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Fishing At Lake Pepin In 2024

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, sauger, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Pepin in Minnesota.

Lake Pepin, MN

As a natural lake, encompassing a twenty-two mile section of the Mississippi River, Lake Pepin is a very popular 25,000-acre fishery. Set along the Minnesota-Wisconsin state border, there are 100-plus miles of shoreline.

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Division, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Lake Pepin, situated on the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, offers anglers a fantastic fishing experience. Spanning approximately 25,000 acres, this natural widening of the river is a renowned fishing spot that attracts anglers from near and far.

Walleye and sauger are the primary targets for many anglers on Lake Pepin. These prized fish can be found in abundance throughout the year, providing ample opportunities for anglers to reel in their catch. Whether you're jigging along the river channel, trolling with crankbaits, or casting near submerged structures, Lake Pepin offers a great chance to land a walleye or sauger.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass also inhabit the waters of Lake Pepin, providing exciting angling opportunities for bass enthusiasts. The lake's rocky shorelines, submerged vegetation, and structures create ideal habitats for these feisty fish. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, such as topwater lures, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics, to target bass and experience the thrill of a strong fight.

Northern pike are another popular species found in Lake Pepin. These aggressive predators can be caught using a variety of presentations, including large spoons, swimbaits, or live bait. Anglers can explore the backwaters, weed beds, and deeper areas to target northern pike and enjoy the challenge of landing these toothy predators.

Yellow perch, bluegill, and black crappie are sought-after panfish species in Lake Pepin. Anglers can find them near weed edges, submerged structures, and other areas with cover. Using small jigs, flies, or live bait can entice these panfish to bite. Whether you're fishing from a boat or casting from shore, Lake Pepin offers plenty of opportunities to catch panfish and enjoy a day of angling.

With its diverse range of popular fish species, excellent fishing opportunities, and stunning scenery, Lake Pepin is a top fishing destination in Minnesota. Whether you're targeting walleye, sauger, bass, pike, perch, panfish, or simply enjoying a day on the water, Lake Pepin offers a memorable fishing experience in a tranquil and picturesque setting along the Mississippi River.

The lake is notorious as a fantastic smallmouth bass fishery, with lots of rip-rap shore which is ideal feeding areas for smallies. Walleye are also popular here. Crappie, perch, pike, white bass, sauger and sunfish round out the list of desired fish species. Two boat launch ramps serve the public on the Minnesota side. The Lake Pepin Boat Ramp is located in Roschen Park, off Lakeshore Drive, about mid lake. A second 2-lane ramp is located at Izaak Walton Park, off Maiden Ave, at the east end of the lake. Marinas, rental boats, camping and most any supplies and services are available at the lake.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Minnesota

Primary fish species residing in Lake Pepin

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Black crappie Walleye Sauger Bluegill White Bass Yellow Perch Northern Pike

Lake Pepin Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Pepin, with several boat ramps and marinas available for anglers to launch their boats. The wide expanse of the lake and the scenic beauty of the surrounding bluffs provide a picturesque setting for leisurely cruises. Camping facilities near the lake offer opportunities for anglers to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake City Boat Club & Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
651 675-7050

Red Wing Marina & Boat Rental
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
651 388-8995

River Valley Marina and Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
651 388-0481

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Izaak Walton Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off Maiden Avenue, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Lake Pepin Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Lakeshore Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sturgeon Lake Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off Sturgeon Lake Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Hansen's Harbor Marina
35853 Hwy. 61 Blvd
Lake City, MN 55041
651 345-3022

Lake City Marina
201 South Franklin Street
Lake City, Minnesota 55041
651 345-4211

Ole Miss Marina
229 Tyler Road North
Red Wing, MN 55066
651 388-5839

Red Wing Marina
918 Levee Road
Red Wing, MN 55066
651 388-8995

Click here for a Minnesota Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Frontenac State Park Campground - 651 345-3401

Lake Pepin Campgrounds & RV Park - 651 345-2909

Island Campground and Marina - 715 222-1808

Lake Pepin MN Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Pepin
Frontenac State Park Campground
County 28 Blvd
Frontenac, MN 55026
651 345-3401

 

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