Fish Species: Lake Winnibigoshish & Cut Foot Sioux
Walleye
Lake Winnie and Cutfoot Sioux have long been famous for their walleye fishery. Natural reproduction is excellent and the walleye growth rate is above average.
A great spawning run of walleyes moves from Lake Winnie into Cutfoot Sioux every fishing season. Although we think about spawning in the spring, the walleye run actually begins in the fall and peaks with their spawning just a few days after ice-out. Post spawn, the fish gradually disperse back into Lake Winnie. By summer they scatter amongst the deepwater bars and weed lines.
Northern Pike and Muskellunge
Northern pike populations are on the rise, with abundant numbers of 5 to 10 pound fish. A few lunkers in the 10 to 15 pound range are not uncommon.
The large cabbage beds offer endless fishing opportunity. For nearly 60 years, Lake Winnie boasted the state record Muskie that weighed 54 lbs, while measuring at 56 inches. Each year the muskie fishery gets better, with more large fish being caught. Catch and release is popular for both species and will insure the future of these magnificent game fish.
Jumbo Perch
Fisherman Magazine rates Lake Winnie as one of the premier Minnesota perch destinations. No doubt about it, Winnibigosh is one of the Midwest's most prolific yellow perch fisheries. Recent measures on reducing bag limits were implemented to protect the jumbo perch in Winnie and Cutfoot. There is almost never a day you cannot go out and catch a meal of this delicate table fare.
Largemouth Bass
Widely overlooked, Cutfoot Sioux and Lake Winnibigosh offer an untapped opportunity for great bass fishing. Good numbers of above average bass are found in the bulrushes, cabbage and cattails. Isolated populations exist in Lake Winnie's Tamarack Bay, Third River Flowage and Sugar Lake areas.
Crappie, Bluegill and Sunfish
For many northern Minnesota anglers, crappies and bluegills have become a primary target while fishing on Cutfoot Sioux and these days, even on Big Winnie. Knowing the seasonal movements of panfish can really help anglers stay on fish all season long, but during spring and fall, almost everyone can locate and catch good sized sunfish and slab crappies.