Washburn

Walleye are currently stocked in Washburn as frylings (when available) or fingerlings in alternate (even-numbered) years. Night electrofishing was conducted on September 24th, 2025, to assess young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleye abundance. The total sample time was 2 hours, which resulted in no YOY Walleye being captured. Previous catches ranged from 0 to 47.0 per hour. Walleye age 1 and older were captured at a rate of 6.5 per hour. These fish ranged in size from 7.4 to 15.8, with a mean length of 10.1 inches.

Walleye are currently stocked in Washburn as frylings (when available) or fingerlings in alternate (even-numbered) years. Night electrofishing was conducted on September 26th, 2024, to assess young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleye abundance. The total sample time was 2 hours, which resulted in a YOY Walleye catch rate of 0.5/hour run-time. Previous catches have ranged from 0 to 47.0/hour run-time. The YOY Walleye measured 7.1". Walleye age 1 and older were captured at a rate of 4.5/hour run-time. These Walleyes ranged in size from 9.3" to 16.0", with a mean length of 12.8".

Washburn is a little unique compared to other lakes in our area in the fact that Northern Pike numbers are on the low side of average for this type of lake (4.3/gill net), and it contains Smallmouth Bass. Average size of Northern Pike was a bit small at 18.6", with less than 5% of the sample over 26". Walleye is the primary management species, and various life stages have been stocked over the years, frylings being the most recent in 2022. The 2024 catch of 2.3/gill net was below average for this type of lake. Average length was 17.2" and 83% of the fish were over 14". Aging the fish revealed that 50% of the fish came from stocking years. Both Largemouth (1.4/gill net) and Smallmouth bass (1.5/gill net) were sampled in high numbers when compared to similar lakes. Smallmouth size was a little better than Largemouth, with an average length of 14.7" and 86% measuring 14" or larger. Fish up to 18.0" were sampled. Largemouth averaged 12.2" and 24% were 14" or larger. The largest fish measured was 17.3". Due to time constraints, spring electrofishing for bass was not accomplished in 2024.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Rock Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass in Washburn. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Washburn. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Washburn has a maximum depth of 111 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Washburn is from 2024.

Yes — Washburn has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.