Lake Winnie Fishing
Did someone say fishing?
Ah, yes. Lake Winnie is not only a legendary Minnesota fishing destination – it offers world-class multi-species fishing. There’s a reason why Lake Winnie, Cut Foot Sioux and Little Winnie have been featured in several popular angling magazines and routinely featured in several fishing shows. The three lakes almost always send an angler home with their supper or at least a memory of a terrific battle. In fact, the Minnesota record muskie was caught in Lake Winnibigoshish in 1957 weighing in at 54 pounds.
Dave Holmbeck, of Great Lakes Fisherman Magazine, said:“Winnie, more than any other body of water, is the bread and butter fishing lake of northern Minnesota.”
“Lake Winnie is one of the absolute jewels of Minnesota.”– Tom Neustrom, local fishing guide
With plenty of shallow water, the lakes in the Winnie area offer an abundance of walleye habitat. Many of our walleyes weigh in at three to four pounds, and others are bigger yet. In addition, the lakes hold high numbers of northern pike, muskie, jumbo perch, crappie and bass. Bring your own boat, rent one or take a guided fishing trip with seasoned pros.
Come spring and open water, Minnesota’s walleye fishing opener is celebrated in May. Summer is a great time to catch untapped Lake Winnie fish – largemouth bass, northern pike and muskie. Fall is a great time to catch that trophy Minnesota walleye. In the winter, find yourself an icehouse, and drop in a line. Yes, you can fish through the ice. It’s true, winters are cold in northern Minnesota. However, one of the best ways to fight off the winter blues is to hole up in an icehouse with your closest fishing pals and catch walleye and jumbo perch. If you prefer to spear, you can go after lunker northern.
No matter if you’re a novice or seasoned pro, entertaining the in-laws or multi-million dollar clients, we’ll help you get rigged and get on the fish. Many of our resorts offer charters and guides, plus boat rentals, gear and great advice.
The best part? There’s always a place to take off the boots and warm your feet by a crackling fire. Many of the area’s resorts are open during the winter. The fish are always biting.
Minnesota Walleye Opener
Few days in Minnesota are anticipated and celebrated like a Lake Winnie fishing opener. For many, it’s a family tradition. To go walleye fishing, celebrate a long winter’s past and look forward to the open water fishing season ahead. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned angler, you will likely find success on Lake Winnie’s walleye waters.
Fishing Lake Winnie’s shoreline has become synonymous with the Minnesota walleye opener. Despite its size, Lake Winnie is actually a pretty easy lake to fish. It’s very popular for early season walleyes that are looking to eat! You can also enjoy “bonus” jumbo perch and northern pike while fishing for walleyes.
Live bait fishing using a jig and shiner minnow is a tried-and-true walleye presentation. It will simply put walleyes in the boat. You’ll find Winnie’s walleyes on the “flats” (gentle sloping areas between the shore and a point that tapers off into deeper water) while drifting or using an electric trolling motor. Catch walleyes and jumbo perch in 4 – 12 feet of water (depending on water temperature and the weather conditions) on the wind-blown side of the lake where bait fish are most plentiful.
Come fish Lake Winnie and Cut Foot Sioux for the Minnesota walleye opener! Make some memories and enjoy a fish fry this spring. Make your plans now!
Visit Lake WinnieEnjoy The Spring At Lake Winnie
Reel in memories that will last a lifetime on the legendary waters of Lake Winnibigoshish. Lake Winnie is a haven for anglers of all skill levels, famed for its abundance of walleye, muskie, and crappie. Cast your line and experience the thrill of battling these prized fish, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Minnesota wilderness. LWRA member resorts offer exceptional services for fishing enthusiasts, from comfortable lodging and expert advice to convenient boat rentals and access to the lake's most productive fishing grounds. Whether you're a seasoned angler seeking a trophy catch or a first-timer eager to learn the ropes, Lake Winnie promises an unforgettable fishing adventure.
