Walnut Lake

Walnut Lake is a reservoir in Faribault County, Minnesota. Walnut Lake covers about 719 acres and reaches a recorded 4 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Walnut Lake Affect Fishing

Walnut Lake has an old channel, incoming water and quiet coves, and small water-level changes can move fish from the bank to the first drop.

Fish and Baits at Walnut Lake

Fish reported from Walnut Lake include black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and yellow perch.

Bass

For bass at Walnut, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.

Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish

For panfish at Walnut, use a small jig or minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye

For roaming fish at Walnut, jig a minnow or troll a crankbait along points and deeper edges for walleye.

Northern Pike

For large predators at Walnut, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

How the Seasons Change Walnut Lake

Spring around Walnut is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is best early or late around weeds, shade and the few deeper holes. Fall around Walnut can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Walnut Lake

On a first trip to Walnut, check incoming water, one bend in the old channel and a point near deep water with a moving lure, then slow down with a jig or worm where you get a bite.

Useful Tackle for Walnut Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Walnut, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for northern pike.

Walnut Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 719-acre Walnut Lake?

At Walnut, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 4-foot deep end of Walnut Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Walnut is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

Which reported fish is a simple first target at Walnut Lake?

Black crappie is on the fish list for Walnut, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.