walleye/sauger Lakes in Minnesota
Found in 5 Minnesota lakes
Rough fish like walleye/sauger are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 5 Minnesota lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. walleye/sauger is narrowly distributed — only 5 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 LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and walleye/sauger documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best walleye/sauger Lakes in Minnesota
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake St. Croix | Washington | B | 5.2 ft | 78 ft |
| 2 | St. Croix Lake | Washington | C | 8.7 ft | 78 ft |
| 3 | Pool of Lake St. Croix | Washington | C | 4.3 ft | 78 ft |
| 4 | Pool on Lake St. Croix | Washington | C | 5.9 ft | 78 ft |
| 5 | Pepin Lake | Pepin | F | 3 ft | 60 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Minnesota lakes have walleye/sauger?
walleye/sauger are found in 5 lakes in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of these lakes is C (Fair).
What are the best walleye/sauger lakes in Minnesota?
The best walleye/sauger lakes in Minnesota by water quality are Lake St. Croix, St. Croix Lake, Pool of Lake St. Croix, Pool on Lake St. Croix, Pepin Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.