Walleye/sauger Lakes in Minnesota
Found in 4 Minnesota lakes
Rough fish like Walleye/sauger are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 4 Minnesota 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.
Walleye/sauger Lakes Map
Every Minnesota lake with documented walleye/sauger, colored by water-quality grade.
Best Walleye/sauger Lakes in Minnesota
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake St Croix | Pierce | B | 7.2 ft | 78 ft |
| 2 | Pool | Washington | B | 5.9 ft | 78 ft |
| 3 | Pool of Lake St Croix | Washington | C | 4.3 ft | 78 ft |
| 4 | Pepin Lake | Pepin | NR | 3 ft | 60 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Minnesota lakes have walleye/sauger?
Walleye/sauger are found in 4 lakes in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best walleye/sauger lakes in Minnesota?
The best walleye/sauger lakes in Minnesota by water quality are Lake St Croix, Pool, Pool of Lake St Croix, Pepin Lake.
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality grades from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys.