatures push walleye back into shallower feeding zones, and pike become aggressive as they prepare for winter. Jigs, live bait, and crankbaits all produce. The weed beds begin to thin as plants die back, making navigation and presentation easier than in summer.

Winter (November through March) is viable if ice is safe. Check with the Bemidji area bait shops or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for current ice thickness before heading out. Jigging with live minnows under the ice produces walleye and pike. The shallow water means ice-out can be unpredictable — some winters the lake is fishable through March, others it softens earlier.

Access and Launch Points

The primary public access is the Hubert Lake access point, located on the north shore. It's a single-lane gravel ramp with parking for roughly a dozen vehicles. The ramp is maintained by Beltrami County and is open year-round, though winter access depends on road conditions and ice safety. There are no amenities — no restrooms, no fuel, no bait shop — so plan accordingly.

The nearest services are in Bemidji, about 30 miles southwest. Several bait and tackle shops in Bemidji stock live minnows, crawlers, and standard lures. Gas, food, and lodging are all available in town. If you're planning a day trip, fill your tank and grab bait before leaving Bemidji.

The lake has no resorts or private marinas. A few cabins and homes dot the shoreline, but they are private property. Public fishing is limited to the water itself and the access area.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Minnesota fishing license to fish Hubert Lake. Licenses are sold online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, at bait shops in Bemidji, and at most sporting goods retailers. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you're visiting for a short trip.

Current regulations (subject to annual change) set a 6-fish daily limit for walleye and a 3-fish daily limit for pike. Minimum size for walleye is 15 inches; pike have no minimum size in most Minnesota waters, but check the current regulations posted at the access point or on the DNR website before you fish. Regulations can shift year to year, so verify before your trip.

The lake is open to public fishing year-round. No special permits or reservations are required beyond the standard fishing license.

Tackle and Techniques

Walleye on Hubert Lake respond best to jigs and live bait. A 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a live minnow (shiners or fatheads) or a crawler works in most conditions. Cast along weed edges, let the jig drop into pockets, and work it slowly. Dragging live bait rigs (a simple slip sinker with a hook and live minnow) along the bottom between weed beds also produces, especially in spring and fall.

Pike are less finicky. They'll hit jigs, but they also respond to larger lures — 3- to 4-inch crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Early morning and evening topwater can be explosive if pike are feeding shallow. Live bait (larger minnows, 4 to 6 inches) fished on a quick-strike rig works well if you want to target pike specifically.

The dense weed growth means you'll lose tackle. Bring extra jigs, hooks, and line. A weed guard on your jig helps, but it's not foolproof. Heavier jigs (3/8 to 1/2 ounce) punch through weeds better than lighter ones, though they sacrifice some sensitivity.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring a fishing license, your tackle box, and live bait (or plan to buy it in Bemidji). A depth finder is useful but not essential — the lake is shallow enough that you can feel structure with your jig. A GPS or map helps you relocate productive spots, especially if you plan multiple trips.

Wear polarized sunglasses to spot weed edges and shallow structure. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The shallow water means sun exposure is intense, and there's little shade on the water itself. Insect repellent is wise in summer and early fall.

If you're launching a boat, inspect it for zebra mussels or other aquatic invasive species before launching. Minnesota requires boats to be clean and dry before entering any lake. Drain all water from your motor, livewell, and bilge.

Nearby Fishing Options

If Hubert Lake doesn't suit your plans, several other lakes in the Bemidji area offer different conditions. Lake Bemidji itself is larger and deeper, with a more developed shoreline and better amenities. Andrusia Lake, a few miles south, is another shallow walleye lake with similar weed structure. Plantagenet Lake offers pike and walleye in a slightly deeper system.

The Mississippi River near Bemidji holds walleye, pike, and catfish and offers a different fishing experience — moving water, deeper holes, and fewer weeds. It's worth exploring if you want variety during a longer stay in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Hubert Lake?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (late afternoon through sunset) are most productive, especially in summer when weeds are thick. Spring and fall allow all-day fishing, though early and late light still produce best. Midday in summer is slow unless you're fishing the deepest available water or the densest weed cover.

Can I fish Hubert Lake in winter?

Yes, if ice is safe. Check current ice thickness with local bait shops or the Minnesota DNR before heading out. Jigging with live minnows under the ice produces walleye and pike. Ice-out timing varies by year, so plan accordingly and be prepared to abandon the trip if conditions are unsafe.

Do I need a boat to fish Hubert Lake?

A boat is helpful but not required. Shore fishing is possible from the access area and along public shoreline, though the weed beds make it challenging. Most anglers use a small boat or canoe to reach productive weed edges and deeper pockets. A kayak works if you're patient and don't mind slow movement through weeds.

What size minnows should I use for walleye?

Shiners or fatheads in the 2- to 3-inch range work well for walleye. Pike prefer larger minnows, 4 to 6 inches. Match the size to your jig weight — a 1/4-ounce jig handles a smaller minnow better than a large one.

Are there pike in Hubert Lake?

Yes, pike are abundant and often easier to catch than walleye. They respond to larger lures, live bait, and topwater presentations. Pike have a 3-fish daily limit, so you can keep fewer than walleye, but they're a reliable target if walleye aren't cooperating.