What Lake Remembrance offers anglers

Lake Remembrance sits in central Minnesota near the town of Onamia, about an hour north of the Twin Cities. It's a shallow, weedy lake that runs roughly 1,200 acres and holds a solid population of walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The lake's character is defined by its structure: heavy vegetation, sunken timber, and a mucky bottom that creates the kind of habitat walleye and pike prefer. If you're coming from Blue Springs and looking for a different water type, Remembrance gives you exactly that—a warmwater lake where weed edges and depth transitions matter more than the rocky structure you find in clearer northern lakes.

The walleye here are catchable year-round, though spring and fall produce the most consistent action. Summer fishing requires patience and night work or early morning trips to deeper holes. Pike fishing is strong in spring and again in fall, and the lake holds enough largemouths to make them worth targeting if walleye are slow. The lake is also less crowded than some of the better-known Minnesota walleye lakes, which means you can often find open water and undisturbed structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Remembrance is a shallow, weedy 1,200-acre lake near Onamia that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass in good numbers.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons for walleye; summer requires fishing deeper holes, structure, and low-light periods.
  • The lake's heavy vegetation and timber make it ideal for pike fishing, especially during the pre-spawn and post-spawn windows.
  • Public access is available at the Minnesota DNR boat launch on the north shore; the lake is less crowded than many regional alternatives.
  • Soft plastics, live bait, and crankbaits work well here; jigs and minnows are the most reliable year-round choice.

Spring walleye fishing on shallow structure

Spring is when Lake Remembrance walleye move shallow and feed aggressively. As the water warms from ice-out through May, walleye transition from the deepest holes into the 8- to 12-foot zone and onto the weed edges. The key is finding where vegetation meets open water—these edges are walleye highways in spring. Fish the breaks with live minnows under a slip bobber, or work jigs tipped with minnows along the weed line in 6 to 10 feet of water.

Early morning and late evening are most productive, but spring walleye here will bite through midday if you're on the right structure. The north and west sides of the lake have more developed weed growth and are worth starting on. Crankbaits that reach 8 to 12 feet also work well if you want to cover water quickly. The spawn itself happens in shallow bays, and while you won't target spawning fish directly, the weeks immediately after spawn see walleye feeding heavily as they recover.

Summer: deeper holes and night fishing

Summer on Lake Remembrance requires a shift in strategy. The shallow, weedy character that makes spring fishing easy becomes a liability in July and August—the lake warms quickly, and walleye retreat to the deepest holes and the thickest weed cover. Daytime fishing is slow unless you're willing to fish at night or target the few deeper basins the lake holds.

Your best bet is to fish at night with live minnows in 12 to 16 feet of water, or to focus on the densest weed beds where walleye hide during the day. Some anglers have success with vertical jigging in the deepest holes early in the morning before the sun gets high. If you're fishing during the day, plan on slow periods and focus on shade—under docks, in thick vegetation, or near any timber that breaks up the light.

Pike fishing in spring and fall

Northern pike thrive in Lake Remembrance's weedy environment, and the lake is known locally for producing pike in the 24- to 32-inch range with occasional larger fish. Spring pike fishing begins as soon as the ice goes out and remains strong through May. Fish the shallow bays and weed edges with larger baits and lures—pike are aggressive in spring and will chase. Live shiners or herring under a bobber work well, as do large crankbaits and soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range.

Fall pike fishing, from September through October, is equally productive. As the water cools and walleye move deeper, pike remain active in the shallower weedy zones. This is when you can throw topwater lures and get explosive strikes. The weed edges on the north and west shores are prime pike water in fall. Pike fishing here is less crowded than walleye fishing, so if you want to focus on a single species, pike gives you more solitude and consistent action.

Access and boat launch information

Public access to Lake Remembrance is available at the Minnesota DNR boat launch on the north shore, near Onamia. The launch has a paved ramp, parking for trailers, and a small parking area for vehicles. There is a launch fee—check the current Minnesota DNR fee schedule, as rates vary by lake and change annually. The launch is well-maintained and rarely crowded, even on weekends, which is one of the advantages of fishing here over some of the more famous regional lakes.

The lake is also accessible from private resorts and rental cabins in the area if you want to stay overnight. Several small resorts operate on the lake and offer boat rentals if you don't have your own. The town of Onamia has gas, food, and lodging options within a few miles of the lake, making it easy to plan a day trip or a longer stay.

Tackle and bait that work on Lake Remembrance

Jigs and live minnows are the foundation of fishing here. A 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig head with a 2- to 3-inch minnow works for walleye in most seasons and depths. Keep several colors on hand—white, chartreuse, and natural are reliable. For pike, heavier jigs (1/2 to 3/4 ounce) with larger minnows or soft plastics are more effective.

Crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range that dive to 8 to 12 feet are useful for covering water in spring and fall. Soft plastics—4- to 6-inch swimbaits or paddle-tail shads—work for both walleye and pike. Live bait is generally more productive than artificials on this lake, so if you're new to the water, start with a minnow and a jig or bobber setup. Slip bobbers allow you to fish specific depths without constantly recasting, which is especially useful when you're learning the structure.

Seasonal patterns and timing

Lake Remembrance follows a predictable seasonal rhythm. Spring (April through May) is the most reliable time to fish—walleye and pike are both active and shallow. Early summer (June) remains good before the heat pushes fish deeper. Mid-summer (July and August) is the slowest period for most anglers, though night fishing and deep-hole jigging produce. Fall (September through October) is excellent again as water cools and fish move back to shallower structure. Winter ice fishing is possible, though the lake's shallow nature means ice-out can be unpredictable.

If you're planning a trip, aim for late April through May or September through October. These windows offer the best combination of active fish, comfortable weather, and predictable patterns. If you can only fish in summer, plan on fishing early morning, late evening, or at night for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Lake Remembrance and Blue Springs?

Blue Springs is a clear, rocky northern lake with deep structure and cooler water. Lake Remembrance is shallow, weedy, and warmer—it's a warmwater lake where vegetation and soft-bottom structure dominate. If you want to try a different habitat type and fish strategy, Remembrance offers that contrast while still holding walleye and pike.

Do I need a Minnesota fishing license to fish Lake Remembrance?

Yes. Minnesota requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Minnesota DNR website, at sporting goods stores, or at the boat launch. Licenses are available as daily, three-day, or annual options.

Can I fish Lake Remembrance in winter?

Yes, ice fishing is possible, though the lake's shallow nature means ice conditions can be variable and ice-out unpredictable. Check current ice conditions with local resorts or the Minnesota DNR before heading out. Winter walleye fishing here focuses on the deeper holes and is slower than open-water seasons.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with some larger fish in the 20-inch range. Pike average 24 to 32 inches and occasionally run larger. Largemouth bass are present but less abundant than walleye and pike. Actual sizes vary by season and how much pressure the lake receives.

Is Lake Remembrance crowded?

No. It's less crowded than many well-known Minnesota walleye lakes, which is one of its advantages. Weekends see more traffic than weekdays, but you can usually find open water and undisturbed structure even during peak season.