Fishing the Twin Cities Lakes
The Twin Cities metro offers surprisingly good fishing across its many lakes. Walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish including crappie, bluegill, and perch are the primary targets.
2026 Governor's Fishing Opener
The 2026 Governor's Fishing Opener was held May 8–9 on the St. Croix River in Stillwater — a big moment for the community and a reminder that the St. Croix corridor is one of the premier fishing destinations in the metro. The river is in its fall mode now, and the cooler water has the bass and walleye feeding hard ahead of winter.
Best Lakes for Fishing
- White Bear Lake — 2,400 acres with depth variation up to 80 feet. Excellent walleye, pike, and bass. (Full guide)
- Bald Eagle Lake — Known for quality walleye and northern pike. Less crowded than bigger-name lakes.
- Long Lake — Solid mix of warm and cold-water species. Great for family fishing trips.
Rivers & Waterways
- St. Croix National Scenic Riverway — Cast a line in the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers — home to musky, smallmouth bass, walleye, and more along a federally protected waterway.
Seasonal Patterns
Spring walleye fishing can be excellent as fish move shallow. Summer brings bass fishing in the weed beds. Right now in early October, the cooling water has the fish feeding hard ahead of winter, which makes this one of the best stretches of the year to be out. Walleye on White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake are active in the early morning and evening, bass are still hitting around weed edges, and panfish are schooling up in the shallows. The DNR's low-water advisory from September 3 is still in effect, so check the access before you launch. When the leaves turn and the water cools, the bigger fish come out to play, and the next few weeks are some of the best of the year to be on the water.