Minnesota · Douglas County
Lake Geneva Fishing guide
Lake Geneva covers 640 acres in Douglas County, Minnesota, reaching 63 ft at its deepest point. Average water clarity runs about 12.3 ft. The Minnesota DNR has surveyed the lake 13 times, most recently in 2024, with walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike in the nets.
DNR survey data
Fish species
WalleyeLast stocked 2025Good numbers4.3per gill net21"Typical27"Biggest
Lengths measured · 47 fish
Recent · 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 44 fish
2024Lengths measured · 3 fish
2022Only 3 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 16 fish
2020Lengths measured · 37 fish
2016Largemouth bassGood numbers51.9per hr (electrofishing)9"Typical18"Biggest
Lengths measured · 180 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 166 fish
2024Lengths measured · 5 fish
2022Only 5 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 9 fish
2021Only 9 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 36 fish
2020Northern pikeJust a few3.1per gill net24"Typical34"Biggest
Lengths measured · 35 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 31 fish
2024Lengths measured · 1 fish
2022Only 1 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 3 fish
2021Only 3 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 43 fish
2020BluegillJust a few22.4per trap net6"Typical9"Biggest
Lengths measured · 1310 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 917 fish
2024Lengths measured · 220 fish
2022Lengths measured · 173 fish
2021Lengths measured · 843 fish
2020CrappieJust a few0.3per trap net9"Typical11"Biggest
Lengths measured · 43 fish
Recent · 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 41 fish
2024Lengths measured · 2 fish
2022Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 15 fish
2020Lengths measured · 13 fish
2016Yellow perchFair numbers4.2per gill net6"Typical8"Biggest
Lengths measured · 41 fish
Recent · 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 38 fish
2024Lengths measured · 3 fish
2022Only 3 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 28 fish
2020Lengths measured · 40 fish
2016Rock bassFair numbers0.4per seine haul8"Typical10"Biggest
Lengths measured · 19 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 9 fish
2024Only 9 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 6 fish
2022Only 6 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 4 fish
2021Only 4 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 22 fish
2020Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear, so the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, only presence and size are listed. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey.
How to fish Lake Geneva through the year
Walleye
- Spring
- Walleye are shallow, on and just off the spawning flats and the first green weeds. At 12.3 ft of clarity, fish them deeper and lighter than usual.
- Early summer
- Walleye are setting up on the outside weed edge, points and shallow structure.
- Summer
- Walleye are working the weed edge, points and any wind-blown structure. On a lake that drops to 63 ft, check the deep edge of that structure too.
- Fall
- Walleye are packing onto the sharpest breaks and points as the water cools, in big schools with short windows.
Largemouth bass
- Spring
- Largemouth are moving up into the warming bays and flats, staging around wood, docks and new weeds to spawn. At 12.3 ft of clarity, fish them deeper and lighter than usual.
- Early summer
- Largemouth are on the shallow spawning flats and protected bays, where beds go on firm bottom next to isolated cover.
- Summer
- Largemouth are in and along the weeds: cabbage and milfoil edges, matted cover and shade. On a lake that drops to 63 ft, check the deep edge of that structure too.
- Fall
- Largemouth are chasing bait back onto the flats and into the remaining green weeds, feeding hard and shallow before the freeze.
Season patterns for each species. Open the live map for today's wind, light and water temp.
Size history
Biggest fish by survey year
| Survey year | Walleye | Largemouth bass | Smallmouth bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 27" | 18" | — |
| 2022 | 25" | 14" | — |
| 2021 | — | 17" | — |
| 2020 | 26" | 16" | 15" |
| 2016 | 23" | 19" | — |
| 2012 | 25" | 19" | 8" |
| 2008 | 26" | 20" | — |
| 2004 | 27" | 19" | — |
Longest fish measured by DNR survey crews in each year's nets. Survey gear samples the population, so the lake usually holds larger fish than any survey measured.
Suggested tackle
What to bring
Top presentations for this lake's structure and clarity:
Walleye · Live bait
Live-Bait (Lindy) Rig + Leech/Crawler
jumbo leech or half a nightcrawler
Walleye · Trolling
Leadcore Line + Crankbaits
4–5" mid-diving crankbait behind a long leadcore run
Largemouth bass · Soft plastics
Texas-Rigged Worm
7" ribbon-tail or straight-tail plastic worm
Largemouth bass · Soft plastics
Free Rig
Creature bait or magnum finesse worm
Smallmouth bass · Soft plastics
Drop Shot (Finesse Plastic)
4" finesse worm or 3" minnow-profile plastic
Smallmouth bass · Jigs & bladed
Tail Spinner
Compact lead body with a free-spinning blade on the tail
Full setups, including hooks, weights and line, are on the live map. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
DNR stocking records
Stocking history
| Year | Species | Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Walleye | 3,591 fingerlings · 96 yearlings · 579 adults |
| 2024 | Walleye | 2,250 fingerlings · 4,425 yearlings |
| 2023 | Walleye | 11,935 fingerlings |
| 2022 | Walleye | 11,550 fingerlings |
| 2021 | Walleye | 2,661 fingerlings |
| 2020 | Walleye | 9,376 fingerlings |
| 2019 | Walleye | 9,879 fingerlings |
| 2018 | Walleye | 2,770 fingerlings · 1,130 yearlings |
| 2017 | Walleye | 5,711 fingerlings |
| 2016 | Walleye | 139 yearlings · 257 adults |
MN DNR · in their words
From the 2024 survey
Lake Geneva is a 631-acre lake located on the eastern edge of the city of Alexandria and is part of the Alexandria Chain of Lakes. A navigable connection exists to Lake Le Homme Dieu. A connection also exists to Lake Victoria, but shallow water can make navigation difficult or impossible for some boats. There are two public accesses on Lake Geneva. The access on the east shoreline is steep with no dock and is more difficult to use. The access on the northwest shoreline is more user friendly. There is also a handicapped accessible public fishing pier located near the public access on the northwest shore. The fishing pier is located in a shallow bay that is a popular fishing spot for anglers throughout the open water season, but particularly in the spring. Boaters should be cautious of navigation hazards on the lake. Several shallow bars extend into the lake. Much of the shoreline on Lake Geneva has been developed.
