Fishing at Minnewaska, Minnesota
8,050-acre lake · Pope County · 1 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Minnewaska is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Pope County. At 8,050 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 Minnewaska:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,291,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 31,340 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 40,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,291,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 40,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,291,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,291,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 40,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 🐟 Walleye | 40,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 3,124,500 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Minnewaska, 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 Minnewaska
For walleye, the best fishing on Minnewaska 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 Minnewaska:
- Lake Minnewaska — 0.4 mi (7,935 ac)
- Pelican — 1.4 mi (518 ac)
- Wollan Lake — 4.3 mi (129 ac)
- Malmedal — 4.8 mi (199 ac)
- Malmedal Lake — 4.9 mi (190 ac)
- Ann — 5.5 mi (370 ac)
- John Lake — 5.5 mi (116 ac)
- Lake Ben — 5.9 mi (329 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Minnewaska. 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 Minnewaska?
Minnewaska has been stocked with Walleye.
When was Minnewaska last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 3,291,000 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Minnewaska?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.