FISHING IN MINNESOTA
Get the MN fishing experience by casting your line into one of over 100 lakes at Itasca State Park or spend the day boating on Mille Lacs Lake. Also known as “The Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota has an abundance of places to boat and fish.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN MINNESOTA
FATHER HENNEPIN STATE PARK
Visitors often pack a rod and reel to fish from one of the fishing piers, by boat or kayak at this State Park.
FORT SNELLING STATE PARK
Good for fishing in Minnesota River for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill and sauger.
LAKE ITASCA
GET A MINNESOTA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN MINNESOTA
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
WALLEYE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
NORTHERN PIKE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Northern pike can be distinguished by their needle teeth, vacant eyes, thick slime, and serpentine shape.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 20-30-pound, 12-inch black wire leaders (They will bite through monofilament line) |
| Lure | In-line spinner, Spoon, Minnow-imitating plug, Spinnerbait, Jig and worm, Surface plug |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 12-13 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-pound line |
| Lure | Small Hook, Worms, Crickets, Earthworms, Red Wigglers, Grubs (use a floater and a sinker as well) |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Ultralight spinning or spincast combos |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Fishing Hooks, Jigs (various colors and weights), Spoons, Mini-Crankbaits (use bobbers or floats as well) |
YELLOW BULLHEAD
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Even though the yellow bullhead is smaller in size compared to the other bullheads, it is a scrappy fighter and popular with anglers.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 11-13 foot, light casting rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Cut Bait, Worms, Crickets, Doughballs, Chicken liver |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
ICE FISHING
Ice fishing provides anglers an opportunity to go fishing during the winter months.
