Fishing Lake Winnibigoshish

AKA: Lake Winnie

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Lake Winnibigoshish, MN

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Walleye Fishing

Lake Winnibigoshish has a healthy population of walleye, thanks to focus by the Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Division to improve the fishery. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

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Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. These fat perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Winnibigoshish. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Perch are also fun to catch in winter when ice fishing. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

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Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike are currently thriving in the cool, fertile waters of Lake Winnibigoshish. They are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at Lake Winnibigoshish in Minnesota.

Lake Winnibigoshish Fishing Video

A fishing enthusiasts dream lake, Lake Winnibigoshish is loaded with quality fish, has plenty of natural shorelines, and plenty of structure throughout the lake. Big walleye, pike and muskie attract anglers looking for big fish.

Lake Winnibigoshish, affectionately known as "Lake Winnie," is a renowned fishing destination in northern Minnesota. Spanning over 56,000 acres, this majestic lake offers anglers a wealth of fishing opportunities and a chance to catch some of Minnesota's most sought-after fish species.

Walleye fishing is a major highlight on Lake Winnibigoshish. Known for its excellent walleye population, the lake provides anglers with a prime opportunity to land these prized fish. Whether you prefer trolling with crankbaits, jigging, or rigging with live bait, Lake Winnie offers plenty of productive spots to target walleye. Anglers can experience thrilling action and take home some delicious fillets.

Muskie, the "fish of 10,000 casts," is another highly sought-after species on Lake Winnibigoshish. The lake is renowned for its trophy muskie fishery, attracting anglers from all over the country. With its expansive structure, including rock bars, submerged vegetation, and shallow bays, Lake Winnie provides ideal habitats for these elusive giants. Anglers can use large bucktails, jerkbaits, or topwater lures to entice muskie and chase the thrill of landing a trophy-sized fish.

Northern pike are abundant in Lake Winnibigoshish and provide exciting angling opportunities. These aggressive predators can be found near weed beds, rocky points, and submerged structures. Anglers can target pike using a variety of presentations such as spoons, spinners, or large swimbaits. Lake Winnie's pike fishery promises thrilling strikes and the chance to battle some impressive-sized fish.

Largemouth bass can also be found in Lake Winnibigoshish, adding to the angling diversity of the lake. Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques such as topwater lures, soft plastics, or spinnerbaits. The lake's weed beds, submerged timber, and shoreline structures provide ample cover and habitat for bass to thrive. Anglers can experience the excitement of hooking into these feisty fighters and enjoy their acrobatic displays.

Yellow perch, black crappie, and bluegill are popular panfish species in Lake Winnibigoshish. These fish can be found near weed edges, submerged structures, or around sunken timber. Anglers can target panfish using small jigs, live bait, or fly fishing techniques. Whether you're after a tasty meal of yellow perch, the challenge of finding slab-sized crappie, or the joy of reeling in bluegill, Lake Winnie offers rewarding panfish angling experiences.

With its diverse range of popular fish species, exceptional fishing opportunities, and breathtaking natural scenery, Lake Winnibigoshish stands as one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations. Whether you're targeting walleye, muskie, pike, bass, perch, panfish, or simply enjoying a day on the water, Lake Winnie offers a memorable fishing experience in a serene and picturesque setting.

Others are attracted here for the great bass, crappie, sunfish and perch fishing. All species can be taken year round, with excellent ice fishing in winter. There are 140 miles of shoreline wrapped around this 58,500-acre lake in the north-central part of the state. A good percentage of the shoreline is accessible for fishing from the bank, and there are several boat launch ramps. Bass boats, pontoons, pleasure boats and fishing boats are ideal for this big-water lake, but plenty of fish can be reached with a kayak, canoe or car-top boat. Multiple campgrounds, RV parks, cabins and other lodging options are located all around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Winnibigoshish

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Winnibigoshish Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Winnibigoshish, with several public access points and marinas available for anglers to launch their boats. The expansive waters of the lake provide ample room for leisurely cruises, exploring its many bays and points, and discovering hidden fishing hotspots.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Becker's Resort & Campground
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
218 665-2268

Bowen Lodge
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
218 246-8707

Cut Foot Sioux Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
218 246-8706

High Banks Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
218 246-2560

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Birches Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off County Road 2218, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Richards Townsite Boating Public Water Access
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off County Road 2074, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Lake Winnibigoshish

Lake Winnie Fishing Charters - walleye

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Minnesota Fishing License.

Camping facilities near the lake offer opportunities for anglers to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Winnie Campground Campground - 218 835-4291

Nodak Lodge, Resort & Campground - 218 665-2226

Reese Boat Landing Campground - 218 335-8600

Tamarack Point Campground - 218 335-8600

Winnie Dam Campground - 218 326-6128

The Pines Resort & Campground - 218 246-8546

Bowen Lodge & RV Campground - 218 246-8707

Williams Narrows Campground - 218 335-8600

Mosomo Point Campground - 218 335-8600

East Seelye Bay Campground - 218 335-8600

Lake Winnibigoshish MN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Winnibigoshish
Nodak Lodge & Resort
15080 Nodak Dr NE
Bena, MN 56626
218 665-2226

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