Top Five Big Lakes to Fish in Minnesota: A Guide for Anglers

Minnesota isn’t just the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” in name—it’s a paradise for anglers year-round. Whether you’re dropping lines through ice holes or casting from a boat, the state boasts some of the finest fishing opportunities in the country. Among its sparkling waters, five legendary lakes stand out for their sheer size, productivity, and fishing lore: Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs, Upper Red Lake, Winnibigoshish, and Leech Lake. 

Top 5 Fishing Lakes in Minnesota

We’ll explore what makes each of these top 5 lakes special, the species they’re known for, tips for finding fish, and advice for making your trip successful—whether you’re an ice fishing fanatic or an open-water enthusiast.

1. Lake of the Woods 

Key Species: Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Perch, Sturgeon 

Why It’s Famous: “Walleye Capital of the World”

Lake of the Woods sits at the northernmost edge of Minnesota, sprawling across more than 950,000 acres. Known as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” this lake delivers outstanding fishing year-round, but its ice fishing scene is where it truly shines.

Ice Fishing: The winter months transform Lake of the Woods into a bustling village of ice fishing houses. Resorts like Zippel Bay and Sportsman’s Lodge maintain plowed ice roads and even provide heated ice houses. Anglers routinely catch limits of walleyes and saugers using jigging spoons tipped with minnows or dead sticks paired with a live shiner.

Open-Water Fishing: In the summer, the big draw is drifting or trolling in the expansive mud flats or the lake’s renowned reefs. Places like Knight Island and Garden Island are top spots for walleye. If you’re after northern pike, try the bays like Four Mile Bay in spring.

Insider Tip :Book a charter in early June for some of the year’s best fishing, or visit in March for trophy northern pike under the ice.

 2. Mille Lacs Lake 

Key Species: Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, Perch 

Why It’s Famous: Trophy Smallmouth and Walleye Fishing

Mille Lacs is a central Minnesota gem known for its diverse fishing opportunities. Though walleye management has made headlines in recent years, the lake remains one of the best places in the Midwest for multi-species fishing.

Ice Fishing: Mille Lacs is a go-to destination for ice anglers chasing jumbo perch and eater-sized walleyes. Shallow flats like the gravel bars and mud flats north of Garrison are popular areas for setting tip-ups and jigging spoons. 

Open-Water Fishing: When the ice melts, the lake comes alive for walleye, smallmouth bass, and muskie. Target walleyes by trolling crankbaits or spinners along the breaklines, especially near the many mud-flats in the northwestern quadrant of the lake. For smallmouth, work the rocky reefs using tube jigs or drop-shot rigs in summer. Mille Lacs is also a bucket-list destination for muskie anglers—late-fall is prime time for these freshwater giants.

Insider Tip: Smallmouth action heats up in late spring during pre-spawn. Look for boulders and submerged rock piles for non-stop action.

 3. Upper Red Lake 

Key Species: Walleye, Crappie, Northern Pike 

Why It’s Famous: Legendary Ice Walleye Bite

Upper Red Lake offers vast, shallow waters teeming with walleyes and crappies, making it a favorite for ice anglers. While it’s primarily known for winter fishing, the open-water season offers solid opportunities as well.

Ice Fishing: Ice fishing on Red Lake is iconic, and the early season bite is among the most reliable in the state. Once the ice reaches 8–12 inches, anglers swarm to the lake to catch limits of walleyes. Glow jigs tipped with a fathead minnow are hard to beat. Stick close to areas with subtle changes in depth, as even a small drop can hold a school of fish.

Open-Water Fishing: Spring and early summer fishing are fantastic as walleyes move into the shallows to feed. Casting or trolling along shorelines can produce numbers of eater-sized fish. Northern pike are another popular target, especially in the bays and weedlines.

Insider Tip: Plan your ice fishing trip early in the season when Red Lake’s bite is legendary—it often outpaces most other lakes in Minnesota during this period.

4. Lake Winnibigoshish (Lake Winnie) 

Key Species: Walleye, Perch, Northern Pike, Muskie 

Why It’s Famous: Jumbo Perch and Walleye Hotspot 

Nestled in north-central Minnesota, Lake Winnie is a favorite among anglers looking for consistent action and the chance to catch a true jumbo perch.

Ice Fishing: During the winter, Winnie’s perch bite draws anglers from all over. Work the mid-lake humps or the edges of weed beds in 15–20 feet of water with tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms or minnows. Walleyes also roam these waters, and tip-ups with shiners are a solid option for a mixed bag.

Open-Water Fishing: Summer walleye anglers find success trolling spinner rigs or Lindy rigs along the main-lake bars, especially Bena and Tamarack points. Early morning and late evening are prime times for targeting walleye near structure. Perch and northern pike are active in the shallows during the spring and fall.

Insider Tip: Visit Winnie in late winter when jumbo perch start staging for the spawn—this is your best chance to catch a true trophy.

5. Leech Lake 

Key Species: Walleye, Muskie, Northern Pike, Panfish 

Why It’s Famous: Muskie Fishing and Scenic Beauty 

Leech Lake combines stellar fishing with breathtaking scenery, making it one of Minnesota’s premier destinations. Its variety of bays and structure make it a multi-species paradise.

Ice Fishing: Walker Bay is the hub for ice fishing, especially for walleyes and perch. Jigging with rattle spoons near structure in 15–25 feet of water produces results. The Trappers Landing area is another productive location, particularly for early and late-season walleye action.

Open-Water Fishing: Leech Lake’s open-water season kicks off strong in May with walleyes flocking to the rocky points and shallow flats. Casting jigs with minnows near Pine Point or trolling crankbaits along Walker Bay are effective tactics. The muskie bite heats up in summer and peaks in the fall—Portage Bay and Sucker Bay are prime muskie territory.

Insider Tip: Don’t overlook Leech’s panfish bite in early spring—Shingobee Bay holds crappies and bluegills as the water warms.

Find more lakes in Minnesota with our interactive map search.

Tips for Fishing Minnesota’s Big Five Lakes 

• Check Regulations: Each lake has specific fishing regulations, including slot limits, size restrictions, and season closures. Always verify the rules before heading out. 
• Let onX be your Guide: If you’re new to a lake or targeting a specific species, let onX Fish get you up to speed on your species of interest through abundance, keeper, and trophy opportunities. Find information about where to launch, forage in the lake, and recent aerial imagery to help winter and summer anglers alike. In ten minutes, we aim to give you the equivalent of 10 years experience on the ground.   
• Gear Up for the Season: Summer anglers should pack trolling setups, casting rods, and live bait rigs, while ice anglers need sturdy augers, warm gear, and sonar. 
• Be Prepared for Weather: Minnesota weather can change rapidly, especially in winter, so keep onX Fish handy to see exact weather forecasts for your exact location. Dress in layers, and always check forecasts before heading onto the ice or water. 

Minnesota’s fishing legacy lives on in these incredible lakes. Whether you’re chasing walleyes under a frozen surface, casting for smallmouth bass in summer, or hunting muskies in the fall, these waters promise unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip today, and you’ll understand why anglers return to these storied lakes year after year. 

Tight lines!