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Winnibigoshish Lake

Itasca County, Minnesota

Size:58,544 acres
Max Depth:70 ft
Public Access:✓ Yes
Species:2 documented

🌤️ Current Conditions

🏞️About Winnibigoshish Lake

Lake Winnibigoshish - "Big Winnie" to locals - is a 58,544-acre walleye and northern pike factory in north-central Minnesota. Fed by the Mississippi River, Winnie is known for consistent walleye action and trophy pike. The lake's relatively shallow average depth (15 feet) keeps fish accessible throughout the season.

⭐Why Fish Winnibigoshish Lake?

  • ✓Consistent walleye fishing all season
  • ✓Trophy northern pike regularly over 15 pounds
  • ✓Good perch and crappie fishing
  • ✓Mississippi River source water
  • ✓Active ice fishing community

Best for:

WalleyeNorthern PikePerchCrappieMuskie

💡Local Tips for Winnibigoshish Lake

  • 1The "Third River Flowage" area is a walleye magnet
  • 2Pike cruise the weed edges all summer
  • 3Bena and Deer River offer good access
  • 4Ice fishing on Winnie is very popular
  • 5Summer walleye often relate to the mud flats

🐟Fish Species

Based on DNR fish surveys, the following species have been documented in Winnibigoshish Lake:

Walleye

Sander vitreus

COMMON

Good population of eating-size walleye

Avg. Size:15"
Category:gamefish

Minnesota's state fish, prized for excellent table fare and sporting qualities.

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

COMMON

Healthy pike population

Avg. Size:23"
Category:gamefish

Aggressive predator fish found throughout Minnesota waters.

📋Fishing Regulations

Note: These are statewide regulations. Winnibigoshish Lake may have special regulations. Always verify current rules at DNR Fishing Regulations.

SpeciesPossession LimitSize LimitSeason
Walleye6No minimum (special regulations on some waters)May 10 - Feb 23
Northern Pike324" minimum (some waters have slots)May 10 - Feb 23

🗺️DNR Resources

DNR LakeFinder PageLake Depth Map (PDF)2024-25 Fishing RegulationsBuy Fishing License

📊Lake Details

DOW Number
31007500
Surface Area
58,544 acres
Maximum Depth
70 feet
Average Depth
18 feet
County
Itasca
Coordinates
47.4167°N, 94.0833°W

📍Location

Open in Google Maps →

💡Quick Tips

  • •Check ice conditions before winter fishing - never trust visual appearance alone
  • •Early morning and late evening are typically best for walleye
  • •Always have a valid Minnesota fishing license before fishing
  • •Clean, drain, and dry boats to prevent invasive species spread