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 now in full summer mode, and bass and walleye fishing has been productive.
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 late August, bass and panfish remain active around weed edges on most lakes, and early morning or evening trolling for walleye on White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake can be very productive. The warm water has the panfish biting well in the shallows early and late in the day. As we head into September, expect fishing to pick up even more as the cooling water triggers aggressive feeding before winter. Fall is prime time for trophy-sized fish, and the next few weeks are some of the best of the year to be out on the water.