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Minnesota · Fishing
Lake Park Township sits in Becker County in northwestern Minnesota, and its fishing is built around a handful of quiet inland lakes rather than the big-name resorts you'll find closer to Detroit Lakes.
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Lake Park Township sits in Becker County in northwestern Minnesota, and its fishing is built around a handful of quiet inland lakes rather than the big-name resorts you'll find closer to Detroit Lakes. Shoe Lake, Lime Lake, and York Lake are the three fishable waters in the township, and all three are lake fishing setups — meaning you're working from shore, a dock, or a small boat rather than wading a river. This is walleye and panfish country by default, as it is across most of Becker County, though the specific mix of species in each lake will vary. None of these waters appear on Minnesota's designated trout lake list, so plan your trip around warm-water species. The lakes are small enough that a kayak or canoe gives you a real advantage over shore fishing, letting you cover structure without needing a full-sized boat launch. If you're coming from out of town, the nearest bait and license shops are in the Lake Park or Detroit Lakes area. Crowds are rarely an issue here — these aren't destination lakes, which is exactly the point for anglers who want to fish without competing for space.
All three are warm-water lakes typical of Becker County, so walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie are the most likely targets. None of these lakes are designated trout waters, so don't plan a trip around trout. Check the Minnesota DNR lake finder for each specific water body before you go, as species composition and any special regulations can vary lake to lake.
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Minnesota fishing license. You can buy one online through the Minnesota DNR website, at a local bait shop, or at sporting goods retailers in Lake Park or Detroit Lakes. Non-resident licenses are available in short-term options if you're just visiting for a few days.
York Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Lime Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Shoe Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Hougland Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Swede Grove Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Rustad Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Solwald Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Tamarac Lake
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Tamarack Lake
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Somdahl Lake
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Eagen Lake
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
Thomas Lake
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MN.
The walleye opener in mid-May kicks off the main season and is generally the most productive stretch for walleye and northern pike. Panfish like bluegill and crappie are active through summer and tend to bite well in the morning and evening hours when surface temperatures cool slightly. Ice fishing is also a legitimate option in winter once the ice is safe, typically December through February in this part of Minnesota.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations across these lakes. For walleye, jigs tipped with a minnow or leech are the standard starting point in Minnesota. For panfish, a light rod with small jigs or bobber rigs works well. Bring a net, a cooler if you plan to keep fish, and a life jacket if you're going out in a kayak or canoe.
Access and launch facilities vary by lake, and not every small township lake in Minnesota has a maintained public ramp. Check the Minnesota DNR lake access map for Shoe Lake, Lime Lake, and York Lake individually before loading up a trailer. A cartop boat, kayak, or canoe is often the most practical option for smaller lakes like these where ramp infrastructure may be limited.
