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Lac Qui Parle

Boat Ramps
10
Access Points
11
Species
24

Lac Qui Parle is a significant reservoir located in western Minnesota that offers excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. Created by the damming of the Minnesota River, this expansive body of water spans across Chippewa and Lac qui Parle counties and serves as an important recreational destination for anglers in the region. The lake's name comes from the French meaning lake that speaks, and it certainly has plenty to say to fishing enthusiasts, with its diverse fish population and varied fishing environments. The reservoir is connected to the Minnesota River system, creating a dynamic fishery that supports both lake and river species, making it a versatile destination for different angling preferences.


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Walleye1,500,000 fish · Fry2025
  • Walleye1,503,464 fish · Fry2023
  • Walleye1,499,527 fish · Fry2022
  • Walleye1,500,000 fish · Fry2021
  • Walleye1,500,000 fish · Fry2019

Source

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lac Qui Parle. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Lac Qui Parle

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Minnesota licenses and regulations

Minnesota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Minnesota Fishing License

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

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Minnesota Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Minnesota Stream Access Laws

A Minnesota waterway is navigable if it’s capable of travel, recreational or commercial. The state owns navigable streambeds, which are open to public recreation. All surface waters and groundwater, except for surface waters not confined, are waters of the state.

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Take Lac Qui Parle with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Lac Qui Parle to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lac Qui Parle to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lac Qui Parle and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


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