Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best walleye lakes in Pine County
The DNR has surveyed walleye in 17 lakes in Pine County. The 7 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.
Pokegama Lake is first at B. The DNR caught 2.3 walleye per gill net in the 2025 survey, and the biggest was 25 inches. Dago Lake is second at B−. 100% of its walleye measured over 20 inches. Island Lake is third at B−, and its biggest walleye was 24 inches.
| # | Lake | Grade | Acres | Survey catch rate | Over 20" | Biggest Surveyed | Avg wt | Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokegama Lake | B | 1,522 | 2.3/net in gill nets | 31% | 25" | 2 lb | 2025 |
| 2 | Dago Lake | B− | 118 | — | 100% | 27" | 5.3 lb | 2006 |
| 3 | Island Lake | B− | 527 | 3.2/net in gill nets | 14% | 24" | 1.7 lb | 2025 |
| 4 | Sand Lake | B− | 527 | 2.2/net in gill nets | 57% | 25" | 3 lb | 2025 |
| 5 | Sturgeon Lake | C+ | 1,706 | 1.2/net in gill nets | 38% | 22" | 1.9 lb | 2025 |
| 6 | Big Pine Lake | C | 399 | 2/net in gill nets | 17% | 23" | 1.2 lb | 2025 |
| 7 | Cross Lake | C | 925 | 1.4/net in gill nets | 14% | 23" | 1.3 lb | 2025 |
Also ranked in Pine County: Northern pike · Largemouth bass · Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow perch
All of Minnesota: Best walleye 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.