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.
Lakes Area Map
Clicking a 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.
Chisago Lake
Bordering the southeast side of Chisago City, Chisago Lake has dozens of coves and inlets to explore, making it a great place to find your next catch! It is also connected to South Lindström Lake by a natural channel, providing even more places to anchor.
Comfort Lake
The western-most lake in the Chisago region is Comfort Lake in Wyoming, MN. Although it is one of the smaller lakes in the area, Comfort Lake holds an impressive 35+ varieties of fish!
Green Lake
Green Lake is the largest lake in the Chisago Lakes area, with over 1,800 acres, and at least 32 species of fish! With plenty of shoreline, inlets and islands to explore, you’re in for a great fishing experience, no matter the season.
Kroon Lake
One of our smaller and shallower bodies of water, Kroon Lake offers over 20 species of fish amidst peaceful surroundings. The public access site is located on the east side of the lake in a small bay. Visit Kroon Lake for great fishing in a relaxed setting.
Little Green Lake
Little Green Lake sits to the north of Green Lake, connected by a wide channel. It also has a Boat Dock available for boaters on both Little Green and Green Lake. Dock your boat during your visit to both lakes and walk to the restaurants and shops in the downtown district!
Little Lake
Little Lake can be found northeast of Center City. This picturesque lake has three miles of shoreline and over a dozen species of fish.
North Center Lake
Spanning 749 acres, North Center Lake offers plenty of room and a wide variety of fish species. While you’re on the water make sure to check out Allemansrätt Park, located on the large peninsula on the western side of the lake. It has trails, a historic homestead, and two walk-in, first-come-first-served campsites on its shores. A public fishing dock can be found along the southern edge of the lake, just steps from downtown Center City.
North Lindström Lake
North Lindström Lake is known for its water clarity and predominantly sandy shoreline. This small, scenic lake holds over 19 species of fish. The lake's south shore is connected to South Lindström Lake by a narrow channel that is navigable by small boat (<14') at normal water levels.
South Center Lake
This 835 acre lake boasts larger-than-average northern pike and dozens of bays and drop-offs to find them. South Center Lake is one of our deeper lakes and directly connected to North Center Lake through a navigable channel, making it a great destination for your next fishing trip.
South Lindström Lake
South Lindström Lake is a beautiful location to experience the fishing and scenery of “America’s Little Sweden.” The lake's north shore is connected to North Lindström Lake by a narrow channel, allowing over 25 species of fish to migrate freely between the lakes. South Lindström Lake is also connected to Chisago Lake at its western end.
Spider Lake
Located in Chisago Lake Township, south of Lindström, is Spider Lake. The edges of the lake branch out like spider legs, hence its name. The numerous inlets, coves, and bays provide great locations to find your next catch!
St. Croix River
Clean water and a wide variety of underwater habitats make for outstanding fishing opportunities on the St. Croix River! The Indianhead Flowage north of Taylors Falls is recognized as one of the finest smallmouth bass fisheries in the country. Downstream of Taylors Falls, the river is plentiful with many warmer water species. Three public launches in Taylors Falls and Franconia provide plenty of great places to cast a line (and enjoy the stunning views) in our National Scenic Riverway!
Minnesota Fishing Guide - Explore MN
Get a free Minnesota Fishing Guide to assist with your Minnesota travel planning and vacation choices.
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Fishing License Information
A fishing license for the current 2025-26 license year is effective until Feb. 28, 2026.
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FIshing Articles
Chisago Lakes Early-Ice Panfish and Walleyes
I begin to think about ice fishing this time of year. I put a good amount of walleye on the table during the open-water season,
Frankie’s Live Bait & Marine – A Chisago Lakes Institution
To find all things fishing and boating in Chisago Lakes, look no further than Frankie’s Live Bait & Marine. For nearly 60 years, Frankie’s has
Year-Round Fishing in Chisago Lakes: An Angler’s Paradise
Nestled in the scenic heart of Minnesota, Chisago Lakes is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. With its rich tapestry of lakes and rivers, the region
Cast a Line with Let’s Go Fishing
Get out on the lake with the local chapter of Let’s Go Fishing! This non-profit was started over 20 years ago with a dream to provide fishing and boating outings to seniors on wheelchair accessible pontoon boats. Since its creation, the organization has expanded to include services for adults with disabilities, veterans, special education students, multi-generation families, and community education classes!
Find out MoreFishing 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.
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Fishing FAQs
Do I need a license to fish in Chisago County?
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.
Where can I get a fishing license?
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) 257-6578Frankie’s Live Bait & Marine
10680 South Ave. E.
Chisago City, MN 55013
(651) 257-6334Holiday Stationstore #001
12970 Lake Blvd.
Lindström, MN 55045
(651) 257-2030Casey’s General Store #3661
341 Bench St.
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
(651) 465-4002Are there fishing regulations?
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.htmWhere do I get fishing tackle, bait, equipment?
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.comWhere can I rent a boat?
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.comChisago 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.comEric’s Canoe & Kayak Rental
ericscanoerental.comTaylors 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.comAre there local fishing guides or charters?
Prime Time Guide Service offers full-service, multi-fish, all-season guided fishing trips. They offer a personalized approach, building on each angler’s individual skill set. (651) 788-6366 fishwithben.com
Where should I spend the night?
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.
What food and drink establishments are in the area?
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.
What else is there to do in the area?
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.
