Lake Alexander Fishing Tips
Lake Alexander provides anglers opportunities to catch walleyes, bass, northern pike, crappie, and muskie in central Minnesota.
Anglers looking to improve their success can book a trip with The Fish Guyd Guide Service, which guides anglers throughout the Brainerd Lakes region and surrounding waters.
Resorts Nearby
Lake Alexander Resort
Pine Grove Resort
Alexander Resort
Nearby Lakes
Round Lake
Gull Lake
Fish Trap Lake
Shamineau Lake
North Long Lake
Hubert Lake
South Long Lake
Mississippi River
Species We Target
Walleye
Musky
Northern Pike
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Panfish
Lake Alexander Fishery Summary
Lake Alexander is a large and popular fishing lake located near Cushing in Morrison County, just south of the Brainerd Lakes region. The lake covers approximately 2,709 acres, making it one of the larger lakes in central Minnesota.
Lake Alexander reaches a maximum depth of about 64 feet and contains 842 acres of littoral habitat, providing excellent spawning and feeding areas for a wide variety of fish species. Water clarity averages around 14–15 feet, supporting aquatic vegetation and healthy fish habitat.
The lake is a popular destination for anglers targeting walleye, northern pike, bass, and crappie, and it also supports a muskellunge population.
Lake Alexander Survey Information
Walleye
Lake Alexander has been stocked with walleye fry annually since 2014, with the exception of 2020 when stocking did not occur.
Survey findings include:
Gill net catch rate: 4.87 walleyes per net
Long-term average catch rate: 6.9 per net
60% of walleyes measured between 12–20 inches
Growth rates:
Age 2: 13.9 inches
Age 3: 17.5 inches
Age 4: 18.6 inches
While catch rates in recent surveys were slightly below management goals, the overall population remains stable with multiple age classes present.
A statewide study is currently monitoring the impact of zebra mussels on walleye recruitment in Lake Alexander.
Northern Pike
Northern pike populations in Lake Alexander have remained relatively stable for decades.
Survey results showed:
Catch rate: 3.13 pike per gill net
Average length: 21.7 inches
Largest fish sampled: 27.5 inches
Lake Alexander has a special northern pike regulation:
Protected slot: 24–36 inches
One fish over 36 inches allowed
Daily limit: 3 pike
Smallmouth Bass
Lake Alexander supports a solid smallmouth bass population.
Survey results:
Gill net catch rate: 3.93 per net
Average length: 12.3 inches
12% of fish over 16 inches
Spring electrofishing results:
Catch rate: 25.4 fish per hour
Average length: 13.9 inches
20% of fish longer than 16 inches
These numbers meet management goals for maintaining a quality bass fishery.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are also abundant in Lake Alexander.
Spring electrofishing survey results:
Catch rate: 73.8 bass per hour
Average length: 13.3 inches
21% of fish over 15 inches
Although catch rates were lower than previous surveys, the average size and number of larger bass increased.
Yellow Perch
Yellow perch populations have declined compared to historic levels.
Recent surveys showed:
Catch rate: 9.1 perch per net
Average length: 6.4 inches
A few fish exceeded 8 inches
Declining perch populations have been observed statewide and are currently under investigation.
Black Crappie
Crappie numbers were relatively low in the survey but quality fish were present.
Survey results:
Several fish over 12 inches
Largest crappie sampled: 13.2 inches
Although numbers are not high, Lake Alexander can still produce large crappies.
Cisco (Tullibee)
Cisco were not captured during the 2024 survey, which has occurred periodically in past surveys as well. Their absence in the nets does not necessarily mean the species is absent from the lake.
Cisco remain an important forage species for larger predators.
Lake Alexander Fishing Tips
Spring Fishing
(Water Temps: 38–55°F)
Spring fishing begins shortly after ice-out when fish move shallow to spawn.
Best Spring Areas
Gravel bars and rocky shorelines
Wind-blown points
Shallow sand flats
Emerging vegetation areas
Spring Techniques
Jigging with minnows along shallow breaks
Slip bobber fishing near structure
Casting shallow crankbaits
Recommended Lures
1/8–3/8 oz jigs with minnows
Slip bobbers with leeches
Shallow crankbaits
Kid With Big Musky
Summer Fishing
(Water Temps: 60–75°F)
Summer fishing often focuses on structure and deeper water.
Best Summer Areas
Mid-lake humps
Rock reefs
Weedlines in 12–18 feet
Offshore breaks and basin edges
Summer Techniques
Live bait rigging for walleyes
Trolling spinner rigs
Casting plastics for bass
Recommended Lures
Lindy rigs with nightcrawlers
Spinner harnesses
Texas-rigged plastics
Drop-shot rigs
Triple Header of
Smallmouth Bass
Fall Fishing
(Water Temps: 40–60°F)
Fall can produce excellent fishing as predators feed heavily before winter.
Best Fall Areas
Rock reefs and points
Deep breaklines
Areas holding schools of baitfish
Fall Techniques
Jigging large minnows
Casting crankbaits along rocky shorelines
Vertical jigging structure
Recommended Lures
Jig and minnow combinations
Blade baits
Deep diving crankbaits
Suspending jerkbaits
Big Walleye
Winter Fishing (Ice Fishing)
Lake Alexander offers solid winter fishing for walleyes and northern pike.
Best Winter Areas
Breaklines in 18–30 feet
Basin edges holding baitfish
Weedlines in 10–15 feet
Winter Techniques
Jigging spoons tipped with minnows
Deadstick rods with live bait
Tip-ups for northern pike
Recommended Ice Lures
Jigging spoons
Jigging raps
Tungsten jigs with waxworms
Tip-ups with sucker minnows
Winter Crappie
Trophy Lake Alexander Area Fish
We cover a large area in Central Minnesota, if you have any questions about a certain lake or a certain species of fish don’t hesitate to call. We are very accommodating and can come up with a plan to make any sort of trip work. If you need multiple boats we are also able to get more guides to handle larger group trips! Our goal is to make your fishing trip easy, comfortable, and full of fish catching excitement!