Mid-Summer Fishing in Minnesota
🎣Best Lakes Within 50 Miles of the Twin Cities
There’s something magical about mid-summer fishing in Minnesota. Warm mornings, calm evenings, and plenty of hungry fish make this the perfect time to hit the water. If you’re in the Twin Cities and itching for a day on the lake, we’ve got you covered with some of the best fishing spots within a short drive—plus tips to make your trip successful.
🌅 Why Mid-Summer Fishing Hits Different
By late July, water temperatures have warmed up, pushing fish to deeper, cooler areas during the heat of the day. Early mornings and evenings are prime time for bites — especially for walleye, bass, pike, and panfish. Mid-summer is also when aquatic vegetation is thick, creating prime ambush points for predators.
Pack your tackle with a mix of:
- Topwater lures for early mornings (frogs, poppers)
- Spinnerbaits & crankbaits for mid-depth action
- Live bait like leeches, nightcrawlers, or minnows for consistent results
Top Lakes for Mid-Summer Fishing Near the Twin Cities
1. Lake Minnetonka
📍 Approx. 20 miles west of Minneapolis
Known for its size and variety, Lake Minnetonka is a bass angler’s paradise. Target largemouth in the bays with weed cover, or chase walleye on deeper structure. Pike and muskie also roam these waters for those after a trophy fish.
Hot Tip: Use topwater frogs in shallow bays early, then switch to drop-shot rigs as the sun climbs.
2. White Bear Lake
📍 About 15 miles northeast of St. Paul
Clear water, healthy weed lines, and solid structure make White Bear Lake great for walleye, bass, and panfish. It’s a family-friendly lake with good shore fishing options too.
Hot Tip: Troll crankbaits along the edges of weed flats in the evening for walleyes on the move.
3. Forest Lake
📍 30 miles north of the metro
With three basins, Forest Lake offers plenty of options for anglers. Smallmouth bass love the rocky structure, while largemouth and pike hold tight to vegetation.
Hot Tip: Try a Ned rig or tube jig for smallies on the rocks and a spinnerbait for working weeds.
4. Prior Lake
📍 25 miles southwest of Minneapolis
This south metro favorite boasts solid populations of largemouth bass and panfish. Look for fish near docks, weedlines, and deeper holes when the sun is high.
Hot Tip: Skipping soft plastics under docks can produce some summer giants.
5. Lake Elmo
📍 15 miles east of St. Paul
A clear, deep lake perfect for rainbow trout, bass, and panfish. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for something a little different.
Hot Tip: Focus on early morning or late evening for trout; a slip bobber rig with live bait works well.
6. Lake Marion (Lakeville)
📍 About 25 miles south of Minneapolis
Lake Marion is a hidden gem for bass and panfish enthusiasts. Its combination of shallow bays and deeper weed edges make it an exciting spot for summer fishing.
Hot Tip: Throw a wacky rig or jig-and-plastic combo near weedlines early in the day, then move deeper as temps rise.
Summer in Minnesota doesn’t last forever, so make the most of it. Grab your rod, hit the lake early, and chase those big bites under the golden sun. Tight lines!