Local Expert Names Top 5 Lakes For Catching Walleye In Minnesota

When it comes to fishing in Minnesota, no other fish is targeted more than the beautiful walleye. We're lucky to be in a state that has great opportunities to catch walleye and plenty of lakes to fish for them. Some lakes are known for being a top destination for walleyes. A Minnesota-born angler shares their top 5 destinations.

Nicole Stone was born on a small farm in Minnesota. She's been fishing her entire life, and she loves to share her passion for fishing with others. She's spent thousands of hours on the water in Minnesota and has caught some impressive fish!

For all of her insight, fishing tips, and more, check out her extensive article on Fishingbooker.com. There are also some great guide suggestions!

#1 Lake Of The Woods

Check out this hog Nicole caught on Lake Of The Woods. She calls Lake Of The Woods a walleye angler's paradise. It's been known for years as "The Walleye Capital Of The World."

Nicole says she's caught walleye over 28 inches every season, and she makes a point to go every year. Ice fishing is big on Lake Of The Woods, but early spring and late fall fishing on open water is also great. We're coming up on prime time for Lake Of The Woods this October. The fish are aggressively eating to prepare for winter!

#2 Mille Lacs Lake

Mille Lacs is another great walleye destination. I live in Northern Minnesota, and when I meet up with my friends from the Twin Cities for a fishing trip, it's often here. It's basically smack dab in the middle of Minnesota, and they have impressive fishing. The caveat with Mille Lacs is you've got to be okay with catch and release because the regulations change so often.

#3 Leech Lake

Nicole names Leech Lake as one of her favorite lakes for walleye fishing. She might be biased, as this lake is right where she grew up. But, she's not alone. A lot of anglers hit Leech Lake for walleye. Make sure you go to the right Leech Lake; there are five of them in Minnesota with the same name. This is the Leech Lake in Walker County in North Central Minnesota.

#4 Lake Winnibigoshish

Lake Winnibigoshish, or Lake "Winnie" for short, is another one of Nicole's favorite lakes to fish. You can catch a lot of fish on Lake Winnie; they have high numbers of walleye. My brother-in-law and his family fish this every year for opener and bring back their limit. It's definitely worth checking out.

#5 Upper Red Lake

Imagine a lake where the walleye fishing is so good that people risk their lives every winter to go out and fish. Seriously, every couple of years, people go out too early because the fishing is so good, and then the wind changes and blows the sheet of ice away, with anglers on board.

Related: Why Do So Many Risk Early Ice To Fish Upper Red Lake?

But, in all seriousness, it's a terrific lake for fishing, especially in December. The lake has terrific walleye numbers, and some big fish as well. The lake is shallow and located in North Central Minnesota. It freezes over early in the year, and that's when the walleye are biting. Mid-winter, the fishing slows down, and the fish tend to make their way to Lower Red Lake.