Walleye Fishing in Minnesota
Top 4 lakes ranked by stocking volume
Minnesota stocks walleye in 4 known waters, ranging from small impoundments to multi-thousand-acre reservoirs. The lakes below are sorted by recent stocking volume — quantity isn't everything, but it's a strong proxy for how much effort the state agency is putting into a given fishery.
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About Walleye
The walleye is the marquee gamefish of the upper Midwest. They feed most actively in low light — dawn, dusk, overcast days, and after dark. Sensitive eyes mean they prefer stained or deeper water in bright sun.
Best seasons: spring, fall. Active water-temp range: 55–70°F.
Productive techniques
- jig and minnow
- crawler harnesses on bottom bouncers
- trolling crankbaits along weed edges
Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
| Rank | Lake | County | Acres | Total stocked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake of the Woods | Lake of the Woods | 950,000 | 730,166 |
| 2 | Gull Lake | Cass | 9,418 | 710,583 |
| 3 | Leech Lake | Cass | 102,948 | 575,412 |
| 4 | Mille Lacs Lake | Mille Lacs | 132,516 | 121,415 |
Gear for Walleye
Tackle that consistently produces. Amazon Associate links — we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Medium-light 7' spinning rod (sensitive tip)
- lure: Jig heads 1/8 - 1/4 oz
- lure: Bottom bouncer + crawler harness
- lure: Crankbaits for trolling
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