What Lake Storey offers anglers

Lake Storey is a shallow, weedy walleye and pike lake in western Minnesota that rewards anglers who understand how to fish low-light periods and work vegetation. The lake runs roughly 1,200 acres and averages 8 to 10 feet deep, with the deepest holes rarely exceeding 15 feet. That shallow character means the water warms quickly in spring and summer, and fish move predictably between weed edges, deeper holes, and the flats as light and temperature shift through the day.

Walleye are the primary draw here. They respond well to live bait presentations—shiners and crawlers under a slip bobber during low-light hours, or jigs tipped with minnows worked along the weed edges and deeper structure. Pike are abundant and aggressive, especially in spring and early summer when they hunt the shallows. The lake's weed growth is heavy enough to make pike fishing productive but thick enough that you need to know where the open water and channels run.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Storey's shallow depth and heavy weed growth make dawn, dusk, and overcast days far more productive than midday sun.
  • Walleye fishing peaks in spring and fall when cooler water pushes fish into predictable feeding zones along weed edges and deeper holes.
  • Pike are year-round residents and respond to larger baits and lures; spring and early summer offer the most aggressive action.
  • A Minnesota fishing license is required, and you can launch from the public access on the north shore near the town of Storey.

Spring walleye fishing on Lake Storey

Spring is when Lake Storey's walleye bite turns on. As the ice goes out and water temperatures climb into the 40s and low 50s, walleye move from the deepest holes into shallower flats and along weed edges to feed. The bite is strongest in the two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset, when light levels drop enough to pull fish off the bottom.

Live bait under a slip bobber is the most consistent approach. Set your bobber to suspend a shiner or fathead minnow 2 to 4 feet above the bottom along the weed line—the transition where vegetation meets open water. Work the edges slowly, letting the bobber drift with the wind or a light trolling motor. If you prefer jigs, use a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce head tipped with a minnow or leech, and work it vertically or with a slow drag along the deeper holes and channel edges.

Spring also brings pike into the shallows. Larger pike move into 3 to 6 feet of water to hunt, and they will strike large shiners, small suckers, or pike-sized crankbaits. Casting along the weed edges with a medium-heavy rod and 15- to 20-pound test line gives you the backbone to set the hook and land a fish in thick vegetation.

Summer patterns and midday challenges

Summer on Lake Storey presents a puzzle. The shallow water warms quickly, and by mid-June the surface can reach the low 70s. Walleye respond by moving deeper during the day, retreating to the few holes that exceed 12 feet or suspending along deeper weed edges where cooler water persists. The midday bite is slow to nonexistent; your best window is still the low-light hours at dawn and dusk.

If you must fish midday, focus on the deepest holes and the edges of the thickest weed beds. Vertical jigging with live bait in 12 to 15 feet of water can produce, but you will work harder for fewer fish. Many anglers shift to pike during summer days, since pike remain aggressive in shallow water even when walleye shut down. Topwater lures and large swimbaits worked over weed flats can generate explosive strikes.

Night fishing becomes viable in summer. Walleye feed throughout the night when water temperatures are high, and a slip bobber rig with a shiner under a light or glow stick can produce steady action from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Bring a headlamp, secure your boat, and be prepared for a different rhythm than daytime fishing.

Fall fishing and the second peak

Fall is Lake Storey's second-best season. As water temperatures drop through the 60s and into the 50s in September and October, walleye move back into shallower water and feed more aggressively throughout the day. The low-light bite remains strongest, but you will catch fish on jigs and live bait during midday hours too, especially on overcast days.

The weed beds begin to thin in late September, which actually improves fishing by concentrating walleye along the remaining edges and in the deeper holes. Pike remain active and hungry as they prepare for winter. Large shiners and suckers fished live under a bobber will draw strikes from both species, and the reduced weed density makes it easier to land fish without getting snagged.

Winter access and ice fishing

Lake Storey freezes solid by late December and remains fishable through early March. The shallow depth means ice forms quickly and safely, though always check current conditions before heading out. Walleye and pike both remain active under the ice, and the bite can be excellent in the deeper holes and along the weed edges where they congregate.

Jigging with live minnows in 10 to 15 feet of water is the standard approach. Drill holes along the deeper structure and work a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a shiner or fathead. Pike will strike larger baits and lures; tip-ups with live shiners set in 6 to 10 feet of water can produce trophy-sized fish. The bite is often best in the first few hours after sunrise and again in the late afternoon.

Public access and launch information

Lake Storey has a public access on the north shore near the town of Storey. The launch includes a boat ramp, parking for vehicles with trailers, and a small parking area for walk-in anglers. The ramp is maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is open year-round, though winter access depends on snow removal and ice conditions.

A current Minnesota fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Licenses are available online through the Minnesota DNR website, at sporting goods stores, and at many bait shops in the region. The lake has no special restrictions beyond state regulations; walleye and pike follow standard statewide size and bag limits.

Tackle and bait recommendations

For walleye, bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line. A slip bobber rig with a small split shot and a size 2 or 4 hook works well for live bait. If you prefer jigging, a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jig head in white, chartreuse, or natural colors will cover most conditions. Shiners, fathead minnows, and leeches are the standard baits; crawlers work in a pinch but are less effective in the deeper water.

Pike fishing calls for heavier gear: a 6.5- to 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 20-pound test line. Larger shiners and suckers (4 to 6 inches) fished live under a bobber are deadly, as are pike-sized crankbaits in the 4- to 5-inch range. Spinnerbaits and swimbaits also produce. Bring a net or landing tool rated for pike; the shallow water and heavy vegetation make hand-landing risky for both you and the fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Lake Storey?

Dawn and dusk are consistently best, especially in spring and summer when the shallow water warms. Plan to fish the two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset. Fall and winter allow more midday success, and summer night fishing can be productive if you are willing to stay out after dark.

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Storey?

A boat gives you access to the deeper holes and weed edges where walleye concentrate, but shore fishing is possible along the north access area and around the weed beds. Most anglers who fish regularly bring a small boat or canoe to reach the productive structure.

What size walleye and pike can I expect?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish pushing 20 inches. Pike average 18 to 26 inches, and the lake produces pike in the 28- to 32-inch range regularly. The shallow water and abundant forage support healthy populations of both species.

Is Lake Storey crowded on weekends?

The lake sees moderate weekend traffic, especially in spring and fall. Weekday fishing is generally quieter. Early morning and evening hours attract the most anglers, so if you prefer solitude, fish midday or night, or visit on weekdays.

Can I fish Lake Storey in winter without ice fishing experience?

Yes, but take a safety course or go with someone experienced. Always check ice thickness before heading out, bring a spud bar to test the ice as you walk, and wear a life jacket. The Minnesota DNR website has ice safety guidelines, and local bait shops can tell you current conditions.