Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best muskellunge lakes near Brainerd
8 surveyed muskellunge lakes sit within 25 miles of Brainerd; the 5 ranked here cleared this site's grade rubric, which reads DNR survey catch rates, size structure and trophy history the same way the live map does for every lake.
Round Lake leads at grade B−, a 44-inch fish the biggest measured. Alexander Lake is next at B−, 62% of the muskellunge netted over 40 inches. Round Lake rounds out the top three at C+, a 17-inch fish the biggest measured.
| # | 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 | B− | 2,709 | — | 62% | 50" | 16.1 lb | 2025 |
| 3 | Round Lake | C+ | 1,650 | — | 0% | 17" | — | 2025 |
| 4 | Shamineau Lake | C | 1,434 | — | 76% | 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 this site's rubric over Minnesota DNR survey data (catch per unit effort against DNR benchmarks, size structure, trophy history). See any lake's page for the underlying numbers. Survey years vary by lake; the table shows each lake's latest.