Albert Lea Lake has been listed as one of the top seven opening-day walleye lakes in Minnesota, according to an article in Minnesota Sportsman magazine.

In the article, which came out prior to the walleye opener on May 9, Albert Lea Lake shared the distinction with Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Winnibigoshish, Leech Lake, Lake of the Woods, Lake Okabena and White Bear Lake.

Including commentary from fishing guide Chris Kuduk and Mark Courts, a champion tournament walleye angler, the article stated reasons why each lake was chosen, along with tips for fishers who decide to go there.

Regarding Albert Lea Lake, the article stated that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has stocked millions of fry into the lake, and those fry are now “in the 18- to 22-inch range and ripe for the picking.”

Fountain Lake Sportsmen’s Club President Dave Villarreal said both New York Point and the channel between Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake have been big hot spots for walleye so far this season.

He said he’s talked to quite a few fishermen and has been hearing several stories of fishing successes.

He noted he was actually surprised to hear about Albert Lea Lake’s distinction. “But if you think about it, the fish have had plenty of time to grow, and I guess they’re about due. It’s all cyclical,” he said.

In the Minnesota Sportsman magazine, Kuduk offered some tips to fishermen along Albert Lea Lake: “Anglers should anchor where the channel from Fountain Lake enters Albert Lea Lake and sit there while fishing with a slip-bobber rig.”

Courts offered his own advice.

He said he “would drift down the necked-down areas and cast chiner-colored crankbaits. If that doesn’t work, go back through with a perch-colored, shad-shaped crankbait,” he said.

With more suggestions, the article stated “anglers could use a split-shot rig on a No. 2 Tru-Turn hook. About 18 inches up the line, pinch on a pea-sized split shot. Thread a 3- to 4-inch shiner or minnow on the hook and feed out about 60 feet of line and drift through with this rig.”

Villarreal said he hopes Albert Lea Lake’s distinction will entice more people to get out on the lake and take advantage of the ripe fishing season.

To read the full article, visit Minnesota Sportsman magazine.