Cisco (Lake Herring) fishing at Shagawa

Start shallow in spring: cisco (lake herring) sit in 10 to 40 ft that time of year. They don't go far with the seasons — 12 to 40 ft covers summer, 12 to 40 ft covers winter. The spot to know is Deep basin, a deep basin in about 40 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in spring. Warm-month bites cluster around early morning. Throw a vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic until the fish tell you otherwise.

Walleye fishing at Shagawa

In spring, walleye run shallow here, mostly 4 to 15 ft. Midsummer fish sit out in 15 to 35 ft before dropping to 20 to 40 ft for winter. Fall walleye concentrate at Break off the point, a prime-rated drop-off around 20 ft. Fish it in the evening and early morning and you'll meet the bite. You won't need more than a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) most summer days.

Yellow Perch fishing at Shagawa

The spring pattern is a shallow one: yellow perch in 3 to 12 ft. Midsummer fish sit out in 10 to 30 ft before dropping to 15 to 35 ft for winter. The spot to know is Break off the point, a drop-off in about 20 ft of water that rates prime for yellow perch in summer. Plan around early morning in the warm months. Summer baits: a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm gets it done.

Northern Pike fishing at Shagawa

When the water first warms, northern pike slide up into 2 to 8 ft. Summer is an 8 to 20 ft game here, winter a 5 to 15 ft one. Start at Shallow bay flat. It's a weed flat holding about 1 ft of water and rates prime come spring. The feeding windows run early morning and the evening. Keep a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage rigged through the warm months.

Muskellunge fishing at Shagawa

Come spring, look for muskellunge tight to the bank in 3 to 12 ft. Expect a summer slide to 8 to 25 ft, then a winter hold in 15 to 35 ft. Start at Break off the point. It's a drop-off holding about 20 ft of water and rates prime come fall. Prime time lands in the evening and early morning. A double-10 bucktail or a topwater (walk-the-dog / creeper) is the honest summer answer here.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Shagawa

When the water first warms, smallmouth bass slide up into 3 to 12 ft. Summer is a 10 to 30 ft game here, winter a 12 to 40 ft one. Start at Break off the point. It's a drop-off holding about 20 ft of water and rates prime come winter. The feeding windows run early morning and the evening. Keep a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig rigged through the warm months.

How deep is Shagawa?

Shagawa is about 40 ft (12 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Minnesota DNR survey of 1958, a decades-old survey (the DNR's original lake-survey map).

What fish are in Shagawa?

Anglers target cisco (lake herring), walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, rock bass, crappie, bluegill on Shagawa.

Where is the best fishing spot on Shagawa?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 40 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in spring. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Shagawa?

For cisco (lake herring), the summer bite is best in 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 Shagawa stocked with fish?

Yes — per Minnesota DNR LakeFinder stocking reports records, Shagawa was most recently stocked 2025 with 2,300,000 walleye (fry). The full stocking history is listed above.

What are the fishing regulations for Shagawa?

Fishing on Shagawa 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.