Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and while not all lakes are good for fishing, many of them are. Walleyes are the most popular fish species--they're also the state fish--but anglers also pursue bass, crappies, muskies, pike and sunfish. No matter where they are in the state, fishermen can find a lake to suit their fishing needs.
Lakes
One of the best resources for learning about a lake you plan to fish is the website of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources--specifically the Lake Finder portion of the site. Type in the name of the lake and you can learn information about the water clarity and quality, depth and the fish community. The site also will show you the location of public accesses.
North to South
Minnesota is a land of vastly different landscapes, and the types of waters are reflected in them. Agriculture is dominant in the southern part of the state and the lakes there tend to be shallow and warm, with stained water and abundant vegetation. Lakes in the forested northern part of the state tend to be deeper with cooler water and less vegetation. Rocks are a primary feature of these lakes. The lakes in the central part of the state are a mix between the north and the south, and tend to have the strongest fish populations.
Top Lakes
Some of the lakes in Minnesota are nationally and internationally known for the quality fishing they provide. Generally, they're known for walleye fishing, but most of them have good fishing for other species, too. Lake of the Woods, Mille Lacs Lake, Leech Lake, and Lake Vermilion, for example, are known for their good walleye and muskie fishing, while Lake Winnibigoshish is known for its good walleye and yellow perch fishing. Upper Red Lake is prime walleye and northern pike lake, while Lake Minnetonka offers good walleye and bass fishing. If you fish any of the lakes above, be prepared for crowds. However, the lakes are sufficiently large that the fish populations can handle the pressure.
Small or Deep
Minnesotans love their lakes. As a result, the lakes--especially popular ones or those near cities--can be busy with recreational boaters. That's especially true during hot days in the summer. If the lake you plan to fish has a lot of traffic, it can make the fish more apt to bite at night. Or, it can push the fish into deeper water. Focus on drop-offs and other deep structure. If you have the option, move to a smaller lake that doesn't have as much pressure.
Winter
For just less than half of the year, lakes in Minnesota are locked in ice. Anglers who do not want to quit fishing just change their gear and fish atop the ice. The best places to ice fish are around green vegetation, or deep structure like drop-offs and humps. Sunfish and crappies are the most sought after species during the winter, though walleyes can be had, too. It's important to stay on the move if you try a spot and don't catch a fish within about 30 minutes.
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