What Nest Lake offers and who fishes it

Nest Lake is a shallow, weedy walleye and northern pike lake in Kandiyohi County, roughly 15 miles south of Willmar. The lake runs about 400 acres and rarely exceeds 20 feet deep—most of it sits between 8 and 15 feet. That shallow character shapes everything about fishing here: the weed growth is thick, the water warms fast in summer, and the fish respond to seasonal changes more dramatically than they do in deeper lakes.

The lake draws a mix of local anglers and visitors from the Twin Cities who want a manageable drive to solid walleye and pike action without the crowds of the big chain lakes. Spring and fall are the strongest seasons. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat pushes fish into the deepest holes and thickest weeds. Winter ice fishing for walleye is steady, though the shallow depth means the ice-out window is shorter than on deeper lakes.

Key Takeaways

  • Nest Lake's shallow depth and heavy weed growth make it a spring and fall lake, when walleye move into shallower water and pike are aggressive.
  • Summer fishing requires early morning or evening trips; midday heat concentrates fish in the deepest basins and densest weed edges.
  • Live bait—shiners, crawlers, and leeches—outperforms artificials on this lake, especially in spring and early summer.
  • The lake has a public access point on the north shore with a boat ramp, parking, and vault toilet; no fuel or bait sales on-site.
  • Winter ice fishing for walleye is productive from January through early March, but the shallow water means ice-out arrives earlier than on deeper Kandiyohi lakes.

Spring walleye: timing and technique

Spring is when Nest Lake shines. Walleye move shallow to spawn in April and early May, and they feed aggressively before and after the spawn. Target the weed edges in 6 to 12 feet of water, especially where sand or gravel meets vegetation. Live shiners or crawlers on a slip sinker rig work best; cast parallel to the weed line rather than into the thickest growth, where you will lose tackle.

Early morning and late evening are most productive, but spring walleye here will bite through midday if the sun is cloudy. Water temperature is the trigger—once it hits 50 degrees, the bite turns on. By mid-May, as water warms into the 60s, fish move deeper and the bite becomes more selective. Jigs tipped with live bait still work, but you have to fish slower and deeper than you did two weeks earlier.

Summer patterns and the midday lull

Summer on Nest Lake is a tale of two days: early morning and evening can be excellent, but the middle six hours are often slow. Water temperature climbs into the 70s by July, and walleye retreat to the deepest basins—usually the 18- to 20-foot holes on the south and east sides of the lake. Pike, by contrast, stay shallow in the weeds and hunt actively in low light.

If you fish midday, focus on the deepest water and fish live bait vertically or with a slow presentation. Jigs with shiners or crawlers work better than artificials. Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (6 p.m. onward) are when you should target the shallower weed edges. Pike will hit topwater and shallow-running crankbaits during these windows, and walleye will move into 8 to 12 feet to feed.

Fall fishing and the second season

Fall is nearly as good as spring. As water cools in September and October, walleye move back into the shallows and feed heavily before winter. The same weed edges and shallow basins that held fish in spring produce again. Live bait remains the most reliable choice, though you can catch fish on jigs and crankbaits if you work the weed edges methodically.

Pike are also aggressive in fall, and the cooler water means they will hunt throughout the day rather than retreating to deep holes. Larger shiners and crawlers attract bigger pike, and casting along the weed edges with live bait or pike-sized artificials can produce fish in the 5- to 8-pound range. By late October, water temperature drops into the 40s and the bite slows, signaling the approach of ice-up.

Winter ice fishing

Nest Lake's shallow depth makes it a good winter walleye lake, but the season is compressed. Ice typically forms by mid-December and remains solid through February, but by early March the ice becomes unsafe. Focus on the deepest basins and the edges of major weed beds. Walleye suspend in 12 to 18 feet of water through the winter, and they respond well to live shiners fished on tip-ups or jigged vertically with a small spoon and minnow.

The lake can be crowded on weekends, especially in January and February. Weekday fishing is quieter and often just as productive. Bring a shelter, a hand auger, and extra shiners—the shallow water means fish can spook easily if you drill too many holes in one spot.

Access, regulations, and what to bring

The public access point is on the north shore, accessible from County Road 6. There is a boat ramp, parking for roughly 20 vehicles, and a vault toilet. No fuel, bait, or tackle sales are available at the access, so plan accordingly. The nearest bait shop is in Willmar, about 15 miles north.

Minnesota fishing regulations apply: a valid fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Walleye have a daily limit of four fish (one over 20 inches), and northern pike have a limit of three fish. Check the current Minnesota Fishing Handbook for any seasonal closures or special regulations before you go. The lake is open year-round, but winter access depends on safe ice conditions.

What gear and bait work best

Bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Live bait is the foundation here: shiners (4 to 6 inches), nightcrawlers, and leeches all work, with shiners being the most versatile choice across seasons. A slip sinker rig or simple jig-and-minnow setup covers most situations.

For pike, heavier gear helps—a 7- to 8-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line and larger shiners (6 to 8 inches) or crawlers. Crankbaits in the 3- to 5-inch range, topwater plugs, and spinnerbaits work during low-light periods. Bring a net, a stringer, and polarized sunglasses—the shallow water and clear conditions make sight-fishing possible on calm days, especially in spring and fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nest Lake good for beginners?

Yes. The shallow water and abundant fish make it forgiving, and live bait fishing requires less technique than casting artificials. Spring and fall are the best times to start. Bring shiners and a simple jig, fish the weed edges, and you will catch walleye. The main challenge is the weed growth—learn to work the edges rather than casting into the thickest vegetation.

Can I catch pike here?

Absolutely. Pike are plentiful and aggressive, especially in spring, fall, and during low-light periods in summer. Fish larger shiners and crawlers, or cast crankbaits and topwater along the weed edges. Pike in the 4- to 7-pound range are common; larger fish are possible but less frequent.

What is the best time to fish Nest Lake?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the most productive. Summer early morning and evening can be good, but midday is slow. Winter ice fishing is solid from January through early March, though the shallow water means the season is shorter than on deeper lakes.

Do I need a boat, or can I fish from shore?

A boat is helpful but not required. The north shore access has a ramp and parking, and a small boat or canoe is ideal for reaching the weed edges and deeper basins. Shore fishing is possible along the access area, but you will be limited to shallow water and will miss the best structure.

What should I do if I get snagged in the weeds?

Weeds are part of fishing Nest Lake. Use a slip sinker rig so the weight slides free if you snag, and keep extra tackle. Work the edges of weed beds rather than casting into the thickest growth. If you do get stuck, try backing off slowly or using a weed rake if you have one. Losing a few rigs is normal here—budget for it.