Fishing at Winsted, Minnesota
382-acre lake · McLeod County · 5 species stocked
Winsted sits at 0 feet — low-elevation, warmer-water in McLeod County, Minnesota, covering 382 acres of lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on January 01, 2024, with 18 Northern Pike 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 Winsted:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Northern Pike | 18 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 84 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 52 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 192,774 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 373 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 20 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 191,289 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 382,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 382,000 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Northern Pike in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Winsted, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Northern Pike lakes in Minnesota
- Top Black Crappie lakes in Minnesota
- Top Bluegill Sunfish lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Winsted
For northern pike, the best fishing on Winsted 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 Winsted:
- Winsted Lake — 0.1 mi (362 ac)
- South Lake — 1.2 mi (174 ac)
- Butler Lake — 1.6 mi (129 ac)
- Emma — 4.1 mi (189 ac)
- Lake Ann — 4.5 mi (374 ac)
- Ann — 4.6 mi (375 ac)
- Butternut Lake — 6.4 mi (121 ac)
- Dutch — 6.4 mi (162 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Winsted. 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 Winsted?
Winsted has been stocked with Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill Sunfish, Walleye, Largemouth Bass.
When was Winsted last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 18 northern pike were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Winsted?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.