Walleye/sauger Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 4 graded lakes across 1 state
Rough fish like Walleye/sauger are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 4 the 49 states and 2 Canadian provinces LakeQuality covers lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. Walleye/sauger is narrowly distributed — only 4 lakes in Minnesota have a documented record. The constraint is usually habitat: cold water, specific depth profile, or river connection.
Rough-fish-dominant lakes are worth checking the grade on: a rough-fish-heavy fishery often reflects an underlying nutrient-loading problem in the watershed. Cross-reference the Walleye/sauger lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Walleye/sauger documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Walleye/sauger Lakes
Best Walleye/sauger Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with walleye/sauger ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake St Croix | Pierce | MN | B | 78 ft | 36 |
| 2 | Pool | Washington | MN | B | 78 ft | 36 |
| 3 | Pool of Lake St Croix | Washington | MN | C | 78 ft | 36 |
| 4 | Pepin Lake | Pepin | MN | NR | 60 ft | 47 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have walleye/sauger?
Walleye/sauger are found in 4 graded lakes: 4 in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of lakes with walleye/sauger is B (Good).
What are the best lakes for walleye/sauger?
The best walleye/sauger lakes by water quality are Lake St Croix, Pool, Pool of Lake St Croix, Pepin Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where walleye/sauger have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with walleye/sauger?
Walleye/sauger are most commonly found alongside bigmouth buffalo, black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Walleye/sauger Lakes
Found together in 4 lakes · 144 total
Found together in 4 lakes · 937 total
Found together in 4 lakes · 1,428 total
Found together in 4 lakes · 1,601 total
Found together in 4 lakes · 135 total
Found together in 4 lakes · 506 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality grades from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.