Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Little Winnibigoshish Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Little Winnibigoshish Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Little Winnibigoshish Lake, MN
- How big is Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
- How deep is Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Little Winnibigoshish Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
How big is Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
How deep is Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Shorthead Redhorse, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
What are the closest cities to Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Little Winnibigoshish Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Lake-Link Featured Lodging
Are there boat launches on Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
Little Winnibigoshish Lake area businesses:
Are there places to eat and drink near Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
What aquatic invasive species are found in Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Little Winnibigoshish is a 938-acre lake located 10 miles northwest of Deer River, MN. The lake is relatively shallow with a maximum depth of 28 ft and a littoral area of 209 acres. Little Winnibigoshish is in lake class 27 and has a public access on the northwest shore. The Mississippi River flows through the lake and water level fluctuations are common. The lake is within the Chippewa National Forest and Leech Lake Indian Reservation and is essentially undeveloped with the exception of a resort on the north shore.
Walleye gill-net catch was 10.3/net and was higher than the expected range for similar lakes. Gill net catch rates have historically been moderate and varied from 2.7 to 8.4/net. Size structure was moderate with approximately 50% of fish sampled greater than 15 inches. Growth was similar to the statewide average with fish averaging 18 inches by age five. Walleye fingerlings, fry, or frylings have been stocked in six out of the last 8 years making stocking evaluation difficult. Most year classes were represented in the sample indicating consistent recruitment through natural reproduction or stocking.
The northern pike gill net catch was very high at 23.3/net, and exceeded the expected range for similar lakes. Catch rates in past assessments have varied from 4.4 to 17.3/gill net. Size structure was generally poor, however, a few fish greater than 30 inches were sampled. Growth was good, but not exceeding 115% of the statewide average with fish reaching 24 inches in four years. Size structure may be lower than expected due to large year classes in 2004 and 2005. Anglers can help to improve size structure by releasing northern pike larger than 24 inches.
Yellow perch gill net catch was 36.5/net, which was within the expected range. Historical catch rates have been similar and have varied from 12.4 to 56.8/gill net. Size structure was generally poor with few fish exceeding nine inches.
Panfish species have historically been sampled at very low numbers. In 2007, the bluegill catch rate was less than 1/trap net, and no black crappie were sampled. Tullibee have commonly been sampled in past assessments, however, only one tullibee was sampled in this assessment. Warm summers the last couple years have likely caused tullibee populations to decline.
Other fish sampled include, black bullhead, bowfin, brown bullhead, rock bass, shorthead redhorse, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and common shiner.
What is the average air temp for Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
Are there any state parks near Little Winnibigoshish Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Little Winnibigoshish Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Little Ball Club Lake | 1.5 mi | 185 | 30 ft |
Ball Club Lake | 5.5 mi | 4,335 | 85 ft |
Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake | 6.1 mi | 619 | 20 ft |
Cut Foot Sioux Lake | 6.4 mi | 2,771 | 78 ft |
Lake Winnibigoshish | 8.0 mi | 56,472 | 69.8 ft |
Sunken Lake | 9.2 mi | 45 | 35 ft |
Six Mile Lake | 9.3 mi | 1,323 | 68 ft |
Bowstring Lake | 9.7 mi | 9,528 | 32 ft |
Greeley Lake | 10.5 mi | 23 | 43 ft |
Portage Lake | 11.1 mi | 714 | 60 ft |