Some fishermen enjoy going to the lake, catching a bunch of fish and then filleting them and cooking them as part of a healthy meal. Others fish for sport, preferring instead to catch fish and put them right back in the water. Whichever you prefer, plenty of lakes are available in Minnesota, where fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities.
Significance
More anglers per capita buy fishing licenses in Minnesota than any other state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In 2009, for example, fishermen purchased nearly 1.4 million fishing licenses in the state. Anglers who choose to fish in Minnesota have plenty of options. According to the DNR, the state has 5,493 lakes with fishable populations of fish, 3.8 million acres of fishing water and 158 different fish species from which to choose.
Lake Types
The landscape in Minnesota varies. In the north, it is forested, while the south is primarily agricultural. The central part of the state is the transition area between forest and agriculture. The lakes also vary, depending on the part of the state. Lakes in the north tend to be clear, cold and deep with plenty of rocks but little vegetation. Primary fish species in these lakes are smallmouth bass, trout and walleye. Central Minnesota's lakes are slightly shallower and more fertile than those to the north. These lakes have diverse fish communities, including main game fish species such as bass, crappies, northern pike, muskies, sunfish and walleyes. Agriculture dominates the southern part of the state, where the lakes tend to be shallow and warm. Look to these lakes for bass, sunfish and walleye.
Big Lakes
While the state has 5,493 lakes from which to choose, some lakes are more well-known than the rest. The walleye is the state fish, and some of the state's best walleye waters include Cass Lake, Lake of the Woods, Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Winnibigoshish, Lake Minnetonka, Lake Vermilion and Leech Lake. However, all of these waters also offer good fishing for a variety of species. Lake of the Woods and Lake Mille Lacs, for example, are two of the state's best muskie waters, while Lake Minnetonka is often regarded as the best bass-fishing lake in the state. To learn more about these lakes or others, check out the "Lake Finder" section of the DNR's website.
Weed Edges
All game species in Minnesota head to shallow water to spawn, primarily in the spring between April and May. But when the water warms as the spring turns to summer, many of these fish leave the shallows and head for deeper water, where the water is cooler and foraging opportunities are abundant. One of the best places to locate fish of all species is on the deep weedline, which is where the sunlight can no longer penetrate to the bottom. As a result, the vegetation stops growing. Fish hide in the weeds if they are resting, and come to the edges when they are feeding. One of the best lures to catch multiple fish species from along weedlines is a mushroom-head jig and 4- to 7-inch plastic worm. Black is a good color, as are natural colors like brown and green. Hop the lure along the bottom or retrieve it just above the bottom.
Regulations
No matter what game fish species you are targeting, you need a fishing license in Minnesota. A variety are available, including some for a single day and some for an entire fishing season. Also be aware of the daily harvest limits that apply to game species. The state sets limits, and some individual bodies of water also have limits specific to them. Check the Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet for the statewide limits, as well as a list of lakes with special regulations.
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