Fishing at Side, Minnesota
368-acre lake · St. Louis County · 1 species stocked
Side sits at 0 feet — low-elevation, warmer-water in St. Louis County, Minnesota, covering 368 acres of lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on January 01, 2023, with 1,617 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 4 stocking events on record for Side:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,617 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,155 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 2,695 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Walleye | 4,162 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Side, 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 Side
For walleye, the best fishing on Side 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 Side:
- Perch — 1.3 mi (344 ac)
- Little Sturgeon — 1.8 mi (272 ac)
- West Sturgeon — 2.5 mi (117 ac)
- Beatrice — 3.2 mi (124 ac)
- Beatrice Lake — 3.2 mi (123 ac)
- South Sturgeon — 3.3 mi (204 ac)
- South Sturgeon Lake — 3.3 mi (210 ac)
- Shannon Lake — 3.7 mi (135 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Side. 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 Side?
Side has been stocked with Walleye.
When was Side last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2023, when 1,617 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Side?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.