Fishing at Shields, Minnesota
940-acre lake · Rice County · 1 species stocked
Shields sits at 0 feet — low-elevation, warmer-water in Rice County, Minnesota, covering 940 acres of lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on January 01, 2024, with 164,500 Walleye averaging 0.0 inches. It's been an active stocking water since at least 0, and the recent records below tell you what's been planted and when.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 9 stocking events on record for Shields:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 164,500 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 164,500 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 164,500 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 137,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 164,500 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 164,500 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Walleye | 164,500 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Walleye | 986,258 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Walleye | 14,487 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Shields, 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 Shields
For walleye, the best fishing on Shields 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 Shields:
- Mazaska Lake — 2.3 mi (668 ac)
- Mazaska — 2.3 mi (688 ac)
- Hunt — 2.6 mi (176 ac)
- Hunt Lake — 2.6 mi (178 ac)
- French — 3.2 mi (876 ac)
- Rice — 3.5 mi (331 ac)
- Dudley Lake — 3.8 mi (133 ac)
- Dudley — 4.0 mi (128 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Shields. 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 Shields?
Shields has been stocked with Walleye.
When was Shields last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 164,500 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Shields?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.