It’s no secret that Minnesota is home to world-class fishing. There’s a reason we’re called the Land of 10,000 Lakes! The only problem? With so many possible places to fish, finding and choosing the right fishing spot can take a while! To help narrow down your search, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the best fishing lakes in the Brainerd Lakes area, with short descriptions of each. Read on to find your perfect fishing paradise!
Pelican Lake
A popular destination for multi-species fishing, the 8,000-acre Pelican Lake is a dream come true for serious anglers. It’s one of the best locations for walleye fishing in the state, but you’ll also find plenty of pike, crappies, and largemouths. Although the lake is well-stocked, part of the fun of fishing on Pelican Lake is that it offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Steep drop-offs cause dramatic changes in depth of up to 15 feet over just a few boat lengths, and there are a few small bays and shallows that can be absolute gold mines if you use the right techniques.
Pelican Lake is located just 10-12 miles south of Boyd Lodge — about a 20 minute drive.
Blue Lake
For those looking for a more secluded fishing escape, Blue Lake is a hidden gem. Located 10 miles north of Boyd Lodge, the 176-acre Blue Lake allows you to avoid the crowds and noise of the larger lakes in the area. Mostly known as a great location for Northern Pike, anglers can also expect to catch some bluegill and largemouth. The lake’s topography features all kinds of nooks, crannies, and secluded spots — it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quiet, serene day on the lake.
Blue Lake is located off Old Grade Road, right off of County Highway 1.
Whitefish Lake
One of the best lakes in Minnesota for world-class fishing, Whitefish Lake features a huge variety of fish species and topography. You can expect to catch plenty of walleye and northern, but anglers will also find bluegill, largemouth, smallmouth, bullheads, and more.
At 7,716 acres in size and connected to many other lakes in the whitefish chain reservoir, there is plenty of room for boats of all shapes and sizes.
Boyd Lodge is located right along the shores of Whitefish Lake and offers all the fishing amenities you need for your fishing vacation.
We hope our guide of the best fishing lakes in the Brainerd Lakes area helps you find your fishing paradise! For tips and guidance once you’re out on the lake, be sure to check out local fishing guide Walleye Dan — you can find more information on his Website or Facebook page. You can also have your entire fishing excursion managed by Spaeth Outdoors — check out their Website or Facebook page for details!