Lake Osakis

Lake Osakis is a large, well-known body of water that offers a variety of recreational activities in addition to fishing. Many resorts and businesses cater to both anglers and family vacationers. The lake is only a short drive from Interstate 94, and access to the lake is easily available through the many resorts and public landings. Osakis has long stretches of bulrush along its shoreline. It is best known for producing slab bluegill, excellent numbers of walleye and big bullhead. Osakis is locally called “The Mother Walleye Lake” as a result of a walleye spawn-taking station on Buss Creek.

Yellow perch, white sucker, cisco, shiners, darters, logperch and juvenile panfish contribute to a diverse forage base. Yellow perch are heavily utilized by gamefish. A small cisco population provides a deep-water forage that contributes to the northern pike and walleye fisheries. Cisco can experience summerkills.

During spring, walleye seek the gravel shoals, large points and wind-swept shorelines for spawning. In addition, walleye have been observed in Curtis Creek, Boss Creek and near the dam by the Sauk Creek outlet. Northern pike move into Faille Creek, as well as the shallower spawning areas of Millers, Petersons, and Town bays. The Faille Creek area will also a movement of walleye during fall. Fish have also been noted moving in and out of Little Osakis Lake. Osakis has recently seen a good weedline bite for walleye during mid-summer in depths of 7 to 10 feet.