Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best muskellunge lakes near Brainerd
The DNR has surveyed muskellunge in 8 lakes within 25 miles of Brainerd. The 5 ranked below are the ones that earn a grade on this site. Grades come from survey catch rates, fish size and trophy history, scored the same way for every lake on the live map.
Round Lake is first at B−. Its biggest muskellunge in the survey was 44 inches. Alexander Lake is second at C+. 63% of its muskellunge measured over 40 inches. Round Lake is third at C+, and its biggest muskellunge was 17 inches.
| # | Lake | Grade | Acres | Survey catch rate | Over 40" | Biggest Surveyed | Avg wt | Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Round Lake | B− | 127 | — | 25% | 44" | 11.7 lb | 2019 |
| 2 | Alexander Lake | C+ | 2,709 | — | 63% | 50" | 16.1 lb | 2025 |
| 3 | Round Lake | C+ | 1,650 | — | 0% | 17" | — | 2025 |
| 4 | Shamineau Lake | C | 1,434 | — | 78% | 50" | 20.5 lb | 2025 |
| 5 | Cedar Lake | C | 1,726 | — | 53% | 49" | 15.6 lb | 2025 |
Also ranked near Brainerd: Walleye · Northern pike · Largemouth bass · Smallmouth bass · Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow perch
All of Minnesota: Best muskellunge lakes in Minnesota
Grades are based on Minnesota DNR survey data: how many fish the DNR caught (scaled by lake size), how many reached quality size, and the biggest fish measured. Each lake's page has the numbers behind its grade. The table shows each lake's most recent survey year.