Stay on Lake WinnieEnjoy A Summer Vacation Or Getaway At Lake Winnie!
Leave the hustle and bustle behind while relaxing on the pristine shores of Minnesota’s legendary Lake Winnie. Lake Winnie is located in the heart of northern Minnesota. Take in the breathtaking scenery, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, sandy beaches and (95%) undeveloped shoreline. Hear the call of the loon, the laughter of kids playing and the crackling of a campfire. Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, beaches, swimming pools, water sports and of course, tremendous walleye, northern pike and jumbo perch fishing await you!
Fishing on Lake Winnie can be tremendous in the summer! As the water warms, walleyes leave the shorelines and travel to deeper mid-lake structure like bars and reefs in about 15 – 30 feet of water.
Traditional live bait rigs or trolling spinners and crankbaits can all put fish in the livewell for a tasty fish fry. Although Lake Winnie is known for walleye, take advantage of its fantastic jumbo perch, northern pike, muskie and bass fishing!
Take some time this summer to explore Lake Winnie. We offer a variety of resorts and accommodations and a friendly “Up North” atmosphere. Creating lasting memories this summer, whether with a family vacation, family reunion or a fishing trip with old friends.
Visit our lodging page to explore resort options.
Lake Winnie LodgingScenic Beauty, Trophy Walleyes, Grouse, Ducks, Deer and Bear – Fall At Lake Winnie
Fall fishing can be outstanding for those who make the journey. The Chippewa National Forest comes alive with breathtaking color. Fall is a special time to reflect on past fishing trips and family vacations, while still enjoying beautiful weather, plentiful activities and great fishing.
Enjoy a round of golf, hiking, biking or walking though the area’s majestic fall colors. Take a canoe or kayak expedition along the shoreline and enjoy a beautiful sunset spanning across the lake. Feel the warmth of a campfire and enjoy the company of good friends and family.
Fall walleye fishing on Lake Winnie is very similar to spring patterns. Look to shallow water shoreline flats with gravel and weeds and rock. Walleyes are looking to feed on baitfish to bulk up for the upcoming winter. Depending on the wind, walleyes can be anywhere from 4 – 12 feet. Pitching jigs and minnows can be lethal. Jumbo perch will often be caught in the same areas as walleye. Fall also provides an opportunity to catch trophy pike. Like other fish species, they are cruising the flats searching for an easy meal. Pike can be taken casting crankbaits, spinner baits and bucktails.
Visit our lodging page to explore resort options.
Lodging on WinniePlay On The Ice And In The Snow During The Winter At Lake Winnie
Whether your winter passion is ice fishing for Minnesota walleyes, northern pike and jumbo perch, snowmobiling through the tall pines of northern Minnesota, hiking or cross-country skiing though the winter silence of the Chippewa National Forest, the Lake Winnie (Lake Winnibigoshish), MN area has it all!
During the Minnesota ice fishing season, walleye, jumbo perch and northerns take center stage. In fact,Lake Winnie is a premier Minnesota ice fishing destination! From first ice in November/December to ice out in April, Big Winnie is well known for being a top producer of jumbo perch and nice sized “eater” walleye. The walleye season runs through early ice through the end of February while jumbo perch are available all season long. And you don’t have to “rough it.” Enjoy fishing from a heated fish house already warmed up.
Lake Winnie (Lake Winnibigoshish) is a gateway for many of Minnesota’s most popular snowmobiling state trail systems including the Soo Line and Heartland. In addition to the state trails, there are hundreds of miles of groomed local snowmobile trails winding through the nearby woods. Many restaurants and other businesses are accessible from the trail so visitors can enjoy the amenities during their ride. Lake Winnie is also only a short drive away to many outstanding cross-country trails.
Get out this winter, ice fish, snowmobile and enjoy Minnesota’s Lake Winnie area! Visit our lodging page to explore resort options and Minnesota ice fishing specials and packages!
Start Your Ice Fishing Adventure
