Fishing at Darling, Minnesota
1,050-acre lake · Douglas County · 1 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Darling is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Douglas County. At 1,050 acres, it offers mid-sized lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Darling:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 11,545 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 9,837 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 9,362 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,927 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 🐟 Walleye | 12,188 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 2,214 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 4,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 12,000 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Darling, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
Best Time to Fish Darling
For walleye, the best fishing on Darling is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Darling:
- Lake Darling — 0.2 mi (1,156 ac)
- Louise — 1.3 mi (214 ac)
- Henry — 1.5 mi (152 ac)
- North Union — 1.6 mi (118 ac)
- North Union Lake — 1.6 mi (115 ac)
- Lake Cowdrey — 1.7 mi (224 ac)
- Cowdry — 1.7 mi (243 ac)
- Lake Charley — 1.7 mi (132 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Darling. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Darling?
Darling has been stocked with Walleye.
When was Darling last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 11,545 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Darling?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.