Known as the "Land of 10,000 lakes," visitors will find there are actually 11,842 lakes covering the state of Minnesota. This makes it one of the most popular fishing vacation spots in the country, with campgrounds, resorts and hotels surrounding the lakes. Each lake boasts a large variety of fish, and the scenic countryside adds to the outdoor experience. If you are considering a visit to Minnesota, here are some spots that provide excellent fishing and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors.
Lake Osakis
Considered one of Minnesota's finest fishing locations, this mid-Minnesota lake is 11 miles long, and 3 1/2 miles wide. Featured catches are sunfish, crappie, bass, northern and walleye, for which the season begins in May. Boat rental options are plentiful, and fishing tournaments continue throughout the warmer months. Surrounding the lake is your choice of lodging -- tent and RV camping, resorts, cabins and hotels. And for those who want a break from the fishing action, the nearby city of Osakis offers dining, shopping, family attractions and special events.
Leech Lake
Located in northern Minnesota, this body of water is the third largest lake in the state. Boasting "record-breaking" Muskie fishing, it is considered one of Minnesota's premier sports fishing locations. In addition to muskie, anglers can find perch, northern pike, walleye, panfish, crappie and largemouth bass. Travelers can stay at nearby Lake Leech Lodge, which has been run by the same family since 1928. The resort welcomes fishing off the docks and the harbor, and hosts various fishing contest through the year.
Pelican Lake
This northern lake supplies locals and visitors alike with crappies, perch, bluegills, northern pike, walleyes, panfish, bullheads, and large and smallmouth bass. Considered one of the state's most beautiful wilderness areas, it encompasses 11,000 acres, and provides 54 miles of shoreline and more than 50 islands. If you choose to stay at the nearby Aspen Resort, you'll find convenient access to the lake, and have a place to clean your catch at the end of the day in their provided building.
Millie Lacs Lake
Providing both fishing and ice fishing, Minnesota's second-largest lake is located in the center of the state, covering 200 square miles. The northern half of the water contains mud flats, while the southern half offers rock bars and gravel for casting. Deep-water casting is popular in both locations. Shallow reef-top fishing can be found around the entire perimeter. Year round, fisherman can find smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskie, tullibee, and jumbo perch. Additionally, it is a prime spawning ground for walleye.
Nest Lake
Found in the southern part of the state, Lake Nest covers 960 acres -- with two small islands -- and is fed by the Little Crow River. The heavy vegetation provides wonderful spawning, and the fishing is of high quality. Varieties such as crappies, northern pike, walleye, bluegill, perch, bass, bullheads and sunfish can be found by anglers. The local fishery periodically restocks, making the area a high spot for fishing vacationers. The area provides numerous other activities, as well as a variety of lodging choices and varieties.
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