Fishing
We’re not called Chisago Lakes by accident! When you visit this beautiful area, you’ll find 11 lakes and the St. Croix River at our eastern border. Our waters are the perfect location for your next fishing trip, and our communities provide the amenities and entertainment to go along with it. Whether you’re just learning to fish or are looking for your next record-breaker, the Chisago Lakes area has you covered.
An easy hour-drive from the Twin Cities, the Chisago chain of lakes should be high on your list of destinations. Whether you want to catch walleye, bass, panfish, or pike, Chisago area lakes are tough to beat. Each lake is unique in its own right, with varying depths, bottom content, and acreage, but all of them are consistent producers no matter the season. See the map below to help you determine where to cast your next line.
Lake Areas Map
Clicking Marker will take you to a detail page with more info on that particular Lake.
Area Lakes Listings
The Chisago Lakes area features eleven main lakes and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Each unique in their own way, these bodies of water collectively provide the ideal destination for your next fishing excursion. We invite you to learn more about our lakes and river in the descriptions and links below.
Minnesota Fishing Guide - Explore MN
Fishing License Information
A fishing license for the current 2024-25 license year is effective until Feb. 28, 2025.
- Alyssa Auten
- Chisago Lakes Visitor's Bureau
- Dan Brown
Cast a Line with Let’s Go Fishing
Fishing Safety
Fishing here in Chisago Lakes is sure to be a fun time, and we encourage you to be safe and compliant while doing so! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just learning, there are many simple measures you can take to ensure an enjoyable and safe fishing experience. From wearing a life jacket to having a first aid kit on board, we invite you to learn more at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ fishing safety page.
Fishing FAQs
Possibly! To legally fish in Minnesota, all residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies (see ‘Who doesn’t need a fishing license?’). You must carry your license when traveling from an area where you were fishing. All non-residents need a license except those age 15 and younger do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed.
Fishing licenses are effective from March 1 to the last day of February of the following year. The State of Minnesota offers a variety of fishing license types. For more information, visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/fishing/index.html.
The purchase price of every fishing license goes into the Game and Fish Fund, a dedicated account that can only be used for fish, wildlife, law enforcement, and certain other outdoor-related activities.
Online through the MN DNR website: http://licenses.dnr.state.mn.us/.
By phone: 1-888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENSE). Call any time of day or night, seven days a week. This toll-free call provides immediate licensing by way of a license identification number, which will be issued at the time of the call.
In person at one of Chisago County’s Licensing Agents:
Chisago City License Bureau
10625 Railroad Ave.
Chisago City, MN 55013
(651) 257-6578
Frankie’s Live Bait & Marine
10680 South Ave. E.
Chisago City, MN 55013
(651) 257-6334
Holiday Stationstore #001
12970 Lake Blvd.
Lindström, MN 55045
(651) 257-2030
Casey’s General Store #3661
341 Bench St.
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
(651) 465-4002
The best place to find current fishing regulations is by visiting the MN Department of Natural Resources Fishing Regulations webpage.
For current fishing regulations on the St. Croix River, visit https://www.nps.gov/sacn/planyourvisit/fishing.htm
There’s only one place to get live bait in Chisago Lakes:
Frankies Live Bait and Marine, the area’s premier boating and fishing experts.
10680 South Ave,
Chisago City, MN 55013
(651) 257-6334
frankiesboats.com
Captain Shawn’s Boat Rentals
Captain Shawn’s Boat Rentals offers 10- or 6-passenger pontoons, fishing boats, and kayaks. They operate out of Russel Park on South Lindström Lake. Visit their website to book your vessel!
(651) 769-3343
captainshawnsrental.com
Chisago Lakes Boat Rental
Located in beautiful Center City, on the waters of North and South Center Lakes, with miles of explorable shore line, restaurants, wonderful swimming and fishing.
chisagolakesboatrental.com
Eric’s Canoe & Kayak Rental
ericscanoerental.com
Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental
Come enjoy the scenic St. Croix River, one of the cleanest and most beautiful riverways in the country! Canoe or kayak this tranquil, family-friendly stretch of the river for a few hours, half the day, all day, or a few days.
taylorsfallscanoe.com
Whether you’re looking for a campsite, a short-term rental, a bed & breakfast, or a traditional hotel, we’ve got you covered. Find a place to spend the night after your fishing adventure on our lodging options page.
Chisago Lakes has many delicious options for filling up your tank after a long day on the water. We have everything from vintage drive-ins to riverboat dining. We have bars and breweries, as well as many traditional cafes and restaurants. Browse all the options here.
We’re glad you asked! There are so many fun things to do in Chisago Lakes. From hiking to shopping, visiting a sculpture park or water park, you’re sure to find more to see and do than you can imagine! Explore dozens of things to do here.
