This 375-acre lake near Shoreview in Ramsey County is managed by the DNR primarily for walleye. The stocking program has produced walleye that average nearly three pounds. Minimal fishing pressure and good underwater structure have helped the walleye population in Lake Owasso. Rocky piles in 12 to 15 feet of water in the middle of the lake tend to hold the biggest fish.
Surrounded by unassuming St. Paul parkland, Lake Phalen's 198 acres of fertile walleye waters are a closely guarded secret. A long, deep lake, Phalen is separated into two basins by underwater structure in the middle of the lake. Walleye tend to haunt this area in great numbers during winter and summer months. Fingerlings and yearlings are well-stocked by the DNR to help keep Lake Phalen's walleye production in the top tier of metro area lakes.
Lake Waconia in the west metro town of Waconia features diverse underwater structure spread out over the lake's 3,000 acre surface. Popular with anglers that position season-long ice houses, as well as day-anglers, the lake features many mid-lake reefs, pointed peninsulas and protected sandy-bottom bays where walleye frequently lurk. Walleye fingerling and yearlings are frequently stocked by the DNR.
Lake Minnetonka is no secret among Minnesota anglers looking for winter walleye. The 14,000 acre lake's frozen landscape is hard to miss when traveling the western metro area. Split in to a maze of bays and islands, the lake can be somewhat treacherous to travel, as some areas resist a full freeze even during long stretches of cold weather. Walleye can be found in depths up to 30 feet in the winter, around the myriad of structure on the lake bottom. Near-shore weed lines also hold some nice glassy-eyed monsters. Checking with local bait shops for current ice conditions before venturing on to the lake's ice sheet is always advisable.