A standard fisheries survey was completed in August of 2024 to evaluate abundance and size distribution of gamefish populations. Lake Geneva supports a modest Walleye fishery, which is supplemented with combined fingerling stockings by the MN DNR and private user groups. Catches increased in 2024 to 4.3 Walleye/gill net surpassing the historic average for Lake Geneva. Eighty-two percent of Walleyes captured were larger than 15 inches. Average length was 20.1 inches.
Read the full DNR narrative
Northern Pike densities have fluctuated over time in Lake Geneva but do provide moderate angling opportunities for large fish (3.1 fish/gill net). Average length was 26.0 inches. The largest pike capture measured 34.5 inches. Anglers are reminded that new pike zone regulations were implemented in 2018. Lake Geneva is located in the North-Central Zone. Anglers can now keep up to 10 pike but not more than two can be over 26 inches in length. All pike between 22-26 inches must be immediately released. Harvesting smaller pike will help shift the population back towards larger individuals and reduce the number of predators for young Walleye and other gamefish.
Lake Geneva supports abundant populations of Bluegill and Largemouth Bass. Due to moderate fertility of the lake and high abundance of these fishes, growth rates are below average to average. Fortunately, gamefishes in Lake Geneva can live to be quite old, thus it does support some larger fish. Forty-five percent of the Bluegill caught during the survey were over 7.0 inches and fish up to 9.0 inches were observed. Largemouth Bass also grow slow but have been shown to live up to at least 19 years old in the Alexandria Chain of Lakes. The largest bass caught during the survey was 18.7 inches. Few Black Crappie are caught during summer surveys since larger fish likely suspend offshore. Low Black Crappie catch rates recorded in surveys does not accurately reflect abundance and size distribution. Lake Geneva does support good crappie fishing and fish up to 11.4 inches were observed in the most recent survey. Adult Yellow Perch numbers significantly declined in 2012 and have continued to average 4.0 fish/gill net through the 2024 survey. Yellow Perch are preferred prey of Walleye, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass.
Additional species sampled include Bowfin (dogfish), Common Carp, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Brown and Yellow Bullhead. The next standard fisheries survey is tentatively scheduled for 2028.
Quality fishing opportunities exist for many species in Lake Geneva. Even modest harvest of older fish can degrade fishing quality. Anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to help maintain and improve the quality of the Lake Geneva fishery. Selective harvest encourages the release of larger fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish. Releasing medium to large fish will help restore and maintain fish community balance, as well as increase opportunities to catch large fish in the future.
Lake Geneva was designated as an infested water after the discovery of zebra mussels in 2009. Eurasian Watermilfoil was also discovered in 2022. Minnesota statutes require all equipment be free of invasive species prior to leaving any access. Recreational users should take necessary precautions to prevent the further spread of invasive species.
Narrative text from the Minnesota DNR lake survey.
Recent reports
Lake Geneva fishing reports
Recent reports on Lake Geneva from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Public water access
Getting on the water
- Geneva Lake (E) (trailer launch)
- Geneva Lake (W) (trailer launch)
- Geneva Lake Fishing Pier (fishing pier)
DNR bathymetry
Lake Geneva depth map
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Lake Victoria · 417 ac · 1.8 mi
- Lake Le Homme Dieu · 1,801 ac · 2.1 mi
- Lake Agnes · 138 ac · 2.3 mi
- Lake Henry · 152 ac · 2.3 mi
- Lake Jessie · 110 ac · 2.7 mi
- Lake Winona · 213 ac · 3.5 mi
- Lake Darling · 1,050 ac · 3.6 mi
- Lake Burgan · 174 ac · 3.6 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Lake Geneva?
Lake Geneva reaches 63 ft at its deepest point with a mean depth of 24 ft; about 46% of the lake is littoral (15 ft or shallower).
How big is Lake Geneva?
Lake Geneva covers 640 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline.
How clear is the water in Lake Geneva?
DNR Secchi readings on Lake Geneva average 12.3 ft of visibility, clear water for a Minnesota lake.
What fish are in Lake Geneva?
Minnesota DNR surveys (most recently 2024) record walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, rock bass.
Is Lake Geneva stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked walleye in 2025; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2016.
Does Lake Geneva have a public access?
Yes. Lake Geneva has 3 public access sites, including Geneva Lake (E) (trailer launch).
How big do walleye get in Lake Geneva?
The biggest walleye measured in recent DNR surveys taped 27"; the size-history table on this page tracks the biggest fish in each survey back to 2004.
When was Lake Geneva last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Lake Geneva in 2024, the most recent of 13 surveys on record.
Page updated .
Featured guide spot
Your guide service here
One featured guide per lake, with your photo, your writeup and a link straight to your booking page. Free through December 31, 2026.
Then $20 a month from January. Cancel any time.
The live map adds today's conditions and ranked spots for Lake Geneva, plus a trip plan you can share:
Open Lake Geneva on the live map → Fished it lately? Write a report