If you are looking for an all-around fishing destination in west central Minnesota, the Alexandria area is dotted with over 350 lakes for fisherman to explore, with some of the best walleye lakes within minutes of downtown Alexandria. Darling, Le Homme Dieu, Carlos, and Ida just to name a few. The town was bustling this last weekend with the walleye opener bringing anglers in from near and far.
Other lakes to check out in the area for a good walleye bite is Lake Osakis, Miltona, and Mary. There is no slot limit on these lakes for walleye. Anglers are allowed the state wide regulation of six walleyes with one over 20 inches, and the DNR has stocked millions of walleyes in the ares lakes, providing hot action for years to come.
But there is more to the area than just walleye. There is countless lakes, big and small, for panfish too. On nice calm sunny days sunfish and crappies should be inhabiting the shallow bays and reed beds this time of year. If they haven’t moved up, or the conditions are less than ideal, check the emerging weedbeds adjacent to these areas where they will eventually spawn.
Largemouth and smallmouth is open for catch and release only until bass opener which starts May 26th this year. Most lakes in the area have great largemouth bass habitat. Lakes like Ida host a good population of Smallmouth.
One of the other great bonuses of this all-around fishing destination is there’s a lot activities for the whole family to do on or off the water. With many of the areas lakes hosting resorts and campgrounds where swimming, tubing, and other water sports can fill their day with activities.
Then come evening cruise up to one of the lake side bars and restaurants like Deck Bar and Grill at Arrowwood Resort on Darling Lake. Or head downtown with tons of shops and restaurants within easy walk.
