By the numbersState roundups · Minnesota
Minnesota lakes by the numbers: 45°F to 51°F water, levels and the bite
Our weekly look at 4 Minnesota lakes: which are warmest and coolest, which levels are moving, and where the bite looks best.
Across the 4 Minnesota lakes we follow, surface water runs from 45°F on Lake Vermilion to 51°F on Lake Minnetonka, a spread of 6°F.
A spread like this means the same week can fish very differently from one lake to the next, so pick the lake to match the fish you want.
Tomorrow's bite rates good on every one of them, so pick by the fish you want and the drive.
Lake Minnetonka is the warmest lake we follow in Minnesota on the latest readings.
Lake Vermilion is the coolest, 6°F behind Lake Minnetonka.
No lake on our list is falling this week.
Good or better tomorrow: Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Minnetonka, Lake Vermilion and Leech Lake.
Water temperature across the state
The chart ranks the lakes by surface temperature on the latest clear readings. Warmer lakes keep the fall feed going longer; cooler ones are further along toward winter patterns.
The lakes this week
Lake Mille Lacs is at 46°F, and its level is steady. Target walleye: good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
On Lake Minnetonka the water is 51°F, and its level is steady. Best bet: muskie. Big baits along weed edges and breaks.
Lake Vermilion reads 45°F at the surface. Northern pike are the pick. Weed edges and shallow bays.
On Leech Lake the water is 46°F, and its level is steady. Best bet: perch. Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
Algae showed on the latest clear view of Lake Vermilion. Blooms drift with the wind and pile up on downwind shores, so look at the water before a swim and keep dogs out of green or scummy patches.
All the numbers
| Lake | Water | Level | Bite tomorrow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Mille Lacs | 46°F | steady | good |
| Lake Minnetonka | 51°F | steady | good |
| Lake Vermilion | 45°F | — | good |
| Leech Lake | 46°F | — | good |
Lake by lake
- Lake Mille Lacs46°FClear water, 46°F water, level steady, near normal, calm this morning.
- Lake Minnetonka51°FClear water, 51°F water, level steady, near normal, calm this morning.
- Lake Vermilion45°FSome algae possible, 45°F water, calm this morning.
- Leech Lake46°FClear water, 46°F water, level 1296 ft, calm this morning.
Your lake every morning
Water temperature, level, wind and bite times on your phone.
Read the guide
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