Fishing at St. James, Minnesota
203-acre lake · Watonwan County · 1 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, St. James is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Watonwan County. At 203 acres, it offers small 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 7 stocking events on record for St. James:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,312 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 136 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 222 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 430 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 🐟 Walleye | 277 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 🐟 Walleye | 332 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 528 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in St. James, 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 St. James
For walleye, the best fishing on St. James 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 St. James:
- Saint James Lake — 0.2 mi (203 ac)
- Kansas — 4.7 mi (403 ac)
- Kansas Lake — 4.8 mi (389 ac)
- Long — 4.9 mi (263 ac)
- Irish Lake — 9.2 mi (168 ac)
- Sulem Lake — 9.7 mi (179 ac)
- Fish — 10.7 mi (156 ac)
- Wood — 11.0 mi (559 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at St. James. 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 St. James?
St. James has been stocked with Walleye.
When was St. James last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 1,312 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for St. James?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.