Hutchinson, Minnesota, is west of Minneapolis and St. Paul in central Minnesota. According to the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce, 50 of the more than 550 bodies of water included in the Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area are managed for fishing. That means you will find many excellent fishing opportunities in the Hutchinson area.
Locations
There are literally dozens of lakes, dams and reservoirs for fishing in and around Hutchinson that are less than 10 miles away. For example, Campbell Lake, Crow River Dam and Otter Lake are all within two miles. Nearby Ramsey Creek and Fort Ridgely Creek are popular for trout fishing. The Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce lists Lake Marion as one of the best local fishing areas. It is located seven miles south of Hutchinson.
Species
A variety of fish species are available around Hutchinson including northern pike, walleye, large and smallmouth bass, sunfish, rock and white bass, whitefish, sturgeon, flathead catfish, muskellunge, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill and trout. Before fishing you should be aware of the specific seasons for some species and daily bag limits. For example, the limit for rock and white bass is 30, while no more than two flathead catfish are allowed. There are separate regulations for stream trout and lake trout. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, offers a regulations booklet that provides detailed information.
Access
You will find that certain areas are amenable to shore fishing and some that have boat access. While Otter Lake has a boat launch in the Bald Eagle-Otter Lake Regional Park, it is not accessible for shore fishing. Lake Marion offers a boat launch, shore fishing and a fishing pier. Piers are located at Belle Lake and Swan Lake, all in Mcleod County and close to Hutchinson. There are no rental facilities close by, but the In Towne Marina in Waconia, about 40 miles east of Hutchinson offers boat and pontoon rentals, providing access to Lake Waconia. It also offers boat-slip rentals if you have your own boat.
Licensing
A Minnesota fishing license is required by residents and non-residents ages 16 and older. To obtain a license, you must provide the DNR with your social security number. Residents that are 15 or younger may fish without a license. Age 15 or younger non-residents are not required to have a license as long as a parent or guardian possesses one. Bag limits still apply to unlicensed minors. You must carry your license with you when fishing.
Accommodations
Hutchinson lodging includes hotels such as Best Western, AmericInn Lodge and Suites and Super 8. Camping accommodations, including electrical service, are available at Lake Marion Regional Park, Piepenburg Regional Park at Belle Lake and Masonic/West River City Park at Crow River.
References
- Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau: Outdoor Recreation
- Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau: Visitor's Guide
- Fishing Works: Campbell Lake Fishing in Mcleod County, Minnesota
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Otter Lake
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Marion Lake
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Fishing
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