What You'll Find at Staring Lake

Staring Lake is a 93-acre suburban lake in Eden Prairie that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish in a setting that feels removed from the Twin Cities despite being minutes from Highway 169. The lake runs roughly 40 feet deep in places, with a mix of sandy and muck bottom that supports healthy weed growth through summer. You can fish from the public access point on the north shore, and the lake draws both locals who know it well and visitors exploring the metro area's lesser-known fisheries.

The character of Staring Lake is different from the big chain lakes an hour north. It's a working suburban lake where you'll see residential shoreline, but the fish populations are solid and the pressure is lighter than you'd expect. Walleye are the main draw, especially in spring and fall when they move into shallower water. Pike fishing can be excellent in the weeds during early summer, and bluegill and crappie provide reliable action if you want to spend an afternoon without overthinking it.

Key Takeaways

  • Staring Lake has a public access point on the north shore where you can launch a boat or fish from shore, and a parking lot serves the area.
  • Walleye fishing is strongest in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) when they move into shallower structure.
  • Northern pike inhabit the weed beds and are catchable throughout summer, especially early in the season before the weeds get too thick.
  • Panfish — bluegill and crappie — are present year-round and offer a low-pressure option when you want consistent action.
  • You'll need a Minnesota fishing license and must follow state regulations for season dates, bag limits, and size restrictions.

Spring Walleye: April Through May

Spring is when Staring Lake walleye move shallow and become most predictable. In April and early May, they stage in 6 to 12 feet of water along the north and east shorelines, where structure — fallen trees, rock, and the transition from sand to weed — concentrates them. Live bait works well: a 4-inch fathead minnow or shiner on a slip sinker rig, worked slowly along the bottom, will catch fish. Jigs tipped with minnow or leech are equally effective and give you more control in the wind.

The bite is typically best in low light — early morning, late evening, and overcast days. If you're fishing from shore, focus on the deeper water just off the public access point and work your way along the north shoreline. Boat anglers should use a depth finder to locate the weed line and the hard bottom transitions; walleye often sit just outside the weeds waiting for baitfish to move in. By late May, as the water warms and weeds fill in, the fish move deeper and the bite becomes more scattered.

Summer Pike in the Weeds

Northern pike move into Staring Lake's weed beds in June and July, and this is when the lake offers some of its most exciting fishing. The weeds provide cover and concentrate both pike and their prey. Fish the edges of the weed beds with large swimbaits (4 to 6 inches), spinnerbaits, or topwater plugs early in the morning or late in the day. Pike will chase these presentations aggressively, and you can cover water quickly by casting along the weed line rather than working one spot.

By mid-July, the weeds can become so thick that fishing becomes difficult. If that happens, shift to the deeper water outside the weed beds or focus on any open pockets within the weeds. Early summer — June and early July — is your best window. Bring heavier tackle than you would for walleye; pike teeth will cut through light line, so use a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader.

Fall Walleye and Transition Fishing

September and October bring another strong walleye bite as the water cools and fish move shallow again. The pattern mirrors spring: look for walleye in 8 to 15 feet of water along structure, using live bait or jigs. The advantage in fall is that the weeds have begun to die back, making it easier to fish the edges and the transitions between weed and open water. The bite often lasts longer into the day than it does in spring, and you can have success from mid-morning through dusk.

October is also when pike begin to feed heavily before winter, so if you want to target both species, fall is an efficient time. Walleye in the morning and early afternoon, pike in the shallower weed beds in late afternoon — you can have a full day without moving far from the public access point.

Panfish Year-Round

Bluegill and crappie are present in Staring Lake throughout the year and offer a straightforward option when you want to catch fish without a lot of planning. In summer, bluegill move to shallow weed beds and will take small jigs, poppers, or live crickets. Crappie are a bit deeper, usually in 12 to 20 feet, and respond well to small minnows or jigs fished vertically. Both species are fun on light tackle and make for good eating if you want to keep a few.

Winter panfish fishing is possible through the ice, though Staring Lake is not known as a destination for ice fishing. If you do fish in winter, focus on the deeper basins and use small jigging spoons or live minnows. Check current ice conditions and thickness before venturing out.

Access and Regulations

The public access point is on the north shore of Staring Lake, accessible from Staring Lake Road. There is a parking lot, a boat launch, and shore fishing access. The launch is suitable for small to mid-size boats; trailers are available for launching. No gas motors are allowed on Staring Lake — only electric motors or paddle power — which keeps the lake quiet and the fishing pressure moderate.

You'll need a current Minnesota fishing license, available through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or at most sporting goods stores. Walleye season runs year-round with a daily bag limit of four fish (check current regulations, as these can change). Northern pike have a five-fish daily limit. Panfish have higher limits and are open year-round. Size restrictions vary by species; check the current Minnesota fishing regulations before you fish.

Getting There and What to Bring

Staring Lake is located in Eden Prairie, roughly 15 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. From Highway 169, take the Eden Prairie exit and follow local roads to Staring Lake Road. The drive from most Twin Cities locations is 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. The public access area has parking, but it can fill on weekends during peak season.

Bring a fishing license, a depth finder if you have a boat, and tackle appropriate for the season you're fishing. In spring and fall, live bait (minnows or leeches) and jigs are your foundation. In summer, larger presentations for pike and small jigs for panfish work well. The lake is shallow enough that you don't need heavy tackle, but bring a net if you plan to land pike — they're strong fish and a net makes the fight easier and safer for the fish if you plan to release it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Staring Lake?

Yes. The public access point on the north shore has shore fishing access in addition to the boat launch. You can fish from the bank along the shoreline, though a boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure. Shore fishing is best in spring and fall when walleye move shallow.

What's the best time of year to fish Staring Lake?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are strongest for walleye. Summer is best for pike in the weed beds. Panfish are catchable year-round. If you want consistent action and don't want to plan around seasons, panfish fishing is your most reliable option.

Are there size or bag limits I need to know about?

Yes. Minnesota sets daily bag limits for each species — four walleye, five pike, and higher limits for panfish. Size restrictions also apply and vary by species. Check the current Minnesota fishing regulations before you go, as these rules can change year to year.

Do I need a boat to fish Staring Lake effectively?

No, but a boat helps. Shore fishing works well in spring and fall when walleye are shallow. In summer, a boat lets you reach the weed beds where pike are concentrated. If you don't have a boat, focus on spring and fall walleye fishing from the north shore access point.

Can I use a gas motor on Staring Lake?

No. Only electric motors or paddle power are allowed. This keeps the lake quiet and the fishing pressure lower than on lakes with gas motors. If you have a boat, bring an electric trolling motor or plan to paddle.