Walleye fishing at Knife

Early season walleye use the shallows, holding in 4 to 15 ft. Even in summer they hold at 5 to 15 ft; winter keeps them in 5 to 15 ft. Put Break off the point first on the milk run — a drop-off near 6 ft that grades prime for fall. In summer the feeding windows fall in the evening and early morning. Tie on a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) and you're in the game.

Yellow Perch fishing at Knife

Spring yellow perch on Knife hold shallow, usually 3 to 12 ft. They move out to 5 to 15 ft in summer and finish the year down in 5 to 15 ft. Put Deep basin first on the milk run — a deep basin near 13 ft that grades prime for fall. The feeding windows run early morning. The summer box starts with a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm.

Northern Pike fishing at Knife

Spring puts northern pike in skinny water — 2 to 8 ft is the zone. Warm water sends them out to 5 to 15 ft; cold water stacks them in 5 to 15 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 6 ft, rated prime for fall northern pike. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. A bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage covers the summer program.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Knife

Spring puts smallmouth bass in skinny water — 3 to 12 ft is the zone. Warm water sends them out to 5 to 15 ft; cold water stacks them in 5 to 15 ft. Break off the point is the standout, a drop-off at roughly 6 ft, rated prime for winter smallmouth bass. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. A drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig covers the summer program.

Largemouth Bass fishing at Knife

In spring, largemouth bass run shallow here, mostly 2 to 10 ft. Midsummer fish sit out in 5 to 15 ft before dropping to 5 to 15 ft for winter. Winter largemouth bass concentrate at Break off the point, a prime-rated drop-off around 6 ft. Fish it in early morning and the evening and you'll meet the bite. You won't need more than a texas-rigged 10" worm or a deep-diving crankbait most summer days.

Rock Bass fishing at Knife

When the water first warms, rock bass slide up into 2 to 10 ft. Summer is a 4 to 15 ft game here, winter a 5 to 15 ft one. Start at Break off the point. It's a drop-off holding about 6 ft of water and rates prime come fall. The feeding windows run the evening. Keep a ned rig (small) or a marabou jig rigged through the warm months.

How deep is Knife?

Knife is about 15 ft (5 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Minnesota DNR survey of 1986 (the DNR's original lake-survey map).

What fish are in Knife?

Anglers target walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead on Knife.

Where is the best fishing spot on Knife?

Break off the point is the top-rated area: a drop-off in about 6 ft of water that rates prime for walleye in fall. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.

When is the best time to fish Knife?

For walleye, the summer bite is best in the evening and early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

Is Knife stocked with fish?

Yes — per Minnesota DNR LakeFinder stocking reports records, Knife was most recently stocked 2025 with 315,000 walleye (fry). The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Knife?

Fishing on Knife is regulated by the Minnesota DNR. Check the official Minnesota regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.