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

With more than 100 lakes, this angler’s paradise is also a popular campground.


GET A MINNESOTA FISHING LICENSE




COMMON CATCHES IN MINNESOTA



LARGEMOUTH BASS

LARGEMOUTH BASS

FIND WHERE TO CATCH


The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish.

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

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

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


GREEN SUNFISH

GREEN SUNFISH

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

The green sunfish is a panfish with white, flaky flesh.

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)


BLACK CRAPPIE

BLACK CRAPPIE

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

Crappies are members of the sunfish and the black bass family.

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

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

TYPES OF FISHING IN MINNESOTA



lakes and ponds

LAKES & PONDS

Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.



ICE FISHING

ICE FISHING

Ice fishing provides anglers an opportunity to go fishing during the winter months.



FLY FISHING

FLY FISHING

Fly fishing is fun, relaxing and easy to learn.

Pre-loader