Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best muskellunge lakes near Minneapolis
The DNR has surveyed muskellunge in 10 lakes within 25 miles of Minneapolis. The 6 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.
Minnetonka Lake is first at A−. Its biggest muskellunge in the survey was 50 inches. Bald Eagle Lake is second at B. 56% of its muskellunge measured over 40 inches. White Bear Lake is third at B−, and its biggest muskellunge was 46 inches.
| # | Lake | Grade | Acres | Survey catch rate | Over 40" | Biggest Surveyed | Avg wt | Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnetonka Lake | A− | 14,206 | — | 50% | 50" | 22.1 lb | 2022 |
| 2 | Bald Eagle Lake | B | 1,049 | — | 56% | 48" | 16.7 lb | 2022 |
| 3 | White Bear Lake | B− | 2,428 | — | 100% | 46" | 26.1 lb | 2024 |
| 4 | Harriet Lake | B− | 341 | — | 100% | 44" | 21.6 lb | 2024 |
| 5 | Independence Lake | B− | 832 | — | 67% | 44" | 14.9 lb | 2025 |
| 6 | Owasso Lake | C− | 375 | — | 0% | 25" | 3.5 lb | 2024 |
Also ranked near Minneapolis: Walleye · Northern pike · Largemouth 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.