Best Places to Fish Walleye in MN

Introduction to Walleye Fishing in MN

Minnesota is renowned for its plentiful lakes and wide range of fishing opportunities, which make it a premier destination for fishermen looking to take home a prized walleye catch. Known for its delectable flavor and exciting catch, walleye is actually the state’s prized fish, so regardless of if you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, Minnesota’s lakes offer exceptional walleye fishing all year long. Let’s run through the best locations, times of year, and tips for landing these sought-after fish across the state.

Walleye by Season

Walleye behavior changes with the seasons, requiring anglers to adjust their strategies accordingly. You can check out a more detailed guide for each season here. Fishing in the right season makes a huge difference in success, so it’s extremely important you take the time to learn where and when to go for the best results.

Our List

Here are five top locations for walleye fishing in Minnesota, each offering unique challenges and rewards for anglers of all levels.

Crane Lake

Crane Lake is a gateway to both Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters, which provides you with access to over 300,000 acres of fishable waters. Known for its trophy walleye and sauger, this northeastern Minnesota spot offers stunning wilderness and endless opportunities for adventure. You can fish here year-round, but spring and fall are notably the most rewarding seasons and offer some of the best fishing in the state.

• Location: Northeastern MN, near Voyageurs National Park
• Best Season: Spring and Fall for shallow jigging and trolling
• Key Features:
  • Access to large surrounding lakes like Namakan and Lac La Croix
  • Trophy walleye in the 24-to-28-inch range
  • Rich fishing structure with reefs, points, and deep-water humps

Lake Mille Lacs

Lake Mille Lacs is a premier destination for walleye fishing in central Minnesota. Covering over 132,000 acres, it’s a massive lake that delivers big results. Known for its summer trolling and year-round walleye activity, Mille Lacs remains a favorite for both local and traveling fishermen.

• Location: Central MN
• Best Season: Summer for trolling and rigging
• Key Features:
  • Large lake with extensive deep-water structures
  • Rigging with leeches and minnows highly effective
  • Popular for ice fishing in the winter months

Leech Lake

Leech Lake, located in northern Minnesota, is a classic spot for walleye enthusiasts. With over 100,000 acres of water, Leech Lake is one of the state’s largest lakes and is well-regarded for its consistent walleye population. The lake’s varied structure, from shallow bays to deep points, makes it ideal for multi-season fishing as well.

• Location: Northern MN
• Best Season: Spring and Summer
• Key Features:
  • Notable for large numbers of “eater-sized” walleye
  • Popular for spring jigging near inlets and rivers
  • Ideal for summer trolling on deeper structures

Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods straddles the U.S.-Canada border and boasts over 1,700 miles of shoreline, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful fishing scenes in Minnesota. Whether you’re fishing in the vast open waters or along rocky points and reefs, Lake of the Woods consistently delivers for walleye hunters seeking an experience.

• Location: Northern border, MN/Canada
• Best Season: Summer and Fall
• Key Features:
  • Extensive fishing areas with hundreds of islands
  • Great trolling opportunities in deeper waters
  • Strong fall bite as walleyes follow baitfish into shallower waters

Upper Red Lake

Upper Red Lake is known for its booming walleye population and excellent fishing access. Being one of the shallower lakes on the list, Upper Red Lake is perfect for those looking for a quicker walleye bite, especially during early summer and into the ice fishing season.

• Location: Northwestern MN
• Best Season: Early Summer and Winter for ice fishing
• Key Features:
  • Shallower lake with easy access to fishing spots
  • High walleye population and fast action
  • Popular for winter ice fishing, with many available guides

How to Prepare Walleye

Once you’ve reeled in your walleye, it’s time to enjoy that mild, tender flavor unique to the fish. Walleye is one of the most versatile freshwater fish to cook, whether you enjoy your fish grilled, baked, or pan-fried. A few simple preparation methods can be found below, or a more detailed walkthrough can be found below.

1. Pan-Fried Walleye:

   • Coat filets in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs.
   • Heat oil in a skillet and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
   • Serve with lemon wedges and a side of your choice.

2. Baked Walleye:

   • Season filets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
   • Place in a baking dish and top with butter.
   • Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily.

Conclusion

While Minnesota is home to many fantastic walleye fishing destinations, Crane Lake stands out as the premier choice for anglers seeking an exceptional experience. With access to an extensive network of lakes and a reputation for trophy-sized walleye, Crane Lake offers everything you need for an unforgettable fishing trip. Plan your next fishing adventure at Crane Lake, and discover why it’s regarded as the best spot for walleye fishing in Minnesota.

Visit Crane Lake 

Crane Lake is where adventure meets serenity. With a charming, nature-filled atmosphere and countless outdoor activities, Crane Lake offers visitors an unforgettable escape into nature. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or a thrilling adventure, Crane Lake is the perfect getaway this summer.