Walleye Fishing in Minnesota
Minnesota’s most popular game fish. Walleye thrive in the state’s cold, clear lakes and are the #1 target for both open water and ice fishing anglers.
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Minnesota's most popular game fish. Walleye thrive in the state's cold, clear lakes and are the #1 target for both open water and ice fishing anglers.
Size Limit
15 inches minimum (varies by lake)
Daily Bag
6 (combined with sauger)
Season
Mid-May through mid-February (varies by zone)
State Record
17 lb 8 oz
Seagull River (1979)
Best Months to Fish
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
What to Use
Live Bait & Natural
LeechesNightcrawlersMinnowsFathead minnows
Lures & Artificials
Jig and minnowLindy rigCrankbaitsBlade baitsJigging Rapala
Minnesota Lakes with Walleye
1835 lakes in our directory have walleye — sorted by size.
Lake of the Woods (MN)
Lake of the Woods County
725,582.7 acres
Rainy
St. Louis County
210,200.2 acres
Mille Lacs
Mille Lacs County
128,250.02 acres
Red (Upper Red)
Beltrami County
119,294.35 acres
Leech
Cass County
103,443.8 acres
Winnibigoshish
Cass County
56,471.4 acres
Vermilion
St. Louis County
39,272.25 acres
Lac la Croix
St. Louis County
29,596.66 acres
Basswood
Lake County
25,952.96 acres
Namakan
St. Louis County
24,066.28 acres
Kabetogama
St. Louis County
24,034 acres
Saganaga
NOT IN MN County
18,766.52 acres
Regulation Notes
Special regulations on Mille Lacs, Red Lake, and many other waters. Always check lake-specific rules.
More Minnesota Fish Species
Plan Your Walleye Trip
Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next walleye fishing trip in Minnesota.
Explore Lakes Find a Guide Bait & TackleRegulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Minnesota DNR regulations before fishing. A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+.